Remote Catering Operations Lead

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Remote Catering Operations Lead to oversee virtual kitchen operations, partner networks and service delivery across our online platform. This role is based remotely with a global partner network and requires strong leadership, data-driven decision-making, and a deep understanding of catering and food service.

You will develop SOPs, monitor KPIs, ensure food safety compliance, and drive customer satisfaction from a remote base, with opportunities for growth and

Qualifications

• 6+ years in catering operations, event management or food service management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in managing remote teams and operations effectively.
• Strong understanding of catering industry including production, logistics and quality control.
• Analytical and data-driven decision making.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools and collaboration software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage remote operational teams for onboarding and support of catering partners.
• Develop and implement SOPs for virtual kitchen management and service delivery.
• Oversee quality control across partners for consistent standards.
• Monitor KPIs for efficiency, customer satisfaction, and partner performance.
• Collaborate with tech to enhance platform operational functionalities.
• Resolve escalated operational issues for partners and customers.
• Create training materials for partners on best practices and service excellence.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food handling regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Project management tools

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Slack

Asana

Trello

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding online catering platform, is seeking an experienced and highly organized Remote Catering Operations Lead to manage their virtual kitchen operations and partner network. This pivotal role, based remotely, will oversee the efficiency, quality, and scalability of catering services delivered through their digital marketplace. The Lead will be responsible for managing relationships with a diverse range of catering partners, optimizing operational workflows, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and driving customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of the catering and food service industry, combined with a proven aptitude for remote management and digital operations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of online catering from anywhere, contributing to the growth of a forward-thinking company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the remote operational teams responsible for catering partner onboarding and support.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for virtual kitchen management and service delivery.
• Oversee the quality control processes for all catering partners, ensuring consistent product and service standards.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and partner performance.
• Collaborate with the technology team to enhance the online platform's operational functionalities.
• Manage and resolve escalated operational issues, ensuring timely and satisfactory resolutions for partners and customers.
• Develop training materials and programs for catering partners on platform best practices and service excellence.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and food handling regulations across the partner network.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the catering operations framework.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in catering operations, event management, or food service management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing remote teams and operations effectively.
• Strong understanding of the catering industry, including food production, logistics, and quality control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and collaboration software (e.g., Slack, Asana, Trello).
• Ability to work autonomously and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with online marketplaces or platform-based businesses is a significant advantage.
• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of service and operational excellence.

Benefits

This remote position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the strategic importance of the role. Employees enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from home, with opportunities for significant professional growth and impact. Our client provides a dynamic and innovative work environment, fostering collaboration and continuous learning. Access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to contribute to the strategic direction of a leading online catering platform are key advantages. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead and scale operations without geographical limitations, working with a diverse network of culinary professionals.