Remote Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote work flexibility

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Remote Catering Operations Manager to oversee and optimize day-to-day catering operations across multiple locations in South Africa. You will ensure food quality, safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction while leading a distributed team in a fully remote role.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in catering/hospitality operations leadership, strong budgeting and problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in catering/hospitality operations leadership.
• Experience managing remote teams.
• Strong budgeting and P&L skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and catering logistics.
• Bachelor's degree or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all catering operations across locations including production, service, inventory and staff management.
• Develop and implement operational policies to ensure consistency, quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead a remote team with coaching, training and performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and sanitation regulations and standards.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions for improvement.
• Collaborate with sales and culinary teams for smooth event execution and client satisfaction.
• Manage budgets and control costs to optimize resources.
• Oversee procurement and inventory management and supplier relationships.
• Implement technology solutions to streamline operations and communication.
• Drive continuous improvement to elevate service quality and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team management

Budget management

P&L responsibility

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Strategic thinking

Communication

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Related field degree

Tools

Inventory software

Scheduling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding national catering company, is seeking a seasoned and proactive Remote Catering Operations Manager. This fully remote position is essential for overseeing and optimizing the day-to-day operational functions of our catering services across multiple locations, impacting areas such as Nelspruit. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of catering logistics, and the ability to manage a distributed team effectively. If you are passionate about operational excellence, thrive in a virtual environment, and possess a proven ability to drive efficiency and quality, this is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of our catering operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of catering operations, including food production, service delivery, inventory management, and staff supervision across various locations.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage a remote team of catering staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations and standards.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with sales and culinary teams to ensure smooth event execution and client satisfaction.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation for maximum efficiency.
• Oversee procurement and inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and supplier relationships.
• Implement and maintain technology solutions to streamline operations and enhance communication.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to elevate service quality and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in catering or hospitality operations management, with a significant portion in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex operations and leading remote teams.
• Strong understanding of food production, safety protocols, and catering logistics.
• Proven ability in budget management, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in relevant operational software, including inventory and scheduling systems.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced and evolving work environment.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. Our client provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, and significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence for a growing national brand, impacting services delivered to clients in regions such as Nelspruit. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation, efficiency, and the well-being of its employees. Be part of a team that is redefining remote operational management in the catering industry.