Remote Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly organized Remote Catering Operations Manager to oversee nationwide catering operations with a focus on Richards Bay region. This fully remote role requires 5+ years in catering ops or event management, strong remote leadership, and a track record of optimizing logistics and vendor relationships.

You will ensure quality, safety, and profitability across diverse events while coordinating from a distance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in catering operations, event management, or related field.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and operations remotely.
• Excellent understanding of catering logistics, food service standards, and event planning.
• Strong proficiency in remote work tools, project management software, and communication platforms.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport virtually.

Responsibilities

• Remotely manage and coordinate all logistical aspects of catering events, ensuring smooth and timely execution.
• Oversee operational planning, resource allocation, and vendor management for events, with a focus on Richards Bay region.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction across all catered events.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, venues, and internal teams through consistent virtual communication.
• Monitor event performance, gather feedback, and implement improvements to service delivery.
• Manage operational budgets and control costs effectively, ensuring profitability of catering services.
• Ensure all operations comply with health, safety, and hygiene standards, even when managed remotely.
• Utilize technology and digital tools for effective remote team management and operational oversight.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for remote clients regarding operational queries and service delivery.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues proactively as they arise during events.

Skills

Remote leadership

Catering operations

Budget management

Vendor management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or related field

Tools

Project management software

Communication platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national provider of bespoke catering solutions, is seeking a highly organized and experienced Remote Catering Operations Manager to oversee and streamline their operations. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while managing key aspects of our catering services across various locations, with a focus on our operations supporting the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region. You will be responsible for ensuring seamless event execution, managing vendor relationships, optimizing logistics, and maintaining exceptional client satisfaction, all through remote coordination and oversight. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in event management or catering operations, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to manage teams and resources effectively from a distance. This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual who can drive efficiency and quality in a virtual setting. You will be the key remote liaison ensuring our catering standards are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Remotely manage and coordinate all logistical aspects of catering events, ensuring smooth and timely execution.
• Oversee operational planning, resource allocation, and vendor management for events, with a specific focus on areas around Richards Bay.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction across all catered events.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, venues, and internal teams through consistent and effective virtual communication.
• Monitor event performance, gather feedback, and implement improvements to service delivery.
• Manage operational budgets and control costs effectively, ensuring profitability of catering services.
• Ensure all operations comply with health, safety, and hygiene standards, even when managed remotely.
• Utilize technology and digital tools for effective remote team management and operational oversight.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for remote clients regarding operational queries and service delivery.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues proactively as they arise during events.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in catering operations, event management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and operations remotely.
• Excellent understanding of catering logistics, food service standards, and event planning.
• Strong proficiency in using remote work tools, project management software, and communication platforms.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport virtually.
• Proven experience in budget management and cost control.
• A proactive approach and the ability to work autonomously and effectively from a remote location.
• Understanding of the specific operational challenges and opportunities within regions like KwaZulu-Natal is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to shape and improve national catering operations.
• Work with a dynamic and forward-thinking company.
• Access to cutting-edge remote management technologies.
• Contribute to a company recognized for its quality service delivery.