Remote Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Flexible schedule

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Catering Operations Manager to oversee nationwide remote operations for a leading catering and events company. You will coordinate with kitchens, event managers, and delivery teams to ensure seamless service from client engagement to final delivery.

The role requires strong logistics, food safety knowledge, and proven remote leadership. You will develop strategies, monitor KPIs, manage inventory and costs, and mentor remote teams to uphold high standards

Qualifications

• 6+ years of catering or food service operations management experience.
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations remotely.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and health regulations.
• Excellent leadership and communication in a remote team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily catering operations nationwide, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Develop strategies to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate with a network of kitchens and third-party vendors.
• Enforce food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols.
• Monitor KPIs and analyze data to identify improvements.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and cost controls to optimize profitability.
• Lead and mentor remote operational teams.
• Ensure compliance with local and national food service regulations.

Skills

Remote leadership

Logistics management

Food safety HACCP

Budget management

ERP/inventory systems

Education

Hospitality/Business degree (advantage)

Tools

ERP systems

Project management software

Inventory management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding national catering and events company, is seeking an experienced and proactive Catering Operations Manager to join their team in a fully remote capacity. This role is critical for overseeing and optimizing the operational efficiency of catering services delivered across various locations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing complex logistics, ensuring high standards of service delivery, and implementing operational improvements from a remote setting. You will work closely with a network of kitchens, event managers, and delivery teams to ensure seamless execution of catering services, from initial client engagement to final delivery. This position demands exceptional organizational skills, a deep understanding of food safety and hygiene protocols, and the ability to lead and manage teams virtually. As a fully remote position, you will have the autonomy to structure your work, focusing on strategic oversight and operational excellence without the constraints of a traditional office, contributing to the company's growth and reputation for reliable, high-quality catering nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily catering operations nationwide, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to company standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Manage and coordinate with a network of catering kitchens and third-party vendors to ensure consistent service.
• Implement and enforce rigorous food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols across all operational sites.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and analyze operational data to identify areas for improvement.
• Manage inventory, procurement processes, and cost controls to optimize profitability.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, clients, and external partners.
• Lead and mentor operational teams remotely, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges promptly and effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local and national regulations pertaining to food service operations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in catering or food service operations management, with a significant portion in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Proven experience managing multi-site operations or a large volume of events remotely.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and health regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, adaptable to remote team management.
• Proficiency in using remote work tools, project management software, and ERP/inventory systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement operational improvements.
• Experience in budget management and cost control within the food service industry.
• Must have a dedicated home office setup with reliable internet connectivity.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively in a remote environment.
• A degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is advantageous.

Benefits

• Fully remote work position offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to drive operational excellence for a leading national catering company.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Be part of a dynamic and innovative team shaping the future of remote catering operations.
• Contribute to the success of diverse and exciting catering projects nationwide.