Remote Senior Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work environment

Professional development opportunities

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Catering Operations Manager to lead remote catering operations and drive service excellence across multiple events. The role emphasizes strategic oversight, budget control, and vendor management in a fully remote capacity.

You will manage a dispersed team, ensure food safety and KPI adherence, and collaborate with marketing and sales to fuel growth while delivering memorable culinary experiences for clients.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in catering management with at least 3 years in a senior role.
• Proven experience managing fully remote teams and operations.
• Strong understanding of catering operations, events, and F&B management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement catering operational strategies to improve service quality.
• Oversee remote catering operations with KPI monitoring and food safety oversight.
• Mentor a geographically dispersed team and conduct remote performance reviews.
• Manage budgets, inventory, and vendor relationships for profitability.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales for growth plans.

Skills

Remote leadership

Budgeting

Event planning

Team management

Education

Bachelor's in Hospitality

Tools

Catering software

Virtual collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding hospitality group, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Catering Operations Manager to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote, permanent position, offering the flexibility and autonomy to manage catering operations from anywhere. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our client's catering services, focusing on excellence in service delivery, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the catering industry, a proven track record in managing diverse teams, and a passion for creating memorable culinary experiences. This role demands exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote-first environment. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing operational strategies that align with our client's overarching business goals, ensuring seamless execution across all catering events and services. The scope of this role includes overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, from small intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate events, all managed remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive catering operational strategies to enhance service quality and efficiency across all platforms.
• Oversee daily catering operations, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and customer service, remotely monitoring key performance indicators.
• Manage and mentor a geographically dispersed team of catering staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Control budgets, manage inventory, and optimize resource allocation to ensure profitability and cost-effectiveness.
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and exceeding expectations for their events.
• Source and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure quality ingredients and competitive pricing.
• Continuously innovate service offerings and operational processes to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Conduct remote performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development opportunities for the catering team.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and licensing regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop strategic growth plans.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in catering management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing fully remote teams and operations is essential.
• Exceptional understanding of catering operations, event planning, menu development, and food and beverage management.
• Strong financial acumen, with demonstrated experience in budgeting, cost control, and profit and loss management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Proficiency in relevant catering management software and virtual collaboration tools.
• A Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and solve complex operational challenges in a remote setting.
• Must possess excellent organizational and time management skills.
• A passion for culinary excellence and exceptional client service.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive benefits, and the unparalleled advantage of a fully remote work environment.
• This includes access to professional development opportunities, a supportive team culture, and the chance to make a significant impact on a growing business.
• Enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to impactful events.
• We provide the necessary technological infrastructure to support your remote work effectively.
• Join a company that values innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being.