Senior Catering Event Planner

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Catering Event Planner to lead our event planning division in Sandton. You will conceptualize, design, and execute high-profile catering events from client consultation to completion, guiding a team of coordinators and elevating the client experience.

The role requires exceptional organizational skills, strong design aesthetics, and expertise in logistics, menu planning, and client/vendor management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in event planning with a focus on high-end catering.
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale events with meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional creativity, aesthetics, and presentation sense.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills for clients and vendors.
• Demonstrated budget management and financial forecasting experience.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of complex catering events, ensuring flawless service and client satisfaction.
• Develop bespoke event concepts, themes, and layouts in collaboration with clients and the creative team.
• Manage event budgets meticulously, ensuring profitability and cost control without compromising quality.
• Oversee the coordination of all event elements, including menus, staffing, venue logistics, rentals, and entertainment.
• Mentor and guide junior event planners, providing leadership and fostering professional development.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and venues to ensure seamless event delivery and secure repeat business.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Client relations

Vendor management

Team leadership

Negotiation

Creativity

Communication

Event software

Tools

Event management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and creative Senior Catering Event Planner to lead their event planning division in the prestigious Sandton area. This role is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and executing high-profile catering events, from initial client consultation through to successful completion. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational skills, a flair for creative presentation, and a deep understanding of logistics, menu planning, and client relationship management. You will manage a team of event coordinators and play a critical role in enhancing the client experience and driving business growth for our client's upscale catering services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of complex catering events, ensuring flawless service and client satisfaction.
• Develop bespoke event concepts, themes, and layouts in collaboration with clients and the creative team.
• Manage event budgets meticulously, ensuring profitability and cost control without compromising quality.
• Oversee the coordination of all event elements, including menus, staffing, venue logistics, rentals, and entertainment.
• Mentor and guide junior event planners, providing leadership and fostering professional development.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and venues to ensure seamless event delivery and secure repeat business.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in event planning, with a significant focus on high-end catering or luxury events.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale events simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional creativity, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of aesthetics and design.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills for client and vendor management.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial forecasting for events.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office applications.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Opportunity to work on prestigious events in the exclusive Sandton district.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on excellence.