Senior Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Coastal lifestyle Richards Bay

Subsidized meals

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Catering Operations Manager to lead the catering division. You will oversee kitchen operations, menu execution, client service and the division's financial performance.

The role requires a proven track record in high-volume catering, strong leadership, and meticulous adherence to HACCP, safety and quality standards. You will develop SOPs, manage budgets and KPI reporting, and collaborate with sales and events teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of catering operations management experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP) and inventory management.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering department operations ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Manage kitchen operations including food prep, inventory, and waste control.
• Develop and implement SOPs for all catering functions.
• Lead, train, and motivate catering staff including chefs and service teams.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations across areas.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to maintain cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Develop budgets, P&L statements, and KPIs for the division.
• Collaborate with sales and events teams for seamless client events.
• Drive initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Conduct regular audits and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting & cost control

Food safety HACCP

Operations management

Communication

Education

Degree or diploma in Hospitality Management

Tools

MS Office

Catering/hospitality software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the hospitality and event services industry, is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Senior Catering Operations Manager to lead their catering division in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This key leadership position will involve overseeing all operational aspects of the catering services, from kitchen management and menu execution to client service and financial performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in high-volume catering, a strategic approach to operations, and a proven ability to manage teams effectively in a demanding environment. You will be responsible for driving efficiency, maintaining stringent quality standards, and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction across all events. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the operational excellence and growth of the catering business in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal . You will be expected to champion innovation, optimize resource allocation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team. The position requires a blend of strategic planning and hands-on operational oversight, making it ideal for a leader with a comprehensive understanding of the catering landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the catering department, ensuring efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
• Manage kitchen operations, including food preparation, inventory control, and waste management.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all catering functions.
• Lead, train, and motivate a team of catering staff, including chefs, kitchen assistants, and service personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations in the kitchen and service areas.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Develop and monitor budgets, P&L statements, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the catering division.
• Collaborate with sales and event planning teams to ensure seamless execution of client events.
• Drive initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Conduct regular audits of operations and implement corrective actions as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in catering operations management, with a proven track record in a senior role.
• Strong understanding of culinary operations, food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP), and inventory management.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills with experience in developing and motivating staff.
• Experience in financial management, including budgeting, P&L analysis, and cost control.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaunt effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with catering or hospitality management software.
• A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, along with performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are included.
• Employees will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities and career advancement pathways.
• The role also comes with the advantage of working in the scenic coastal town of Richards Bay , offering a unique lifestyle balance.
• Additional benefits include subsidized meals, paid time off, and a supportive management team dedicated to fostering employee growth and well-being.