Senior Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, is seeking a Senior Catering Operations Manager to lead our client’s extensive corporate and industrial catering footprint. You will drive strategy, oversee multiple sites, and ensure peak service quality and profitability.

You will manage budgets, food safety compliance, and a large operations team, mentor leaders, and forge strong client relationships while optimizing menus and service models for efficiency and growth.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of progressive catering operations management experience, with senior leadership exposure.
• Proven track record managing large-scale catering contracts in corporate, industrial, or hospitality settings.
• Strong financial acumen with budget control and P&L responsibility.
• Expert knowledge of food safety standards, health regulations, and QA protocols.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage catering operations across the Rustenburg region, aligning with client contracts.
• Develop strategic plans to boost efficiency, service quality, and profitability.
• Oversee multiple sites, ensuring consistent service and client satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

P&L responsibility

Food safety

Client relationships

Strategic thinking

Operations management

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Hospitality Management

Business Administration

Tools

Operations management software

Inventory management systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the corporate and industrial catering sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Catering Operations Manager to lead their extensive operations in Rustenburg, North West. This senior leadership role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing large-scale catering services, optimizing efficiency, and driving profitability. You will be responsible for overseeing multiple catering contracts, managing budgets, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety, and leading a significant team of operational staff, including chefs, supervisors, and service crews. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for a results-oriented professional to make a substantial impact on a key business unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all catering operations within the Rustenburg region, ensuring alignment with company goals and client contracts.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and profitability.
• Oversee the management of multiple catering sites, ensuring consistent service delivery and client satisfaction.
• Manage departmental budgets, including food costs, labor, and operational expenses, to achieve financial targets.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, health, and hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP, local by-laws).
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of catering professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key clients, addressing their needs and resolving issues effectively.
• Drive innovation in catering services, exploring new menu concepts and service delivery models.
• Oversee procurement processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality of supplies.
• Implement and monitor performance metrics to track operational success and identify areas for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in catering operations management, with a significant portion in a senior leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale catering contracts, preferably in corporate, industrial, or hospitality environments.
• Strong financial acumen, with proven ability in budget management, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Expert knowledge of food safety standards, health regulations, and quality assurance protocols.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to operational challenges.
• Proficiency in relevant software systems for operations management, inventory, and financial reporting.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is essential.
• Willingness to travel within the North West region as required by operational demands.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, reflecting the seniority of the role, along with comprehensive benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead significant operations in Rustenburg and influence the strategic direction of a leading catering provider. Enjoy the challenge of managing a large team and contributing to high-profile contracts. Professional growth and career development within a reputable organization are key aspects of this role.