Senior Catering Operations Manager

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career advancement opportunities

Bonuses and professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Catering Operations Manager in Soweto to oversee extensive catering operations across Gauteng. You will lead a large team, ensure quality and profitability, and drive improvements in food safety and service delivery.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong logistics and financial skills to meet client expectations at events. The role emphasizes collaboration with sales and culinary teams, adherence to regulations, and delivering exceptional service for

Qualifications

• 7+ years in catering operations management with at least 3 years in a senior supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale catering operations and diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, logistics, and supply chain management.
• Exceptional leadership, team management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent budgeting and cost-control understanding.
• Proficiency in health, safety and sanitation regulations within the food service industry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with clients and staff.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays per event schedules in Soweto.
• Experience within the Gauteng catering or hospitality sector valued.
• Relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or Operations Management advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations, ensuring efficiency, quality and profitability.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of catering staff, including supervisors and service personnel.
• Implement and maintain high standards for food safety, hygiene and service quality.
• Manage inventory, procurement and cost control measures to optimize profitability.
• Develop and refine operational processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and labour regulations.
• Collaborate with sales and culinary teams to ensure seamless event execution and client requirements.
• Handle escalated client issues and ensure prompt, effective resolution.
• Monitor KPIs and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment for the operations team.

Skills

Operations management

Leadership

Team management

Logistics

Budgeting

Cost control

Quality assurance

Food safety

Communication

Education

Hospitality Management degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of catering services in Soweto, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced and highly capable Senior Catering Operations Manager to oversee and optimize their extensive catering operations. This critical role requires a strategic leader with a deep understanding of logistics, team management, quality control, and client satisfaction within the dynamic catering industry. The Senior Catering Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of catering services for a wide range of events, from corporate functions to private celebrations, across the Soweto region and beyond. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a proven track record in operational management, and a passion for delivering excellence. You will play a key role in driving operational improvements, managing a large team, and contributing to the sustained growth and success of our client in the competitive Gauteng market. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring dedication and a results-oriented approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day catering operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and profitability.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of catering staff, including supervisors and service personnel.
• Implement and maintain high standards for food safety, hygiene, and service quality.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and cost control measures to optimize profitability.
• Develop and refine operational processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and labor regulations.
• Collaborate with sales and culinary teams to ensure seamless event execution and client requirements are met.
• Handle escalated client issues and ensure prompt, effective resolution.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment for the operations team.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in catering operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior supervisory or managerial role.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale catering operations and diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage operations, logistics, and supply chain management.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of financial management, including budgeting and cost control.
• Proficiency in health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the food service industry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and staff.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by event schedules in Soweto .
• Experience within the Gauteng catering or hospitality sector is highly valued.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or Operations Management is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to lead operations for a reputable catering provider in Soweto . You will be instrumental in shaping the operational excellence of the company within the vibrant Gauteng hospitality landscape. Benefits include potential performance bonuses and professional development initiatives. Join a company that values expertise, dedication, and a commitment to outstanding service delivery. This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced operations professional.