Senior Event Catering Director (Remote)

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Remote work

Professional development

Generous leave

Industry events access

Salary bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Catering Director to lead its remote catering division, guiding strategy, quality, and client satisfaction for high-profile events. You will manage a dispersed team and operations, ensure food safety, and drive profitability across multiple projects.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in catering and events, excels at remote leadership, and can innovate menus while delivering exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in catering/events with leadership.
• Proven remote project leadership in complex catering.
• Expertise in menu planning, culinary techniques, event logistics, and financial management.
• Strong client management and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop remote teams.
• Proficient with event management software and collaboration tools.
• Degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or Business Admin desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead remote catering operations for a diverse portfolio of events, from initial client consultation to post-event evaluation.
• Develop innovative and bespoke catering concepts that align with client needs and current culinary trends.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality control standards across all catering services.
• Oversee budget management, including cost control, pricing strategies, and profitability analysis for all events.
• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing remote catering team, fostering professional growth and team cohesion.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with clients, vendors, and key stakeholders.
• Continuously evaluate operational processes and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and client experience.
• Stay abreast of industry innovations and market trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills

Catering leadership

Remote team leadership

Budget management

Client relationship management

Menu planning

Food safety

Negotiation

Event logistics

Education

Hospitality Degree

Culinary Arts Degree

Business Administration

Tools

Event management software

Digital collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event management company, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Senior Event Catering Director to spearhead their remote catering division. This role is designed for a visionary leader who can orchestrate flawless catering experiences for high-profile events, all while managing a dispersed team and operations. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the catering services, ensuring unparalleled quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. This position demands a deep understanding of the nuances of event catering, coupled with the agility to manage operations effectively in a remote setting. The successful candidate will be a master of culinary excellence, operational efficiency, and client relationship management. Joining our client means becoming part of a team dedicated to creating unforgettable moments and setting new industry benchmarks. We value proactive problem-solving, creativity, and a commitment to exceeding expectations in every aspect of our service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all remote catering operations for a diverse portfolio of events, from initial client consultation to post-event evaluation.
• Develop innovative and bespoke catering concepts that align with client needs and current culinary trends.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality control standards across all catering services.
• Oversee budget management, including cost control, pricing strategies, and profitability analysis for all events.
• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing remote catering team, fostering professional growth and team cohesion.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with clients, vendors, and key stakeholders.
• Continuously evaluate operational processes and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and client experience.
• Stay abreast of industry innovations and market trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in the catering and events industry, with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex catering projects remotely.
• Expertise in menu planning, culinary techniques, event logistics, and financial management.
• Exceptional client management and communication skills, with a talent for negotiation.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop remote teams.
• Proficiency with event management software and digital collaboration tools.
• A relevant degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or Business Administration is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive under pressure.

Benefits

• A highly attractive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote position.
• A dynamic and creative work environment that values innovation.
• Company-provided resources and technology for effective remote work.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to exclusive industry events and training.