Senior Event Catering Manager

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Exclusive events

Dynamic team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Event Catering Manager to lead our prestigious catering division in Johannesburg. You will oversee all aspects of event catering, from client consultations and menu development to flawless execution and post-event analysis.

The role requires deep hospitality knowledge, a passion for memorable culinary experiences, and a track record of delivering exceptional service and profitability for high-volume events.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in event catering or related hospitality leadership role.
• Proven expertise in menu engineering, food & beverage costing and operations.
• Demonstrated leadership of diverse teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Culinary or hospitality management qualifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all event catering logistics, staffing, vendor relations and budget adherence for small to large events.
• Develop innovative menu proposals tailored to client needs and themes.
• Lead, train and mentor catering staff and chefs for high guest satisfaction.
• Conduct site inspections and manage event setups, ensuring brand standards.
• Control inventory, costs and waste to improve profitability of the catering division.
• Cultivate relationships with clients and venues to drive repeat business.

Skills

Event catering management

Menu engineering

Budget management

Team leadership

Vendor relations

Client relations

Education

Hospitality management qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Event Catering Manager to lead their prestigious catering division based in Johannesburg . This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of event catering operations, from initial client consultations and menu development to flawless execution and post-event analysis. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, maintaining exceptional service standards, and fostering strong client relationships to ensure the continued success and growth of the company's event services. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for creating memorable culinary experiences for diverse clientele.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all event catering logistics, including staffing, menu planning, vendor relations, and budget adherence for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions.
• Develop innovative and appealing menu proposals tailored to specific client needs and event themes, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation standards are consistently met.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of catering staff and chefs, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment dedicated to outstanding guest satisfaction.
• Conduct thorough site inspections and manage event setups, ensuring all equipment, decor, and service elements align with client expectations and brand standards.
• Oversee inventory management, cost control, and waste reduction strategies to optimize operational efficiency and profitability within the catering department.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, event planners, and venue managers, proactively addressing concerns and seeking opportunities for repeat business and referrals.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in event catering management or a related hospitality leadership role.
• Proven expertise in menu engineering, food and beverage costing, and operational management within a high-volume catering environment.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of successfully managing and motivating diverse teams.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport and manage client expectations effectively.
• Relevant culinary or hospitality management qualifications are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives tied to event success.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing organization.
• Access to exclusive events and culinary experiences.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment with a passionate team.