Senior Event Catering Manager

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

Professional development

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Catering Manager to lead high-profile catering events in Midrand, Gauteng. You will manage client relationships, oversee logistics, coordinate with kitchen staff, and ensure flawless service delivery.

You will develop event plans, manage budgets, supervise on-site teams, and review post-event feedback to drive continuous improvements. The role requires 5+ years in event or catering management and a proven client-facing track record.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in event or catering management.
• Strong client-facing experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee planning and execution of all assigned catering events, ensuring client expectations and company standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building relationships and delivering exceptional service throughout the event lifecycle.
• Develop detailed event plans including staffing, logistics, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate with culinary team to ensure menus meet dietary requirements and are executed to specification.
• Supervise on-site event staff, providing clear direction and maintaining professionalism.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback and drive improvements for future events.
• Manage event budgets, track expenditures, and ensure profitability for each engagement.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in event catering and client service.
• Liaise with vendors and suppliers for seamless delivery of services.

Skills

Client relationships

Event management

Communication

Negotiation

Tools

MS Office Suite

Event management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Event Catering Manager to join their esteemed team in Midrand, Gauteng . This role is crucial for ensuring the seamless execution of high-profile catering events, from initial client consultation to final delivery. You will be instrumental in managing client relationships, overseeing event logistics, coordinating with kitchen staff, and ensuring exceptional service delivery. The ideal candidate possesses a keen eye for detail, outstanding organizational skills, and a proven track record in event management and client satisfaction within the catering industry. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to lead major catering projects and contribute to the continued success of our client's renowned catering services in the vibrant Midrand region.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and oversee the planning and execution of all assigned catering events, ensuring they meet client expectations and company standards. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and providing exceptional customer service throughout the event lifecycle. Develop detailed event plans, including staffing, logistics, timelines, and budget management. Coordinate effectively with the culinary team, ensuring menus are executed to perfection and dietary requirements are met. Supervise on-site event staff, providing clear direction and ensuring a high level of professionalism and service. Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering client feedback to identify areas for improvement and ensure future event success. Manage event budgets, track expenditures, and ensure profitability for each catering engagement. Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in event catering and client service. Liaise with vendors and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery of all event-related services and supplies.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years of experience in event management or catering management, with a focus on client-facing roles. Demonstrated success in managing complex, high-volume catering events. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Strong organizational and project management abilities, with meticulous attention to detail. Proficiency in event management software and MS Office Suite. A strong understanding of food and beverage service standards within the catering context. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules in Midrand, Gauteng . Experience in managing and motivating event teams. A passion for delivering exceptional client experiences.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent in the industry, along with performance-based incentives. This role provides significant opportunities for career advancement within a leading catering organization. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, and professional development support. You will also gain exposure to a diverse range of prestigious events and enjoy working within a supportive and collaborative team environment in Midrand.