Senior Event Catering Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance-based bonus

Career development opportunities

Remote-friendly culture

Paid time off and retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Event Catering Manager to lead remote catering operations for national events. You will oversee menus, staffing, budgeting, and vendor contracts, while guiding a dispersed team to deliver exceptional client experiences.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in event catering, strong remote leadership, and expertise in culinary operations and financial stewardship. Advanced communication and tech proficiency are essential for success in a remote-first role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in event catering management
• Experience leading remote teams and coordinating virtual events
• Strong understanding of culinary arts, menu design, and food presentation
• Financial acumen: budgeting, cost control, profitability analysis
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and remote communication skills
• Proficiency with event management software and virtual collaboration tools

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic catering plans for diverse events (corporate, weddings, private parties)
• Oversee remote event logistics, including budgeting and timelines
• Cultivate relationships with clients to tailor bespoke catering solutions
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers for quality and cost efficiency
• Lead and mentor a remote team of coordinators and support staff
• Conduct virtual site inspections and client consultations
• Monitor industry trends to introduce innovative services
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation compliance across events
• Analyze post-event performance and implement improvements
• Manage event budgets to ensure profitability

Skills

Remote leadership

Budgeting

Vendor management

Menu design

Culinary operations

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred (Hospitality/Business/Cood Culinary)

Tools

Zoom

Teams

Asana

Trello

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic and rapidly growing catering and event services provider seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Event Catering Manager to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role is designed for an individual who can strategically oversee and elevate the catering operations across various prestigious events, ensuring impeccable service delivery and client satisfaction from a distance. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive expertise in event planning, vendor management, and culinary operations to drive excellence and innovation within a virtual environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a national scale without the need for physical presence in a specific office location. We are looking for a proactive leader who thrives in a remote-first setting and possesses exceptional communication and organizational skills to manage a dispersed team and client portfolio effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for catering services to meet and exceed client expectations for various events, including corporate functions, weddings, and private parties.
• Oversee all aspects of event logistics, including menu planning, staffing, budgeting, and timeline management, ensuring seamless execution for remote clients.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and preferences to deliver bespoke catering solutions.
• Manage and negotiate contracts with external vendors and suppliers, ensuring cost-effectiveness and high-quality service delivery.
• Supervise and mentor a remote team of catering coordinators and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Conduct virtual site inspections and client consultations to assess venue capabilities and logistical requirements.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices in catering and event management to introduce innovative service offerings.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations across all catered events, providing virtual guidance and oversight.
• Analyze post-event feedback and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budgetary allocations for assigned events, ensuring profitability and adherence to financial targets.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in event catering management, with a proven track record of success in high-volume and complex event environments.
• Demonstrable experience in remote team leadership and virtual event coordination.
• Exceptional understanding of culinary arts, menu design, and food presentation standards.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and profitability analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and vendors remotely.
• Proficiency in event management software and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Asana, Trello).
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines in a remote setting.
• A passion for exceptional food and service, coupled with a creative and problem-solving mindset.
• Must be authorized to work in South Africa and have a stable internet connection and a suitable home office setup.

Benefits

• Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance coverage, a generous performance-based bonus structure, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading hospitality group.
• Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a remote role, with access to cutting-edge technology and a collaborative virtual team culture.
• Paid time off and retirement savings plans are also provided, ensuring a well-rounded benefits package.

Join a company that is committed to innovation and client satisfaction, and where your contributions are recognized and rewarded.