Senior Event & Catering Operations Manager (Remote)

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-friendly work environment

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive onboarding for remote员工

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event & Catering Operations Manager to lead remote event operations from a chosen location, with occasional Johannesburg syncs. You will shape catering services, ensure top-quality execution, and drive client satisfaction across all events.

The role requires 7+ years in event management, strong financial acumen, and leadership of remote teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Remote-first position with occasional onsite coordination as needed.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in event management and catering operations, incl. 3+ years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record managing large-scale events and complex catering operations
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting, forecasting and cost management
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills; able to motivate remote teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced remote environment
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office tools
• Strategic thinker with focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Admin or related field is highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of event and catering operations and service delivery
• Develop and implement plans to improve operational efficiency and profitability
• Manage budgets, resources and cost control for catering events
• Lead and mentor a remote team of event coordinators and staff
• Source and manage supplier and vendor relationships for quality and cost-effectiveness
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and understand their needs
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene regulations across operations
• Plan and execute events from intimate to large-scale corporate functions
• Monitor industry trends to continuously improve services
• Prepare detailed reports on performance, finances and client feedback for senior management

Skills

Event management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Cost control

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Hospitality Management or related (Bachelor's/ tertiary)

Business Administration (desirable)

Tools

Event management software

Office productivity tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding hospitality group, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Event & Catering Operations Manager to join their innovative team. This is a unique opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role within a thriving organisation, working entirely remotely from your chosen location. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's catering services, ensuring exceptional quality, seamless execution, and outstanding client satisfaction across all events. You will leverage your extensive industry knowledge and strategic thinking to drive operational excellence and contribute to the company's sustained growth. This position demands a proactive approach, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion, all while operating in a remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of event and catering operations, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and cost control measures for all catering events.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of event coordinators and catering staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Source and manage relationships with key suppliers and vendors to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their needs and exceeding expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations across all operational activities.
• Plan and execute diverse event types, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices to continuously improve service offerings.
• Prepare detailed reports on operational performance, financial results, and client feedback for senior management.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in event management and catering operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale events and complex catering operations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate remote teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Proficiency in event management software and standard office productivity tools.
• A strategic thinker with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Must be based in **Johannesburg** or surrounding areas to facilitate occasional team syncs if required, though the role is primarily remote.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of food safety standards and protocols.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Opportunity to work fully remotely, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Contribute significantly to the growth and success of a reputable hospitality brand.
• Professional development opportunities and potential for career advancement within the organisation.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools to support remote operations.
• Join a supportive and forward-thinking team culture.
• Receive a comprehensive onboarding program tailored for remote employees.