Senior Event Catering Planner

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Diverse events

Professional development

Centurion team

Employee discounts

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a premier Centurion-based event catering company in finding a Senior Event Catering Planner. You will lead the end-to-end catering lifecycle, from client brief and concept to on-the-day execution, ensuring food quality, service standards, and creative menus.

The role requires 4+ years in event planning or catering coordination, strong vendor management, budgeting, and excellent client relationships. Evening and weekend hours are expected to align with events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years in event planning or related hospitality role.
• Proven track record of planning and executing diverse events.
• Strong understanding of catering operations, food service and logistics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand event requirements, preferences and budget.
• Develop customized catering proposals, menus and event plans.
• Manage all logistical aspects including venue liaison, staffing and transport.
• Coordinate with culinary team to ensure menu quality and delivery.
• Oversee setup and daytime execution to match client vision.
• Manage budgets and monitor profitability.
• Build relationships with clients, vendors and suppliers.
• Troubleshoot issues before and during events.
• Stay updated on catering trends and best practices.
• Conduct post-event evaluations for feedback and improvement.

Skills

Event planning

Client relationship management

Budget management

Vendor coordination

MS Office proficiency

Tools

Event management software

MS Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event catering company in Centurion, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced and creative Senior Event Catering Planner. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented individual with a flair for creating unforgettable culinary experiences for a diverse clientele. You will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of event catering projects, from initial client brief and concept development to seamless execution on the day of the event. This involves meticulous planning, budget management, vendor coordination, and ensuring exceptional food quality and service standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of current catering trends, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to build rapport with clients and suppliers. You will be the primary point of contact for many of our clients, guiding them through the planning process and ensuring their vision comes to life. Success in this role means consistently delivering outstanding events that exceed expectations in the Centurion area and beyond. We value innovation, client satisfaction, and a passion for delivering culinary excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand their event requirements, preferences, and budget constraints for catering services.
• Develop customized catering proposals, menus, and event plans tailored to client needs.
• Manage all logistical aspects of catering events, including venue liaison, staffing, equipment rental, and transportation.
• Coordinate with the culinary team to ensure menu quality, presentation, and timely delivery of food and beverages.
• Oversee event setup and execution, ensuring seamless service and adherence to the client's vision and schedule.
• Manage event budgets effectively, tracking expenses and ensuring profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and suppliers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise before or during an event.
• Stay updated on industry trends, menu innovations, and event best practices.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in event planning, catering coordination, or a related role within the hospitality industry.
• Proven track record of successfully planning and executing diverse events.
• Excellent understanding of catering operations, food and beverage service, and event logistics.
• Strong sales and client relationship management skills.
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and time management abilities.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in event management software and MS Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules in Centurion, Gauteng.
• A passion for creating memorable guest experiences and a keen eye for detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work on a variety of exciting events.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Be part of a creative and dynamic team in Centurion, Gauteng.
• Employee discounts on catering services.
• Performance-based bonuses.