Senior Event Catering Specialist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Subsidized meals

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Event Catering Specialist to lead planning and delivery of diverse catering events in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design bespoke menus, coordinate operations, and ensure exceptional client experiences.

The role blends strategic planning with on-site execution, requiring culinary knowledge, logistics expertise, and strong client management. Hybrid work arrangement supported to balance office planning and on-site management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in event catering, planning, or related hospitality roles.
• Proven menu development and cost management experience.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to plan catering for events, including menu selection and dietary accommodations.
• Oversee logistical planning of catering events, ensuring timely delivery of services.
• Manage supplier relationships and sourcing of ingredients and equipment.
• Coordinate with kitchen and service teams to ensure quality and presentation.
• Provide on-site supervision during events to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses and profitability.
• Maintain knowledge of culinary trends and industry best practices.
• Handle client inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Assist in training junior catering staff.
• Ensure health, safety, and hygiene standards are met.

Skills

Client relations

Menu development

Cost management

Budgeting

Operational planning

Food safety

Tools

MS Office

Event software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded events and catering service provider in the **Northern Cape**, is seeking an experienced Senior Event Catering Specialist to join their team in **Upington**. This role is crucial for the successful planning and execution of diverse catering events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of culinary knowledge, logistical expertise, and exceptional client management skills. You will be responsible for working closely with clients to understand their needs, designing bespoke menus, coordinating all operational aspects, and ensuring the delivery of a flawless catering experience. This position requires a meticulous approach, strong problem-solving abilities, and a passion for creating memorable culinary moments. The role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to significant events within the **Upington** area and to grow within a respected company. You will be instrumental in upholding the company's reputation for quality and service excellence across all catered functions. The hybrid nature of the role allows for a balance between strategic planning and on-site execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to conceptualize and plan catering for events, including menu selection and dietary accommodations.
• Oversee the logistical planning of all catering events, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of services.
• Manage supplier relationships, sourcing high-quality ingredients and necessary equipment.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff and service teams to ensure consistent quality and presentation.
• Provide on-site supervision during events, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest experience.
• Develop and manage event budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring profitability.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of culinary trends and event industry best practices.
• Handle client inquiries and feedback, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior catering staff.
• Ensure all health, safety, and hygiene standards are met throughout the catering process.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in event catering, event planning, or a related hospitality role.
• Proven experience in menu development and cost management.
• Strong understanding of catering operations, food safety, and service standards.
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing event requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite; knowledge of event management software is a plus.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as needed.
• A creative and resourceful approach to event planning and problem-solving.
• Passion for food, hospitality, and creating outstanding guest experiences.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and performance-based incentives.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement are provided.
• Employees can enjoy a hybrid work arrangement, balancing office-based planning with on-site event management.
• Access to subsidized meals during working hours and a supportive team environment are also part of the package.
• This role offers the chance to work on diverse and exciting events in the **Upington** region and contribute to a company known for its commitment to quality.
• You will play a key role in delivering memorable experiences for clients.