Senior Event Planner & Catering Coordinator

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Access to event technology

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Planner & Catering Coordinator for a distinguished hospitality group in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This hybrid role blends remote client engagement with essential on-site oversight and coordination to deliver exceptional events.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in event planning or related hospitality roles, with a proven track record in managing diverse events, strong vendor negotiation skills, and a client-focused approach.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in event planning or related hospitality role.
• Proven track record managing diverse events.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent vendor negotiation and management abilities.
• Excellent communication and client-focused approach.
• Proficiency with event management software and MS Office.
• Ability to work hybrid, with on-site duties in Richards Bay.
• Culinary knowledge or catering coordination experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop event concepts, themes, and client experience from inception to completion.
• Prepare proposals, budgets, and timelines.
• Main client contact through the planning process with expertise and attentiveness.
• Source, negotiate with, and manage relationships with external vendors.
• Collaborate with Head Chef to design bespoke menus considering dietary needs.
• Oversee catering setup, service, and breakdown for flawless guest service.
• Conduct site inspections and venue assessments for Richards Bay.
• Manage on-site logistics during events and troubleshoot issues.
• Post-event debriefs and financial reconciliations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends in KwaZulu-Natal.

Skills

Event management

Vendor management

Negotiation

Communication skills

MS Office

Catering coordination

Creativity

Hybrid work

Budgeting

Site coordination

Tools

Event management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished hospitality group renowned for its luxurious event experiences in **Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal**, is actively seeking a Senior Event Planner & Catering Coordinator. This pivotal role demands a blend of creative vision, exceptional organizational prowess, and a deep understanding of catering logistics. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and flawlessly executing a wide array of high-profile events, from intimate corporate functions to grand weddings and galas. A significant portion of your responsibilities will involve coordinating with clients, vendors, and the in-house culinary team to ensure seamless catering integration and a superior guest experience. This hybrid role allows for strategic planning and remote client engagement, balanced with essential on-site oversight and coordination in **Richards Bay**. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in event management and a passion for delivering unforgettable occasions in **KwaZulu-Natal**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage event concepts, themes, and overall client experience from inception to completion.
• Create detailed event proposals, budgets, and timelines, ensuring adherence to financial parameters and deadlines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, guiding them through the planning process with expertise and attentiveness.
• Source, negotiate with, and manage relationships with external vendors, including florists, decorators, entertainment, and rental companies.
• Collaborate closely with the Head Chef and catering team to design bespoke menus, considering dietary needs, trends, and client preferences.
• Oversee the catering setup, service execution, and breakdown, ensuring impeccable presentation and seamless guest service.
• Conduct site inspections and venue assessments to ensure suitability and optimal layout for events in **Richards Bay**.
• Manage on-site logistics during events, troubleshooting any issues that may arise and ensuring a flawless experience.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and financial reconciliations, identifying successes and areas for improvement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in event planning and catering in **KwaZulu-Natal**.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in event planning, event management, or a related role within the hospitality industry.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing diverse events of varying scales and complexities.
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a client-centric approach.
• Proficiency in event management software and MS Office Suite.
• A creative mindset with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities in **Richards Bay**.
• Culinary knowledge or experience in catering coordination is a significant advantage.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by event schedules in **KwaZulu-Natal**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance between remote and on-site work.
• Opportunity to work with a prestigious hospitality brand in **Richards Bay**.
• Access to cutting-edge event technology and resources.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Health insurance benefits and other standard employment perks.
• Be part of a creative and dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional events.