Senior Venue Catering Director

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus program

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career growth

Hybrid work

Networking events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Venue Catering Director for a premier events venue in Pretoria, Gauteng. This executive role oversees all catering operations, leads a dedicated team, manages budgets, and cultivates client relationships to drive revenue and profitability.

You will shape the venue's culinary identity, deliver exceptional service, and coordinate with sales, marketing and management. Hybrid work is offered, with on-site duties for events and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of catering management experience
• Experience in venue/hotel settings
• Strong culinary background
• Excellent financial management and cost-control abilities
• Outstanding client relations and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Oversee all catering operations including menu development, service, and staff management
• Develop and implement catering strategies to meet market demands and improve profitability
• Lead and mentor the catering team to maintain high performance
• Cultivate relationships with clients to understand needs and deliver exceptional events
• Manage budgets, inventory, cost controls, and KPIs for the catering department
• Coordinate with sales, marketing, and venue management for seamless events

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Client relations

Menu planning

Staff management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management

Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier events venue in **Pretoria**, is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Venue Catering Director. This executive position is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of all catering operations within the venue. You will lead a dedicated team, curate exceptional culinary experiences, manage budgets, and cultivate strong client relationships to ensure the venue remains a top choice for events in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of culinary expertise, operational prowess, and business acumen, with a proven ability to drive revenue and profitability. This role involves a mix of on-site management and strategic planning, offering a dynamic and rewarding career opportunity. You will be instrumental in defining the culinary identity of the venue and delivering unparalleled service that delights guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of venue catering operations, including menu development, food and beverage service, and staff management.
• Develop and implement innovative catering strategies to meet market demands and enhance venue profitability.
• Manage and mentor the catering team, fostering a positive and high-performance work environment.
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring exceptional event experiences.
• Control food and beverage costs, manage inventory, and ensure strict adherence to health and safety standards.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to develop promotional materials and attract new business.
• Manage budgets, financial reporting, and operational KPIs for the catering department.
• Ensure seamless coordination between catering staff, venue management, and other event vendors.
• Stay updated on industry trends, culinary innovations, and competitor activities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in catering management, with a significant portion in a venue or hotel setting.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale catering operations and diverse event types.
• Strong culinary background and creative menu planning abilities.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent financial management, budgeting, and cost-control capabilities.
• Outstanding client relations and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of **Pretoria, Gauteng** events market and local supplier networks is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Access to exclusive venue events and networking opportunities.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in **Pretoria**.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.