Wedding & Functions Catering Specialist

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape is seeking a Weddings & Functions Catering Specialist to craft unforgettable culinary experiences for weddings, celebrations and corporate events. You will work closely with clients from consultation to final execution, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

The ideal candidate has strong event planning, menu customization and service standards, with a passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences at these life events.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in catering, event planning or client-facing roles focused on weddings or functions.
• Strong knowledge of menu planning, food presentation and service styles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and event management software is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends for events.

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand their vision, dietary needs, and budget for weddings and corporate events.
• Develop customized menu proposals and beverage packages.
• Manage event logistics, timelines, staffing, vendor coordination, and on-site setup.
• Oversee event execution and guest satisfaction on the day.
• Maintain budgets, track expenses and ensure profitability.
• Build strong relationships with clients, vendors and internal teams.
• Stay informed about trends in wedding and event catering.
• Conduct post-event follow-ups and gather feedback.

Skills

Event planning

Client-facing

Menu planning

Food presentation

Communication

Negotiation

Time-management

Education

Hospitality Management qualification

Event Planning qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Event management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event catering company, is seeking a passionate and client-focused Wedding & Functions Catering Specialist to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is dedicated to creating unforgettable culinary experiences for weddings, celebrations, and corporate functions. You will work closely with clients from the initial consultation through to the final event, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed to perfection. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of event planning, menu customization, and impeccable service standards, with a particular affinity for the nuances of wedding catering. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of significant life events and contribute to a company renowned for its excellence in Paarl.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand their vision, dietary needs, and budget for weddings, functions, and corporate events.
• Develop customized menu proposals and beverage packages tailored to specific client requirements.
• Manage event logistics, including timelines, staffing, vendor coordination, and on-site setup.
• Liaise with the culinary team to ensure menu execution meets the highest standards.
• Oversee the execution of events on the day, ensuring seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction.
• Manage event budgets, track expenses, and ensure profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• Stay informed about current trends in wedding and event catering.
• Conduct post-event follow-ups and gather client feedback.
• Contribute to the overall success and reputation of the catering services in Paarl through exceptional service.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in catering, event planning, or a client-facing role within the hospitality industry, with a focus on weddings or functions.
• Strong knowledge of menu planning, food presentation, and service styles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and event management software is a plus.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required for events in Paarl, Western Cape.
• A passion for creating special occasions and delivering outstanding customer experiences.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or Event Planning is advantageous.
• Ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and opportunities for professional development within a growing company.
• You will enjoy working in a vibrant team environment in the beautiful Paarl region.
• A hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between office-based planning and on-site event management.
• This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated specialist to build a successful career in bespoke event catering.