The Catering Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the strategic planning and operational execution of catering services with a primary focus on large-scale events for upscale dining establishments. This position requires adept management of high-quality catering operations ensuring exceptional customer experiences and profitability.
Key Responsibility areas & activities
Financial Management and Budget Oversight:
- Lead the quarterly forecasting and yearly budgeting process.
- Manage client budgets for each catering event.
- Provide full internal costings for all events seeking approval before proceeding.
- Implement monitor and manage event-specific Profit and Loss (P&L) in collaboration with the Finance team.
- Collaborate with the finance team to analyze financial reports and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Provide quotations and support in the collection of payments.
Operational Management:
- Ensure operational excellence to PATTIS high-quality event standards.
- Implement best practices to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
- Ensure an exceptional guest journey through front-of-house (FOH) training and development of all team members.
- Implement and ensure full compliance with the required protocol for all events.
-Manage back-of-house (BOH) operations including policies and procedures.
-Provide regular menu updates and changes to align with market trends.
Quality Control:
- Ensure consistent quality standards in food preparation and service.
- Monitor and maintain adherence to food safety and hygiene regulations.
- Conduct regular quality audits to uphold guest satisfaction.
- Ensure all food items meet correct standards for quality and temperature.
- Implement health and safety measures.
Customer Service:
- Be the key contact for all clients representing the company professionally.
- Head up all events on the day maintaining excellent service standards.
- Address customer feedback and implement improvements.
- Maintain excellent client relationships and proactively respond to client requests.
- Champion a customer-centric culture.
Team Leadership:
- Provide direct leadership and guidance to catering teams.
- Foster a positive and motivated work environment.
- Oversee training initiatives.
Expansion and Growth Strategies:
- Collaborate with senior management on expansion plans and new ventures.
- Manage the opening of new catering locations.
- Ensure seamless integration of new establishments into the existing operational framework.
Marketing:
- Develop a 12-month (yearly) marketing calendar with the Marketing Department.
- Work with the Marketing Department and the Event Sales Team to maximize revenues and covers.
- Drive business and marketing activities in line with the Marketing Calendar.
- Produce an events & catering brochure updating it quarterly.
Event Sales:
- Maximize all event business through collaboration with the Event Team.
- Upsell added value items.
Vendor Creation and Client Engagement:
- Create vendor relationships with targeted clients for direct service provision.
- Collaborate with clients to facilitate vendor creation in their portals.
Contracts & Agreements:
- Negotiate all new and existing contracts with at least 50% payment upfront; full payment due 30 days after the event.
Problems & Challenges:
Balancing the high-quality event catering experience with budget cost-saving initiatives to ensure profitability.
Consistently delivering exceptional quality and service in high-volume upscale events.
Addressing customer feedback and continually improving the event catering experience.
Managing budgets and implementing cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
Leading and motivating diverse teams in the event catering sector.
Adapting to the dynamic and competitive nature of the upscale event catering industry.
Collaborating with suppliers to secure premium ingredients and maintain an exquisite ambiance.
Ensuring the profitability of event catering.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience:
Proven experience (7 years) in senior operational roles within the event catering industry.
Bachelor s degree in hospitality management or a related field.
Job Specific Skills:
Event catering operational expertise with a sales-driven focus.
Cost-saving strategies and financial acumen.
Multitasking and agile management skills in a busy upscale environment.
In-depth understanding of profit and loss financial reporting.
Dedication to providing an exceptional customer journey in event catering.
Competencies:
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
Management of P&L accounts.
Problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced upscale setting.
Leadership and team management abilities.
A customer-centric mindset and passion for high-quality event catering.
Profound knowledge of the event catering industry standards and best practices.