Catering & Operations Manager | Premium Events Venue | Cape Town

Catering & Operations Manager | Premium Events Venue | Cape Town

Location: Cape Town
Company: The Forum Company
Reports to: Venue Manager – Premium Events

 

Role Snapshot

• Boutique premium events venue (±150 guests)
• Leads kitchen and service teams
• Responsible for on-site event execution
• Strong people leadership focus
• Operates within established corporate cost frameworks

 

The Opportunity

We are seeking a confident and people-focused Catering & Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operational delivery of a premium boutique events venue.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for supervising kitchen and service teams, ensuring smooth event execution, and maintaining high operational standards within a structured corporate framework.

The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, strong with people, and confident managing catering and service flow in a refined, well-run environment.

 

Key Outcomes

• Kitchen and service teams operate professionally and cohesively.

• Events run smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule.

• Food quality and presentation meet premium standards.

• Operational systems and corporate frameworks are consistently followed.

• Staff performance and accountability remain strong.

Core Responsibilities Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and supervise kitchen, service, and casual staff teams.

• Allocate roles and manage staffing for each event.

• Provide clear direction during live event execution.

• Coach, mentor, and support team development.

• Maintain discipline and accountability within the team.

Catering & Kitchen Oversight

• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and timing.

• Ensure kitchen hygiene and food safety standards are upheld.

• Support stock management in collaboration with centralised purchasing.

• Operate within established corporate cost controls and purchasing frameworks across venues.

Event Execution

• Coordinate operational setup and breakdown of events.

• Manage service flow during events.

• Work closely with the Event Manager and Venue Manager to align delivery with client expectations.

• Troubleshoot operational challenges calmly and efficiently.

Operational Controls

• Maintain event checklists and operational procedures.

• Support responsible resource management and adherence to budget parameters.

• Identify practical opportunities for operational improvement.

 

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant Hospitality Qualification.

• Minimum 3–5 years’ progressive hospitality operations experience.

• Experience supervising kitchen and service teams.

• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.

• Experience in event-driven environments preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong people leadership and team management skills.

• Calm, structured, and decisive under pressure.

• Operationally disciplined and detail-focused.

• Service-driven with pride in quality execution.

• Comfortable working event-driven hours.

 

Is this role for you?

This role may suit you if you:

• Enjoy leading teams in live hospitality environments.

• Take pride in food quality and smooth event delivery.

• Are confident supervising kitchen and service teams.

• Prefer hands-on operational leadership.

• Want to play a key role in a premium boutique venue environment.