2,173 Remote Catering Operations Manager Event Planning jobs in Kenya

• Oversee all aspects of catering operations for events, including menu development and execution.
• Manage food and beverage inventory, ordering, and cost control.
• Supervise, train, and schedule catering staff, ensuring high performance standards.
• Develop and manage event catering budgets, ensuring profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and deliver customized catering solutions.
• Oversee event setup, service, and breakdown to ensure smooth execution.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Handle client inquiries and resolve any issues or complaints promptly.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve service quality and operational efficiency.

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in catering management, preferably in an event setting.
• Proven experience in menu planning, food costing, and inventory management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Proficiency in event planning software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Passion for delivering high-quality food and exceptional service.

• Oversee all aspects of remote catering operations, from initial client contact to post-event follow-up.
• Develop and customize menus based on client requirements, dietary needs, and current culinary trends.
• Manage event budgets, ensuring profitability and cost-effectiveness.
• Source and manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and third-party service providers.
• Ensure all catering services comply with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Coordinate with culinary teams and service staff to ensure flawless execution of events.
• Plan and manage event logistics, including staffing, equipment, and transportation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing exceptional customer service.
• Utilize event management software to track bookings, client details, and event progress.
• Analyze event performance data to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Contribute to the development of new service offerings and marketing strategies.

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in catering management or event planning, with a significant focus on operations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing events remotely.
• Strong culinary knowledge and understanding of food trends.
• Excellent client relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in event management software and virtual communication tools.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.

• Developing and implementing strategic plans for remote catering operations, focusing on efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Managing multiple event catering projects simultaneously, from initial client consultation to post-event evaluation.
• Collaborating with clients to design customized menus that meet diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Coordinating with external vendors, suppliers, and event planners to ensure timely delivery of services and resources.
• Developing and maintaining operational budgets, managing costs, and optimizing resource allocation.
• Implementing stringent food safety and hygiene standards across all catering operations.
• Training and managing remote teams of event coordinators and catering staff, ensuring clear communication and task delegation.
• Troubleshooting and resolving any operational challenges or client concerns promptly and effectively.
• Staying abreast of industry trends, innovative menu concepts, and best practices in event catering.
• Conducting post-event analysis to identify areas for improvement and client feedback integration.

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in catering management, with a significant focus on event planning and operations.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale catering events.
• In-depth knowledge of menu planning, food preparation, presentation, and costing.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and sanitation protocols.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and client relationship management abilities.
• Proficiency in using event management software and remote collaboration tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick, effective decisions in a remote setting.
• A passion for creating memorable culinary experiences and exceeding client expectations.

• Nairobi Kenya
• Posted 1 day ago
• Deadline: 05 October 2025
• Partner: CIFOR-ICRAF

CIFOR-ICRAF
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This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the leading science communications programs in the world. The Global Events and Conferences Manager will work with a high-performing, dynamic and creative team and contribute to CIFOR-ICRAF's global efforts to stabilize the climate, reverse biodiversity loss, and improve food security.

We're looking for someone with creative vision and drive, who is a communications all-rounder and experienced manager with a keen eye for detail and quality.

Reporting to the Head of Global Outreach and Engagement, the Global Events and Conferences Manager has a knack for organizing impactful, memorable events around the world with flair. From the small details of events to big-picture overviews, like preparing the global communications strategy and budget forecasting each year for conferences and events, the Global Events and Conferences Manager leads the coordination of internal and external communication, events budget management and overall events logistical support; oversees relevant staff and consultants; and leads the publication and dissemination of knowledge products around events.

The successful candidate will ensure the effective evaluation of CIFOR-ICRAF's global events in alignment with the overall outreach and communications strategy. They will work with the Communications, Outreach and Engagement unit and CIFOR-ICRAF's scientific staff to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of CIFOR-ICRAF's overall investment in events, workshops, and conferences through effective planning and evaluation.

Duties and responsibilities

• Source and implement a digital events platform for all CIFOR-ICRAF digital and hybrid events.
• Develop and execute full communications plans for each event, including briefs, editorial agenda, run-of-show, speaking notes and leading on the communications strategy.
• Liaise with CIFOR-ICRAF scientists to prepare and to assist in drafting concept notes related to CIFOR-ICRAF campaigns, events, online initiatives including events of global significance, Global Landscapes Forum events and regional and thematic events.
• Provide full events planning, implementation, reports, and logistical service to CIFOR-ICRAF's themes and regions and prepare event reports and lessons learnt for knowledge management.
• Build a global events program.
• Manage and report on events budgets.
• Hire and manage event subcontractors.
• Manage consultants and staff involved in CIFOR-ICRAF's global events and ensure effective coordination with scientists and the Communications, Outreach and Engagement unit.
• Serve as a focal point, develop, and manage relationships with stakeholders and partners and organizations related to conferences.
• Manage the preparation and execution of all conference contracts.
• Coordinate the CIFOR-ICRAF's Events Management System, events webpage and events calendar and conduct research to build a more comprehensive event portfolio for the institution to maximize its impact and influence in the agriculture and forestry sectors, and beyond.
• Work closely with fellow CIFOR-ICRAF COE team members

Education, knowledge and experience

• A degree in communications or a related discipline
• At least 5 years experience in global conferences, events planning, logistics and budget management
• Experience in coordinating large conferences involving senior government ministers and in managing attendances of more than 1,000 participants.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position.
• The period of the consultancy is 1 (one) year.
• Work location: Nairobi, Kenya, Bonn, Germany, or similar time zone.

Learn more

• Develop creative, diverse, and cost-effective menu plans for various events and client needs.
• Source high-quality ingredients and negotiate pricing with suppliers.
• Manage catering budgets and ensure profitability for events.
• Coordinate all aspects of catering logistics, including staffing, transportation, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their specific requirements and preferences.
• Oversee the quality and presentation of food served at events.
• Respond promptly to client inquiries and resolve any issues that may arise.
• Conduct virtual tastings or menu presentations when required.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and innovative catering practices.
• Manage inventory of catering supplies and equipment.

• Proven experience in catering management, menu planning, culinary arts, or event management.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and safety standards.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in menu costing and budget management.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for client and team interaction.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• A passion for food and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Culinary degree or relevant certification is a strong asset.

• Plan, organize, and execute virtual conferences, webinars, and other online events from start to finish.
• Liaise with speakers, sponsors, and vendors to coordinate event logistics and ensure all requirements are met.
• Manage event platforms and technologies, ensuring a smooth user experience for all participants.
• Develop event schedules, agendas, and content outlines.
• Create and manage marketing materials and promotional campaigns for events.
• Handle attendee registration, inquiries, and provide ongoing support.
• Monitor event budgets and track expenses.
• Coordinate virtual breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive elements.
• Gather and analyze post-event feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare detailed event reports and conduct debriefings.
• Ensure all virtual events comply with relevant regulations and best practices.
• Manage relationships with virtual event service providers.

• Proven experience in event planning and coordination, with a strong focus on virtual or hybrid events.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using virtual event platforms (e.g., Zoom, Hopin, Bizzabo) and other relevant technologies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a remote environment.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management for events.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with marketing and promotion strategies for events.
• A Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
• A reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace are essential for this role.

• Designing and refining innovative menus for a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions, considering dietary restrictions and client preferences.
• Developing and managing standardized recipes and plating guides to ensure consistency across all catered events.
• Identifying and vetting high-quality, reliable food suppliers and managing procurement processes remotely.
• Implementing stringent food safety and hygiene protocols, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and guiding remote teams on best practices.
• Collaborating with event planners to understand client needs and translate them into memorable culinary offerings.
• Conducting virtual tastings and consultations with clients to finalize menu selections.
• Troubleshooting any culinary-related issues that arise during event execution, providing immediate remote guidance.
• Staying current with food trends, techniques, and industry best practices to continuously elevate the catering service.
• Managing food costs and inventory within budget, optimizing purchasing and minimizing waste.
• Providing training and guidance to remote culinary staff and on-site catering teams as needed.

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Senior Sous Chef, with a strong portfolio of high-end catering or event-based culinary work.
• Demonstrable expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management, even in a remote capacity.
• Excellent understanding of food safety standards and HACCP principles.
• Exceptional creativity and a passion for developing unique and appealing dishes.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in using communication and collaboration tools for remote team management.
• Strong negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing client needs and operational challenges.