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

• Consult with clients to understand their event requirements, dietary needs, and budget constraints.
• Develop creative and customized menu proposals, ensuring culinary excellence and feasibility.
• Source and manage relationships with reputable food and beverage suppliers and other vendors.
• Coordinate staffing needs, including hiring, training, and managing catering teams for events.
• Oversee event logistics, including setup, service execution, and breakdown, ensuring smooth operations.
• Develop and manage catering budgets, controlling costs while maintaining profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Conduct pre-event briefings with staff and post-event debriefings to identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain high standards of presentation and service delivery for all catered events.
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise during events to ensure client satisfaction.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and successful delivery of all catering events.
• Manage and motivate a team of catering staff, including chefs, servers, and event coordinators.
• Develop and maintain high standards for food preparation, presentation, and service.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and preferences, providing expert recommendations.
• Source and manage relationships with food suppliers and other vendors to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and manage catering budgets, ensuring profitability and adherence to financial targets.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and hygiene standards in all catering operations.
• Conduct regular site inspections and post-event evaluations to ensure client satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage inventory of food, beverages, and supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends, event planning innovations, and industry best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during events to ensure seamless execution.
• Train and develop catering staff to enhance their skills and performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in catering management, event planning, or hospitality operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience managing large-scale events and diverse catering requirements.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Proficiency in event management software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.
• Experience in a remote-first or hybrid work environment is beneficial.

• 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.

• Oversee all aspects of catering operations, including event planning, execution, and client management.
• Develop innovative and appealing menus based on client requirements and market trends.
• Manage event budgets, ensuring profitability while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Source and manage relationships with suppliers, vendors, and contractors.
• Ensure impeccable food quality, presentation, and service delivery.
• Supervise and train catering staff, fostering a positive and efficient work environment.
• Conduct site inspections and coordinate event logistics, including venue setup and staffing.
• Respond to client inquiries and provide exceptional customer service throughout the planning process.
• Implement and enforce health, safety, and hygiene standards in all catering operations.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and cost control for food, beverages, and supplies.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote catering services.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and gather client feedback for continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on the latest trends in the culinary and event industries.
• Handle any operational challenges or client issues with professionalism and efficiency.

• Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in catering management or event planning.
• Proven track record of successfully managing high-profile events and diverse clientele.
• Strong culinary knowledge and experience with menu development.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency in event planning software and tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote setting and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Experience with budget management and financial reporting.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences.

• 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.