Catering jobs in Turkey 2024 | jobs opportunities here

Are you thinking about going into catering as a career? Or are you currently employed in the industry and seeking new prospects? If so, you’re at the proper spot. The goal of this article, “Catering Jobs in Turkey 2024,” is to provide you with a thorough rundown of the present situation of the Turkish catering market, including the newest job openings, qualifications needed, and the highest-paying roles.

The catering industry is experiencing a global surge in demand, driven by factors such as an increase in events, a growing preference for outsourcing food services, and the rise of the middle class. This growth is particularly evident in Turkey, where the sector offers a wide range of employment options. From executive chefs to restaurant managers, the opportunities are vast and varied. But what qualifications and skills are required? And what are the top-paying positions? This article will answer all these questions and more.

We will also examine the most current openings in the Turkish catering sector. Regardless of your level of experience, this knowledge will be very helpful to you in your job hunt. So, if you’re prepared to advance in your catering profession, continue reading to learn about the fascinating prospects that Turkey has in store for you.

Rising Demand for Catering Services

The demand for catering services is indeed on the rise globally. Here are some key factors contributing to this trend:

Increasing Number of Events: With the rise in corporate events, weddings, parties, and social gatherings, the demand for professional catering services is growing.
Outsourcing Food Services: More and more organizations and individuals are preferring to outsource food services for convenience and quality, which is driving the demand for catering services.
Customization and Specialization: Catering companies are now offering customized and specialized services to meet diverse dietary preferences and cultural requirements, further enhancing their appeal.
Technological Integration: The use of technology, such as online ordering systems and mobile applications, has made it easier for customers to avail catering services and streamlined operations for providers.
Rising Middle Class: The growing middle-class population globally is leading to an increase in disposable income and a willingness to spend on quality food services.
Increasing Role of Technology: The integration of technology in the catering industry is making services more efficient and accessible.

Top paying Catering jobs in Turkey

The catering sector in Turkey provides a wide range of employment options. These are a few of the highest-paying positions in the catering industry:

Executive Chef: They run the kitchen, plan the menu, and ensure the quality of the food. The average salary for an Executive Chef is around 5,660 Turkish Lira (TL) per month.
Restaurant Manager: They oversee the operation of restaurants or other food service establishments. They also ensure customer satisfaction, manage staff, and meet business objectives.
Food and Beverage Director: They are responsible for all food and beverage operations in a business. This includes the planning, organizing, and managing of all food and beverage services.
Catering Manager: They plan, organize, and develop the food and beverage services of organizations and businesses while meeting customer expectations, food and hygiene standards, and financial targets.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Here are some general qualifications and skills required for catering jobs in Turkey:

Memory: Catering jobs often involve fulfilling orders for many people. A good memory can help you keep track of these customers easily.
Communication: Strong communication skills help you interact with customers and receive orders. When the day of delivery or the event arrives, communication skills help you ensure a smooth operation.
Teamwork: Catering professionals use this skill to work collaboratively with other members of the catering staff. Effective teamwork helps you work toward a common goal more efficiently.
Transportation: This skill helps you travel to various catering events. Typically, caterers create dishes in a kitchen and transport them to a different location for an event.
Hygiene standards: Since professionals in the catering industry work with food, they need to maintain high standards of hygiene. This can ensure the safe handling of various foods and dishes.

For specific roles, additional qualifications and skills may be required. For example, an Executive Chef would need culinary skills and experience, while a Restaurant Manager would need leadership and business management skills. It’s also worth noting that some positions may require relevant certifications or degrees.

Turkey’s most recent catering jobs

Here are some of the latest catering jobs available in Turkey:

Receptionist (m/f/d) at ROBINSON CAMYUVA in Kemer.
Waiter at ETHNO HOTELS in Antalya.
Head Hostess at SWOT Hospitality in Antalya.
Chef De Cuisine at SWOT Hospitality in Istanbul.
Demi chef de partie at SWOT Hospitality in Antalya.
Finance Clerk at Accor HQ in Izmir.
Commis I at Accor HQ in Istanbul.
Chef de Partie at Accor HQ in Istanbul.
Steward at Accor HQ in Istanbul.
Spa Attendant at Accor HQ in Istanbul

Certifications that are often required for catering jobs

Here are some of the common certifications that are often required or preferred for catering jobs:

1. Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE):

This certification is offered by the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). It focuses on key areas such as leadership, strategic planning, marketing, human resources, and food production.

2. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification:

This certification is offered by the National Restaurant Association. It’s designed to help professionals understand and implement food safety practices.

3. Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP):

This certification is offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It’s designed for professionals in the events industry.

4. Certified Catering Executive (CCE):

This certification is offered by the American Culinary Federation. It’s designed for professionals in the catering industry.

5. Certified Hospitality Catering Executive (CHCE):

This certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. It’s designed for professionals in the hospitality industry.

6. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP):

This certification is offered by the Events Industry Council. It’s designed for professionals in the meeting, convention, exhibition, and event industry.

7. Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE):

This certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. It’s designed for professionals in the food and beverage industry.

8. Certified Banquet Manager (CBM):

This certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. It’s designed for professionals in the banquet industry.

9. Certified Event Planning Specialist (CEPS):

This certification is offered by the National Career Certification Board (NCCB). It’s designed for professionals in the event planning industry

The mean income of Turkish caterers

In Turkey, employment in the food, hospitality, tourism, and catering sectors—which includes catering positions—pays an average of 5,390 TRY a month. This amount shows the median pay including housing, transportation, and other benefits. In this field, there are notable differences in pay across different occupations in Turkey.

Please be aware that the pay shown above is gross compensation—that is, the wage before taxes. It is challenging to determine the net wage after taxes for any job with accuracy because taxes might vary significantly between industries and geographical areas.

Standing out in the competitive job market

Standing out in a competitive job market requires a combination of skills, experiences, and strategies. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

Be patient: Job searching can take time, especially in a competitive market. Celebrate minor accomplishments like receiving an interview or making a useful new professional connection.
Get Relevant Work Experience: Securing related experience can help you stand out from the competition. This could be through internships, entry-level roles, or assistant work.
Engage in Volunteer Work: Volunteer work can be a great way to gain experience and a competitive edge.
Show Your Impact with Numbers: Focus on results rather than responsibilities in your resume. Employers are more interested in the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
Polish Your Personal Brand: Create a memorable presence in your field. When a recruiter comes across your profile, resume, or comment on a post, they should be able to gain insight into who you are as a professional.
Fully Utilize LinkedIn: As the professional social media tool of choice, LinkedIn can help you connect with potential employers, expand your network, and learn about new opportunities

Turkish catering occupations’ typical work hours

For occupations in Turkey, including those in the culinary industry, a typical workweek consists of 45 hours. The distribution of these hours over the week is flexible, though. Workers must refrain from exceeding 11 hours of labor in a single day. Remember that these are only suggestions and that real working hours may change based on the nature of the position and the regulations of the company.

Opportunities for freelance catering professionals in Turkey

There are several platforms where freelance catering professionals can find job opportunities in Turkey. Here are a few of them:

Workana: This platform offers a variety of freelance and remote jobs in Turkey, including in the catering sector.
Facebook Groups: There are specific groups like “Freelance & Part-Time Jobs Turkey” where job offers from companies based in Turkey are posted.
Upwork: This is a global freelancing platform where businesses and independent professionals connect and collaborate remotely. You can find Turkish jobs here.

In addition to these, there are also local catering companies like Elzem Catering, Chef Catering Yemek Fabrikası, Gurmem Catering, and Kayseri yemek catering that might have freelance opportunities.

Opportunities for career growth in the Turkish catering industry

The Turkish catering industry offers significant opportunities for career growth. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Growing Industry:

The Turkish catering industry recorded a turnover of $22 billion last year. Over 5,000 firms with 400,000 employees work in this industry, making 6 million meals daily. This indicates a thriving industry with potential for career advancement.

2. Standards and Regulations:

The industry has reached a high standard with the joint efforts of the Turkish Catering Industrialists Federation (YESIDEF) and Turkey’s Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock. This has led to the implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP), which ensures food safety and quality.

3. International Recognition:

The standards of Turkey’s catering industry are higher than those of European Union countries, and Turkish catering companies are improving swiftly. This international recognition can open doors for career growth both within and outside of Turkey.

4. Economic Contribution:

The hospitality industry, which includes catering, is a significant contributor to Turkey’s GDP. The market size of hospitality in Turkey is estimated at USD 5.58 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6.83 billion by 2029. This growth indicates potential opportunities for career advancement in the sector.

5. Foodservice Market Growth:

The Turkey Foodservice Market size, which includes catering, is estimated at 13.88 billion USD in 2024 and is expected to reach 24.10 billion USD by 2029. This rapid growth suggests ample opportunities for career progression in the catering industry.

FAQs

The following are frequently asked questions (FAQs):

What jobs can foreigners get in Turkey?

Foreigners in Turkey find jobs in different sectors in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir where international companies are located. Jobs for foreigners in Turkey include airport, holiday or hotel reps, bar staff, teaching English, and internet freelancing.

Which job is most in demand in Turkey?

The most in-demand jobs in Turkey include engineering, programming, information technology, sales, and management. According to the ManpowerGroup, the 3rd largest staffing firm in the world, 66% of Turkish employers are having difficulty filling jobs, especially in engineering, as well as accounting and finance.

Is it difficult to get a job in Turkey?

Getting a job in Turkey isn’t easy, particularly for foreigners, as not too many companies give out work visas. However, it’s not impossible to get a job in Turkey, particularly if you have skills that are in high demand. According to the ManpowerGroup, 66% of Turkish employers are having difficulty filling jobs.

When can you get a job in Turkey?

You won’t require a residence permit at the time of application if you are applying from overseas. First and foremost, if you are in Turkey, you must have a valid residency visa that is good for at least six months. Your company can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to start the work permit application procedure if you have a residence visa valid for at least six months.

Can I get a job in Turkey from Nigeria?

Yes, you can get a job in Turkey from Nigeria. Securing a job in a foreign country can be an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. Your prospective employer in Turkey must initiate the work permit application process on your behalf. They will submit the necessary documents to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to obtain a work permit. These documents typically include your employment contract, educational certificates, and a valid passport.

Which city of Turkey has more job opportunities?

Job opportunities are mostly available in the main three cities: Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir³. Istanbul is the most active city in terms of exporting and importing, services, food business, and manufacturing so it has more job opportunities than other cities.

How much does Turkey pay per hour?

The minimum hourly wage in Turkey is 45 TRY/hour (approximately 2.33 USD)⁴. This is significantly lower than in western countries like the United States (7.25 USD/hour) and the United Kingdom (11.56 USD/hour).

Can a foreigner easily get a job in Turkey?

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What jobs can English people do in Turkey?

English-speaking foreign workers are in high demand in the teaching and tourism industries. Fluency in Turkish is not essential, but a good grasp of the language is helpful to succeed in most jobs. Other popular jobs for foreigners in Turkey include airport, holiday or hotel reps, bar staff, and internet freelancing.

We hope this article will serve as a valuable resource in your journey toward success in the catering industry.