Director Food

The opportunity

Delaware North Australia is hiring a full-time Director, Food & Beverage Operations at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Reporting to the General Manager, this is an exceptional leadership opportunity for a seasoned hospitality professional to oversee all food and beverage operations across both scheduled major events and day-to-day venue activities.

This role is about more than managing service. It’s about building strong, trusted relationships internally and externally, leading large and diverse teams, and being the problem-solver who thrives in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of major events. To succeed, you’ll need to inspire people, create alignment across departments, and elevate the guest experience while driving operational excellence and profitability.

What we offer

- Work at one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues, shaping memorable experiences for thousands of guests
- Join a high performing and capable team
- Free Parking and discounted meals
- Join us at Delaware North and be part of a global hospitality leader committed to growth, innovation and investing in people

What will you do?

- Lead, develop, and inspire teams across Food & Beverage, Compliance, Customer Experience, and Workforce Allocations, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence
- Forge trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and our client
- Tackle operational challenges head on, ensuring seamless delivery during major events
- Drive the operational and financial performance of all F&B outlets
- Innovate and enhance guest offerings
- Champion compliance with safety, hygiene, licensing, and regulatory standards
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and reporting
- Be visible and hands-on during major events and weekends, leading your team when it matters most

More about you

- Extensive senior leadership experience in high-volume, high-profile venues and stadium environments, with a proven ability to navigate complex operational landscapes and deliver exceptional outcomes under pressure
- Strong commercial acumen, including full P&L accountability, strategic cost control, and expert-level vendor negotiations that drive profitability and long-term value
- Demonstrated success in elevating guest experiences, championing innovation, and leading transformative change initiatives that enhance brand reputation and operational excellence
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of building trust and influence across cross-functional teams, executive leadership, and external partners
- Outstanding organisational and people leadership, with deep experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams aligned to strategic goals
- Relevant qualifications in hospitality, business, or operations management are highly regarded

Apply now to lead the F&B operations at MCG, and help us deliver unforgettable experiences, every time the crowd takes their seat.

The application period will close on 07/10/2025, unless sufficient qualified candidates are identified sooner.

Who we are

With a capacity of more than 100,000, the MCG is the largest sporting stadium in the Southern Hemisphere. This iconic venue isn't just about sports; it's a cultural hub that hosts multiple Australian Football League teams, cricket matches, concerts, and an array of special events and non-event-day functions. Join a dynamic team at the heart of Melbourne's vibrant entertainment scene, where every day brings new excitement and challenges.

Our business is all about people, and that includes you. At Delaware North, you’re not just part of a team — you’re part of a global legacy: a family-owned company with 100+ years of history behind it. Our operations span the world, offering you unique paths to growth and success.

Who says you can’t love where you work? With jobs in iconic sports arenas, stunning national parks, exciting casinos, and more, we pride ourselves on giving the world great times in great places. And whether you’re interested in restaurants, hotels, sports, gaming, operations, or retail, part-time or full-time, we’re invested in helping you achieve your career goals.

Together, we’re shaping the future of hospitality — come grow with us

At Delaware North Australia & New Zealand, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, orientations, and experiences. Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and thrives on collaboration.

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