Assistant Director Retail Operations

**Employment Type**:Ongoing

**Classification**: Parliamentary Executive Level 1

**Closing Date**: 11:30pm AEDT, 2 May 2025

**The Opportunity**:
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 1 Assistant Director Retail Operations within Commercial Operations Branch. The iconic building welcomes over 725,000 visitors each year including some 127,000 school children. It is home to some 1,300 people working across the building, rising to more than 3,500 people on sitting days and peaking at around 10,000 people in the building on the busiest day of the year.

Australian Parliament House (APH) Canberra is the meeting place of our nation and is one of our nation's most important buildings. This position offers you the chance to be a part of democracy in action. The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) supports the functions of the Australian Parliament and the work of parliamentarians.

The APH Catering and Events Team delivers high quality food and beverage services to building occupants and visitors. Services will be delivered through a range of venues, multiple kitchens and retail outlets that include amazing venues for function catering, a la carte, bistro, café (building occupants and public facing). Peak service times are Monday - Thursday on parliamentary sitting weeks (approximately 20 weeks per year) and Australian Parliament House is open every day except Christmas Day.

The successful applicant will have professional experience in managing small to large venues, retail catering operations and managing a team to deliver results. Australian Parliament House consists of four retail outlets.

This role will work closely with the Executive Chef and wider Catering and Events team to provide high quality experiences to internal stakeholders and visitors to APH. They will also have the skills and attributes needed to deliver high quality catering outcomes for DPS.

**Who we are looking for**:
We are seeking an industry leader with acute organisational and communication skills, including the experience and ability to service multi-faceted operations. You should have proven experience in leading teams to meet a high level of performance across service quality and innovation, service standards, financial acumen in the back of house operation, and operational commitments.

The successful applicant is required to actively participate in service during peak periods to ensure smooth operations and exceptional customer service, provide support to staff and address any immediate issues that may arise.

**Job Specific Requirements**:

- This role is physical in nature.
- Academic qualifications in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
- A current Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate. If not currently held, this certificate must be obtained within two weeks of commencing in the role and be maintained.
- The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

**Duty Statement**:
**Classification**:Parliamentary Executive Level 1

**Branch**:Commercial Operations Branch

**Section**:APH Catering

**Immediate supervisor**:Executive Chef

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Executive Level 1 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Retail team and Back of House team to ensure the delivery of ongoing high-quality services for Australian Parliament House (APH), including management of DPS staff and Labour Hire, appropriate training to deliver services, leave arrangements and performance.
- Ensure experiences across retail outlets meet the needs of Parliamentarians, staff and clients maintaining a high standard of catering service. Training of Front of House Retail staff to maintain and enforce service and presentation standards across all areas of responsibility.
- Prepare, manage and review the provision of high-level information, communication and correspondence including briefings, reports, menus, and marketing campaigns to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of written information.
- Support the Executive Chef and overall Catering, Retail and Events team by anticipating services required to optimise time management, productivity, and ensuring deliverables are achieved.
- Assist in developing and implementing departmental plans and goals in alignment with organisational objectives.
- Contribute to and lead projects in the Retail and Kitchen section, including physical infrastructure and/or system upgrades.
- Undertake asset management, stocktake, contract management and procurement activities in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.
- Lead business development efforts and manage performance reports related