Café & Catering Manager

About us

Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes, quality of life and a better way to learn. Our world-ranked research is driving positive impact for our communities, environment and economy.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.

About the opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Café & Catering Manager to oversee the daily operations of the café and catering services at our Lismore campus. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-paced, small team environment, working alongside a Head Chef and casual staff. You won't just manage from the back office—this role is front-and-centre in café operations. You'll be greeting and serving customers, making coffee, and ensuring a great experience for students, staff, and visitors.

In this role, you will:

• Enjoy regular hours: 7:30am–3:30pm weekdays – no early morning or late-night shifts
• Work shoulder-to-shoulder with your team, leading by example.
• Oversee staff performance, recruitment, training, and roster management to maintain smooth operations.
• Oversee daily operations including rostering, stock ordering, catering coordination, and financial management.
• Ensure smooth service and compliance with food safety, WHS, and licensing requirements.

This is a unique chance to help shape the café's future. Be part of growing and evolving the café – with the opportunity to contribute to ideas like trivia nights and reconnecting with the wider community.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will bring leadership experience in hospitality and/or catering with strong organisational skills and a genuine pride in the café you run. You thrive in fast-paced environments and are adept at managing both people and operations under pressure. You will also enjoy being part of the action, whether it's making coffee, serving customers or keeping things running smoothly. More specifically, you will have:

• A qualification in a relevant field and a minimum three (3) years relevant experience in a supervisory/management role in the hospitality industry.
• Must hold current NSW RSA Competency Card, and a Working with Children Check clearance.
• Proven experience managing café or catering operations, including staff recruitment, training, and rostering.
• Proficiency in financial management, with an understanding of invoicing procedures, tracking expenses, and managing cash flow.
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, including WHS, liquor licensing requirements and food handling.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain a positive and professional relationship with your manager and broader team.
• Basic administrative skills, including email communication, reporting, and maintaining records.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow and uphold established processes and procedures.

Salary and benefits

This position is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at Lismore, NSW 2480.
• The base salary will be in accordance with the Hospitality Industry (General) Award Food and Beverage Supervisor, plus employer's contribution to superannuation.

Find out more about working at SCU by visiting Why Work at SCU.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the role statement by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with ongoing work rights in Australia. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Further information

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Closing Date: 11.30pm AEDT, 8 June 2025

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University's campuses are located.

The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are LGBTQI .

We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.

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