Catering Operational Manager

This is a senior operational leadership role ideal for professionals with a background as a Food & Beverage Director, Executive Chef, or Catering Manager who are ready to apply their expertise in a meaningful care environment.

You'll bring together culinary excellence, business acumen, and people leadership to deliver high-quality, resident-focused catering services that meet regulatory standards and exceed expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Oversee catering operations across all residential aged care sites, ensuring consistent quality and service excellence.
• Apply strong commercial and business acumen to drive efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of catering strategies and KPIs in line with organisational goals.
• Maintain a strong presence "on the floor," supporting and guiding teams through daily operations.
• Foster a positive, safety-focused, and resident-centred service culture.

Service Quality and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP, and aged care regulatory standards.
• Maintain high standards in food quality, nutrition, and presentation tailored to residents' needs.
• Oversee continuous improvement programs to enhance the overall dining experience.
• Manage feedback and complaints with professionalism and a solutions-based approach.

People and Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing team of chefs, cooks, and catering attendants.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and growth within the catering workforce.
• Manage rostering, workforce planning, and training to ensure quality and consistency across sites.
• Drive performance management, mentoring, and succession planning initiatives.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage catering budgets and monitor financial performance to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Oversee procurement, supplier management, and inventory control to maintain quality and sustainability.
• Implement strategies to minimise waste and optimise resource use.
• Utilise data and reporting tools to inform operational and financial decision-making.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including site managers, clinical teams, and allied health professionals.
• Represent the catering function in organisational meetings and contribute to strategic projects.
• Work collaboratively across departments to deliver an integrated, high-quality resident experience.

About You:

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Catering or Commercial Cookery (minimum).
• Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).
• Current C-Class Driver's Licence.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant leadership experience as a Food & Beverage Director, Executive Chef, or Catering Operations Manager.
• Proven track record managing large-scale food and beverage operations particularly within residential aged care and/or premium hotel environments.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and drive operational improvements.
• Deep understanding of HACCP, WHS, and aged care regulatory standards.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to identify operational gaps and implement sustainable, innovative solutions.

Highly Valued Experience

• Previous experience in residential aged care catering is highly regarded.
• Experience in hotel, resort, or premium hospitality operations is also highly valued and transferable to this role.

Personal Attributes

• Ethical, professional, and trustworthy in all interactions.
• Calm under pressure with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptable, energetic, and motivated to lead change.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for service quality and resident satisfaction.

Additional Requirements

This role requires a current National Police Check and may require additional clearances under relevant aged care legislation.

Why Join Us?

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hospitality leader to make a meaningful impact in residential aged care. You'll combine your culinary and business expertise to create a dining experience that supports residents' health, dignity, and enjoyment every day.