Job Description
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.
