Job Description
Catering Operations Manager
Pay: $100,000 - $110 000 + Super
Location: Farrer, Canberra
Employment Type: Full-time - Permanent
Tradewind Australia is recruiting a Catering Operations Manager for a well-established aged care organisation in Canberra. This newly created leadership role is perfect for an experienced hospitality or healthcare catering professional ready to step into a broader operational and strategic position, making a real impact on resident dining experiences.
If you have experience leading food services in aged care, hospitals, or large commercial kitchens, and are passionate about improving the quality, consistency, and innovation of catering services, this role offers an excellent next step.
About the Role
You'll oversee catering services across multiple residential sites, driving improvements in food quality, compliance, workflow, and team capability. Reporting within Corporate Services, you'll work closely with senior leadership, clinical teams, and site managers to lift the dining experience for residents and strengthen service consistency.
This position is suited to someone who understands food safety and dietary requirements, enjoys leading and mentoring teams, and is confident improving systems and bringing structure and accountability to operations.
Benefits
Competitive salary package based on experience
Strong organisational support, mentoring, and funded training
Opportunity to shape a new leadership role and influence service design
Stable and well-resourced aged care provider
Modern office facilities and on-site parking
Flexible relocation support options
Key Responsibilities
Lead the delivery of catering services across multiple sites
Support and develop chefs, cooks, catering attendants, and kitchen staff
Oversee menu quality, food safety, HACCP, IDDSI standards, and audit readiness
Collaborate with clinical teams to meet dietary and nutritional requirements
Drive improvements in workflow, consistency, and resident satisfaction
Manage performance, rosters, KPIs, and workforce capability
Oversee procurement, stock control, and cost management
Lead continuous improvement initiatives and implement service innovation
Maintain accurate documentation, reporting, and compliance requirements
What You'll Bring
Essential
Leadership experience in a large-scale kitchen, aged care, hospital, or commercial catering environment
Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and health regulations
Experience with dietary requirements, IDDSI, and nutrition standards
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and improve team performance
Skills in rostering, procurement, budgeting, and workflow management
Excellent communication skills and confidence working with clinical and corporate stakeholders
Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery and Food Safety Supervisor
Desirable
Experience in aged care or healthcare catering
Exposure to audits, compliance frameworks, and quality systems
Ability to take on a multi-site, strategic leadership role
About the Organisation
The employer is a long-standing aged care provider supporting residents across Canberra and surrounding regions. With continued organisational growth, strong internal support, and modern facilities, they offer a stable and collaborative environment for an experienced catering professional looking to advance their leadership career.
About Tradewind Australia
Tradewind Australia is a multi-award-winning recruitment agency, recognised nationally for delivering exceptional candidate experience across the education, social and community services sectors. We partner with leading organisations across Victoria to connect skilled professionals with roles that align with their values, strengths, and long-term career goals.
What sets Tradewind apart:
Winner of multiple Candidate Experience Awards
Specialist consultants with deep sector expertise
Tailored support throughout the entire recruitment process
Insight into organisational culture, leadership, and role expectations
Transparent communication and ongoing post-placement care
We focus on supporting people, not just filling jobs.
Apply Now
If you're a senior chef, kitchen manager, or catering leader ready to transition into a broader operational and strategic position, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply with your CV and a short cover letter, or contact our team at on 1800 989 025 for a confidential chat.
Commitment to Safety and Inclusion
Tradewind Australia is committed to the safety and wellbeing of older people and vulnerable individuals. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and those from culturally diverse communities.
