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Catering Operational Manager - Aged Care

Tradewind Australia
Canberra, ACT
A$100,000-$110,000 p/a + Salary packaging
Hospitality & Tourism → Chefs/Cooks
Full-time
On-site

Posted 14 hours ago


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.


About Tradewind Australia

Sunshine West, VIC, Australia

This company does not have any further information provided at this time. We encourage you to research the company by searching for them to learn more about the company or role in question before applying.

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