Food & Beverage Operations Manager- Aged Care

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 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr