Manager of Catering Services

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council Group Shared Services is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Manager Catering Services to lead and optimise catering delivery (retail and functions) across the group and wider region.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing a high-performing, financially sustainable, customer-focused catering operation that supports workplace experience, kaimahi engagement, and internal functions and events. You’ll lead a team of four direct reports and 27 indirect reports, ensuring quality service delivery across all sites.

Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead and optimise the Group Shared Services catering delivery model to leverage scale 
• Ensure services are delivered efficiently and effectively, aligned to strategic direction
• Deliver quality, customer-focused and financially sustainable catering solutions
• Manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and performance measures
• Oversee procurement, vendor management and contractual performance
• Ensure emergency and disaster catering requirements are met when required
• Support workplace experience and cultural initiatives and internal functions 
• Recruit, build and develop an effective team
• Drive performance, accountability and continuous improvement

You will role model “health and safety starts with me” and ensure proactive management of risk and food safety obligations.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are a senior leader with extensive experience in hospitality, retail, tourism or food services environments. You bring commercial discipline, strong operational leadership and a focus on delivering high-quality customer experiences.

You will have:

• 10+ years’ senior management experience in hospitality, retail, food business, tourism or equivalent
• Experience developing and implementing efficient, commercially sound operating models
• Strong financial and budget management capability
• Experience managing SLAs and performance targets
• Vendor and contract management experience
• Experience in procurement, food safety and liquor legislation
• A strong customer service focus and the ability to manage diverse stakeholder expectations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• A relevant business or hospitality qualification
• A current driver’s licence

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll be part of an organisation that serves the people of Auckland. We offer:

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Application close date: Tuesday 10th of March

Salary Band:H

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.