Catering Operations Manager |Maternity Cover|

About Us: At Absolute Caterers Ltd, we are dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences based on our core values of Trust, Worth, Service, and Transformation. We foster an environment of respect, responsibility, and professionalism, both within our team and in our partnerships with the communities we serve. Our services include managing catering for Palmerston North City Council, operating a café within the Council building, and providing food and beverage services for various venues, including the Palmerston North Conference & Function Centre and Central Energy Trust Arena.

The Maternity cover is for 14 months, commencing November 2024.



Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of event booking, contracting, and management related to our catering services. This role is essential for ensuring the successful execution of events and leading a dedicated team.



Key Responsibilities:

Foster strong relationships with staff to ensure effective catering management and delivery.
Oversee all catering management and facility bookings for The Central Energy Trust Arena, The Palmy Conference & Function Centre, out catering, and the PNCC cafeteria operations.
Manage all client catering requirements, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Lead the management team in daily operations to ensure efficient catering management and delivery.
Supervise staff to meet client requirements during events.
Manage budgets for catering operations, including oversight of purchase orders and invoicing.
Assist in developing weekly/monthly operational plans and budgets.
Support contracting and management of all service provider contracts.
Contribute to the formulation of business strategies and objectives.
Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and standards.
Build and maintain strong client and internal relationships to ensure a high level of service.
Knowledge and Experience:

Relevant qualification and/or a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the hospitality, catering, or events industry.
Minimum 2 years of management experience.
Proven experience in budget management and staff management.
Strong community and stakeholder relationship management skills.
Duty Manager's Certificate
Full NZ driver’s license.
Knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements.
Skills and Attributes:

Strong risk management abilities and high initiative.
Excellent communication skills across diverse backgrounds.
Detail-oriented with self-checking procedures for quality assurance.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), Point of Sale (POS) software, and social media.
Ability to build constructive relationships and provide excellent customer service.
Highly organized, able to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism.
Hours of Work:

This role requires a flexible approach, with the ability to work outside of normal hours to meet event demands. Time in lieu arrangements will be made on an event-by-event basis.
The position also requires availability on-call for emergencies or security-related situations.
If you are passionate about delivering exceptional service and thrive in a dynamic environment, please email your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to mailto:manager.pn@absolutecaterers.co.nz.