Mess Manager

Full job description
Mess Manager
ESS Defence | Remote & Defence Sites

ESS delivers essential hospitality and support services to Defence sites across Australia. From mess halls to large-scale catering and events, our teams play a vital role in supporting Defence communities every day.

As the Manager – Mess, you will be responsible for leading and managing all catering and mess operations on site, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality food services that meet contractual, client, and Defence standards. This role is ideal for an experienced hospitality leader who thrives in structured, high-compliance environments and enjoys leading teams to consistently deliver excellent service.

Key Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day mess and catering operations, including food production, meal services, buffets, bars, and functions
Lead, coach, and develop kitchen and front-of-house teams to meet operational, safety, and service expectations
Ensure all food safety, WHS, hygiene, and Defence site requirements are met at all times
Oversee food production, service standards, workflow, and cleanliness across all mess facilities
Maintain high levels of customer and client satisfaction, including attendance at mess committee meetings
Manage budgets, labour, stock control, and financial reporting, including stocktakes and commercial reporting
Plan and deliver catering for events and functions, including quoting, operational planning, and invoicing
Oversee facilities associated with mess operations, including asset registers and maintenance logs
Promote and embed ESS and Compass Group’s Safety Culture, ensuring compliance and proactive risk management
Prepare and submit required operational, financial, and HSEQ reports
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience in hospitality or catering management, ideally within Defence, remote, or high-volume environments
Strong leadership skills with demonstrated experience managing and developing teams
Sound financial and operational acumen, including budgeting, labour management, and stock control
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Strong knowledge of food safety, WHS, and compliance requirements
Ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism and a positive approach
Certificate III in Hospitality (minimum) or equivalent qualification
Food Safety Supervisor qualification (or ability to obtain)
Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification
Australian Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Police Check and Defence security clearance
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
Experience in Defence environments and understanding of Defence protocols
Function and event catering experience
Certificate IV in Hospitality (Supervision)
Prior WHS and Food Safety training or accreditation
First Aid certification
Strong computer and reporting skills, including financial systems
The Benefits
Lead a critical catering operation within a key Defence environment
Job security and career development opportunities with Compass Group
Access to extensive training, leadership, and development programs
Supportive, safety-focused, and professional team environment

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all. If you require adjustments or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process, please reach out to us on either 1300TALENT or?careers@compass-group.com.au.?

Our people’s unique backgrounds, experience, and abilities are at the heart of our vibrant workforce. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the diverse communities that we serve, where everyone feels empowered and valued. By building diverse teams means we are creating inclusive environments for all our people and those we connect with through our day-to-day operation. We welcome & encourage applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all backgrounds, ages, ****** orientation, gender expressions, gender identity and people with disability.?

 
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