FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER – FULL TIME – KOKODA BARRACKS (CANUNGRA)

Leadership Opportunity | Defence Hospitality | Career Growth

• Lead food and beverage operations at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra
• Develop and support a high-performing hospitality team
• Drive service excellence and operational performance
• Career development opportunities within ESS Defence and Compass Group

ESS Defence delivers exceptional hospitality and support services to Defence sites across Australia. Our teams play a vital role in supporting Australian Defence Force personnel through high-quality food, dining and hospitality experiences.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Food & Beverage Manager to join our team at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a hospitality professional who enjoys leading people, building strong relationships, delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining high operational standards.

THE POSITION

• Lead, coach and develop hospitality team
• Oversee daily food and beverage, dining and service operations
• Drive a positive team culture focused on engagement, accountability and service excellence
• Manage rostering, workforce planning and team performance
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP and service requirements
• Coordinate functions, events and hospitality requirements
• Manage stock control, operational costs and service standards
• Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness and operational efficiency
• Build strong relationships with Defence stakeholders, customers and internal teams

THE PERSON

• Proven experience in food and beverage management or hospitality leadership
• Strong people management, coaching and development skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management
• Experience with rostering, workforce planning and operational management
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Professional, proactive and customer-focused approach
• Current driver's licence preferred
• Ability to obtain and maintain a National Police Check and Defence clearance

BENEFITS

• Full-time leadership opportunity
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Career progression pathways within Compass Group
• Supportive and structured team environment
• On-site parking available
• Uniforms and meals provided while on duty
• Employee discounts, benefits and recognition programs

Apply now to join our team at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra and play a key role in delivering exceptional hospitality services to Australian Defence Force personnel.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check and Defence clearance.

We are committed to a fair and accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact 1300TALENT or careers@compass-group.com.au.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and from people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. We also welcome applications from Veterans and Defence family members.