Job Description

Food Connect Shed is looking for an entrepreneurial Venue & Operations Manager to take ownership of the commercial growth and day-to-day operation of our unique community-owned food hub in Salisbury.

n

This is much more than a venue management role.

n

We need someone who loves a challenge, can look across an already busy but underutilised warehouse, with spare storage capacity, commercial zones, event spaces, hospitality operations and food-enterprise opportunities and ask: How can we make this work for impact - and how can we grow sustainable revenue from it?

n

The Opportunity

n

The Food Connect Shed was founded in 2018 by the Food Connect Foundation, a not-for-profit working in food system advocacy and education which has supported over 100 enterprises and initiatives.

n

It is a community-owned social enterprise and regional food hub incorporating:

n

n
- commercial, office and retail tenancies;
n
- warehousing and storage;
n
- venue and event spaces;
n
- hospitality;
n
- food enterprises; and
n
- community activity.
n

n

A significant proportion of our physical assets is currently underutilised.

n

Your primary responsibility will be to unlock that potential to grow sustainable revenue and build impact, while ensuring the entire Shed operates safely, efficiently and professionally.

n

What You'll Own

n

You will have responsibility for:

n

n
- growing venue hire and event revenue;
n
- building financial strength across tenancies, storage, venue hire, events and other commercial opportunities;
n
- enhancing and balancing a solid commercial pipeline with the vision of the Shed;
n
- physically organising and optimising warehouse and storage areas;
n
- developing new leases and collaborations on the underutilised-spaces;
n
- managing existing tenants and attracting new ones;
n
- overseeing construction projects, facilities management, maintenance and contractors;
n
- managing operational budgets, costs and relevant P&L; performance;
n
- leading staff, casuals, contractors and volunteers as required; and
n




- providing clear commercial and operational reporting to the Interim Managing Director and Board.
n

n

Who We're Looking For

n

We are looking for an experienced social enterprise / commercial operator, not simply someone who can coordinate a venue.

n

Ideally, you have run your own business or managed a business unit where you were directly responsible for revenue, costs, people and operational results.

n

You will bring:

n

n
- at least five years' relevant senior operational or commercial experience;
n
- demonstrated success growing profitability or developing new business;
n
- strong commercial and financial capability;
n
- experience managing a physical site, venue, warehouse, property or similar operation;
n
- stable people, contractor and stakeholder-management skills;
n
- excellent organisation and problem-solving capability;
n
- confidence working independently and making decisions; and
n
- the flexibility to manage the needs of a seven-day operation.
n

n

Experience across warehousing, storage, property, hospitality, events, food enterprises, social enterprise or community-owned organisations will be highly regarded.

n

Qualifications:

n

This is an exciting opportunity for a mature professional to improve and develop the processes and policies of an innovative and progressive business model for the long term benefit of the community.

n

Experience and Skills

n

n
- A strong commitment to the mission and values of Food Connect Shed
n
- An excellent understanding of Workplace Health and Safety and Food Safety standards and ability to prioritise actions according to budget priorities
n
- Demonstrated experience in at least two of these areas: social enterprise development, project coordination,



management in a retail or food related industry, food systems or food value chain coordination.
n
- Warehousing and Third Party Logistics experience. Have current drivers licence and forklift licence - or willing to obtain.
n
- Competence in commonly used computing applications, particularly email, spreadsheet, Xero and word processing applications.
n
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in managing a food business or similar senior role making business decisions to a tight budget.
n
- Experience working with people in cross-cultural settings and a demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, access and community participation.
n

n

Standards

n

The Food Hub Manager's performance will be evaluated against the following standards:

n

n
- The goals of Food Connect Shed's strategic plan are achieved
n
- Relevant legislation and regulatory standards
n

n

How the Role Works

n

Food Connect Shed operates seven days a week, so this is not a conventional Monday-to-Friday desk role.

n

You will have significant autonomy to structure your week around the needs of the business. You are not expected to personally work seven days a week, but you will be accountable for ensuring the right people, systems and operational coverage are in place.

n

The role reports to the Managing Director, with accountability through to the Food Connect Shed Board.

n

$108,000 + superannuation (pro-rata), depending on experience and demonstrated commercial capability.

n

The upper end of the range reflects a proven commercial operator capable of independently managing and growing the entire Shed operation.

n

Applications close 5:00pm Thursday, 20 August 2026.

n

Food Connect Shed welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

n

For more information on the Food Connect Shed https://www.foodconnectshed.com.au/

n

For more information on the Food Connect Foundation Food Connect Foundation

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Venue & Operations Manager (Salisbury)
🏢 Food Connect Foundation
📍 Salisbury