Context The ACF is transitioning the delivery of venue hire, catering and event operations to an experienced external venue and catering partner. To support this new operating model, ACF has established the role of Contract Relationship Manager to oversee the successful delivery of the partnership. Acting as the primary liaison between ACF and the contracted catering and events operator, this role is responsible for supporting the achievement of key contract objectives, through building a collaborative and high-performing relationship that delivers outstanding client and visitor experiences and balances commercial and community objectives.

Organisational Relationships

Reporting:

The position is part of the Experience Team and reports to the Experience Manager.

Internal and external relationships:

This role works closely with all functions of the organisation. This role will also liaise with a range of external contractors and suppliers, event organisers, onsite tenants, partners and other stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS, DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Relationship management

- Act as the key point of contact between the ACF and the venue and catering service provider (“Catering Contractor”), fostering a positive working relationship.
- Coordinate and maintain agreed systems, processes and communication channels that support collaborative ways of working
- Coordinate and lead meetings (weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual) with the Catering Contractor, including the preparation of agendas, minutes and monitoring of actions.
- Support the ACF to co-develop annual sales and marketing strategies in consultation with the Caterer, ensuring alignment with the ACF’s brand, programming framework and financial objectives.
- Provide guidance to the Catering Contractor on ACF site requirements, operational procedures, and service expectations.
- Work closely with the Catering Contractor to support the collaborative delivery of ACF programs, partnerships and events.

Contract management and oversight

- Monitor the performance of the Catering Contractor to ensure compliance with key contractual requirements, milestones and reporting requirements.
- Monitor the Catering Contractor’s compliance with agreed service level standards, key performance indicators, and policies and procedures set out in the Operations Manual.
- Identifying areas that require improvement through available benchmarking and best practice information and working with the Catering Contractor to improve outcomes.
- Escalate significant operational issues or risks to senior management where required.
- Support contract implementation by ensuring the Catering Contractor understands operational expectations and compliance obligations.
- Review and coordinate approval of venue hire agreements and/or customer contracts as required.

Venue, events and precinct operations

- Ensure bookings and events are consistent with the ACF strategic direction and Operations Manual, ensuring a balance of community and commercial outcomes.
- Oversee the day-to-day operational coordination of venue activities delivered by the Catering Contractor, proactively identifying impacts and working with the Catering Contractor to resolve and ensure smooth delivery of events.
- Coordinate with the Catering Contractor and relevant internal teams to proactively identify and address operational impacts and precinct conflicts, including but not limited to access, scheduling, site use, noise, tenancy impacts, concurrent events, programming and visitor experience.




- Ensure the Catering Contractor and its personnel and contractors follow site access protocols and operational procedures.

Compliance and Risk Management

- Support the establishment of processes, templates, service standards, and governance to assist with monitoring compliance and managing risks of the Catering Contractor.
- Ensure contractor activities comply with ACF policies, operational procedures, and safety requirements.
- Monitor adherence to site protocols including access management and incident reporting.
- Identify operational risks and work with the Catering Contractor and internal teams to mitigate issues.
- Work with the Catering Contractor and internal team to ensure the Operations Manual is kept up-to-date.

Finance and reporting

- Provide relevant information to the Finance Team to support budget preparation, forecasts and variance analysis.
- Provide relevant information to support Board and Committee reporting.
- Liaise with the Finance team to ensure timely processing of invoices and management of arrears.
- Collate and report internally on the Catering Contractor’s performance against KPIs, escalating deviations to senior management.
- Support the annual review and benchmarking of venue hire fees.

Continuous Improvement

- Contribute to the development and improvement of internal processes, systems and operational frameworks associated with management of the events and venues contractor.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, coordination, and service delivery based on external benchmarking and best practice.

KEY COMPETENCIES

General Skills

- Strong organisational and time management skills to coordinate multiple operational activities.
- Ability to monitor processes and ensure adherence to procedures and operational standards.
- Sound problem-solving skills to address operational issues effectively.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and experience with Venue Management systems.

Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork

- Clear and professional communication with contractors, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams to support coordinated site operations.
- Contributes to a positive, respectful and cooperative team environment.

Specialist Skills

- Ability to monitor contract performance and compliance requirements, ensuring service delivery standards are met.
- Knowledge of venue or event operations in a multi-use or public venue environment.
- Understanding of workplace health and safety practices and operational compliance.
- Ability to interpret and communicate operational procedures, contractual requirements and site protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

- Demonstrated experience of three to five years in contract and relationship management, ideally within an event, hospitality, arts administration, or related field.
- Experience working in a government, arts/culture or for-purpose environment with community focussed objectives.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in contract management, business or a related field (desirable).




- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills, with sound judgement and ability to achieve positive outcomes.
- Strong expertise administering contracts, with the ability to confidently navigate contractual issues, ambiguities and competing stakeholder interests, and facilitate practical resolutions that support positive commercial outcomes.
- Experience working collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver events or venue activities (desirable).
- Experience identifying operational or contractual issues, providing recommendations and working collaboratively across internal teams and external contractors.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Contract and relationship management: Demonstrated experience managing contractual relationships, monitoring performance and supporting alignment with organisational strategic priorities to contribute to positive commercial and community outcomes.
2. Organisation and project coordination: Strong organisational and project-management skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to coordinate multiple operational priorities.
3. Prioritisation and reporting: Experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders, priorities and timelines while maintaining accurate records, preparing detailed reports and following up on agreed actions.
4. Communication and stakeholder relationships: Strong written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build constructive relationships and work collaboratively with contractors, internal teams and other stakeholders.
5. Judgement and problem-solving: Demonstrated ability to identify operational or contractual issues, exercise sound judgement, develop practical recommendations and escalate significant matters appropriately.
6. Risk and compliance: Sound understanding of operational risk, workplace health and safety, procurement, contractual compliance and documentation requirements.

CONDITIONS

- Part-time, permanent position (0.6 FTE). A six-month probation applies.
- This role has a salary package of circa $90,000 per annum plus superannuation (pro-rata).
- The Amusement, Events and Recreation Award (MA000080) is applicable.

Note: As the ACF evolves to meet the changing needs of our community and projects, the competencies required for this role may vary from this role statement.

WHAT WE OFFER:

- Salary sacrificing.
- Access to EAP services.
- An organisation committed to Diversity and Inclusion.
- A team-oriented and inclusive work environment with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.
- Access to some free events on-site.
- Free 24-hour car parking access.

Application Process

Abbotsford Convent is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of all abilities, and people from LGBTQIA+ communities.

Applications are due by 11.59 pm Monday, 7 September 2026.

Please refer to the information below to submit your application.

- Provide a CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter addressing key selection criteria (maximum 3 pages).
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted shortly after the closing date.

Applications are to be submitted to [email protected]

Applications will not be considered without a CV and Cover Letter addressing KSC.

Note: If you would like to have a private chat or discuss the role, email [email protected]

📌 Contract Relationship Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Abbotsford Convent
📍 Melbourne