We're looking for a hands-on Catering Manager to lead our corporate catering operation from kitchen to client. This is a diverse role that combines culinary skills with commercial and relationship management. You'll design menus, cook and lead the kitchen, quote jobs, manage the team, and build lasting relationships with corporate clients. If you love outstanding food and want real ownership of a growing catering business, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

Chefing and Food Production

- Prepare and cook high-quality food for corporate events, meetings, functions and daily orders
- Oversee food preparation, cooking and packing to ensure consistent quality and presentation
- Work service as required, including cooking on-site or supervising delivery and setup
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and allergen management (HACCP)

Menu Creation and Recipe Development

- Design and refresh seasonal corporate menus, including canapés, platters, buffets, lunch boxes and set menus
- Develop, test and document standardised recipes with accurate portion sizes and costings
- Cater for dietary requirements (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, allergen-free, etc.)
- Keep up with food trends and client feedback to keep the offering fresh and competitive

Quoting and Costing

- Respond promptly to enquiries and prepare accurate, competitive quotes
- Cost menus and events, factoring in ingredients, labour, equipment, delivery and margins
- Negotiate pricing and packages with clients while protecting profitability
- Follow up on quotes and convert enquiries into confirmed bookings





Management and Operations

- Lead, roster, train and motivate kitchen and event staff
- Plan and coordinate all catering orders, production schedules and deliveries
- Manage ordering, supplier relationships, stock control and inventory
- Control food and labour costs, minimise waste and meet budget targets
- Ensure compliance with WHS, food safety regulations and company policies
- Manage equipment, maintenance and kitchen organisation

Website and Menu Updates

- Update the website menu, pricing, descriptions, dietary labels and images
- Ensure online information is accurate, current and reflects seasonal changes
- Work with marketing or web support to improve the online ordering and enquiry experience

Business and Client Relationships

- Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, office managers, executive assistants and event coordinators
- Act as the main point of contact for regular and high-value clients
- Gather feedback, resolve issues professionally and identify opportunities for repeat and upsell business
- Develop new business through networking, referrals and outreach to local businesses
- Represent the brand at tastings, client meetings and industry events





Skills and Experience

Essential

- Trade qualification as a chef (Cert III/IV in Commercial Cookery) or equivalent experience
- 4+ years in a senior chef, head chef or catering role, ideally in corporate or events catering
- Proven experience in menu development, recipe writing and food costing
- Strong quoting, pricing and commercial skills
- Demonstrated leadership and team management experience
- Excellent communication and client service skills
- Knowledge of food safety standards and allergen management (Food Safety Supervisor certificate)
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple orders and deadlines under pressure

Personal Attributes
- Creative, passionate and detail-oriented
- Commercially minded, with a strong sense of ownership
- Calm and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment
- Professional, reliable and personable with clients and staff
- Flexible and willing to pitch in wherever needed

What We Offer
- A leadership role with genuine influence over menus, growth and direction
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- Competitive salary based on experience (insert range)
- Mostly weekday hours, with occasional early starts or events.
- Opportunities for growth as the business expands

How to Apply Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]. Include examples of menus you've created if available.

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Perks

- Employee discount
- Free drinks
- Free food

Work Location: In person

📌 Catering Manager (Leichhardt)
🏢 Cateringzone
📍 Leichhardt