The
National Zoo & Aquarium
is one of Canberra's leading tourist attractions and educational facilities. Located in the heart of the nation's capital, the Zoo offers memorable wildlife experiences that enable visitors of all ages to connect with nature and learn more about animal welfare and conservation.
This position is focused exclusively on visitor-facing operations at the National Zoo and does not include responsibility for Jamala Wildlife Lodge.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused
F&B; Operations Manager
to lead several of the National Zoo's key visitor-facing operational areas.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this senior leadership position is responsible for:
Visitor Services, the Rhino Bistro, Main Entry Café and Gift Shops.
Private functions, corporate events, birthday parties and MICE.
Driving bookings, revenue growth and the ongoing commercial performance of
Capybara Events Centre
.
Managers, supervisors and operational teams across these areas will report to or work closely with this position. The role will also work closely with the Executive Chef to deliver coordinated, high-quality and commercially successful food, beverage and events operations.
As the Rhino Bistro and Main Entry are geographically separate, the role requires visible leadership, effective communication and strong workforce coordination across multiple locations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead, support and develop managers, supervisors and operational teams across food and beverage, visitor services, retail and events.
Maintain consistent service, presentation and operating standards across all areas.
Manage workforce planning, rostering and wage costs in line with attendance forecasts, weather, peak periods and event schedules.
Manage budgets and performance targets, including revenue, labour costs, cost of goods, visitor spend and event profitability.
Drive sales, bookings and profitable growth for
Capybara Events Centre
, including corporate events, conferences, functions, weddings and other private events.




Oversee functions and events from initial enquiry and site inspection through to booking, delivery and post-event review.
Identify opportunities to grow event revenue, improve enquiry conversion and build repeat and referral business.
Work closely with the Executive Chef on menus, function packages, food costs and production planning.
Maintain effective stock, cash-handling, point-of-sale and end-of-day controls.
Ensure compliance with food safety, work health and safety, liquor licensing and responsible service requirements.
Manage significant visitor complaints, service failures and operational issues.
ABOUT YOU
You will be an experienced, commercially focused operational leader with a strong background in food and beverage, hospitality, events, venue operations, visitor services or a related industry.
Leading by example, you will balance high service standards with commercial performance and make timely staffing and operational decisions in response to visitor numbers, weather and business demand.
This is a hands-on operational role, and you will spend a significant proportion of your week alongside your managers and teams, monitoring service delivery, supporting staff during peak periods and resolving issues as they arise.
Initially, the successful applicant will spend most of their time working alongside staff across the areas for which they are responsible, particularly the Rhino Bistro and Main Entry operations.
As bookings at the Capybara Events Centre and the Zoo's wedding and evening function offerings grow, the focus of the role is expected to shift increasingly toward events and functions, with less time spent supporting day-to-day Bistro and Main Entry operations.



This will involve evening work and is also likely to require the recruitment and development of additional support staff.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE
At least five years' management experience in food and beverage, hospitality, events, venue operations, visitor services or a related industry.
Experience leading managers and developing high-performing operational teams.
A proven ability to control labour costs and cost of goods in a variable-demand environment.
Experience managing functions and events from enquiry through to profitable delivery.
Demonstrated commercial capability, including driving revenue, converting enquiries and managing event profitability.
Solid commercial, analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
A practical and visible leadership style.
Experience growing a conference or events business, opening or developing a new venue or function space, managing multiple outlets, working within a major attraction, or using ROLLER or a similar system will be highly regarded.
WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
The standard working week is Tuesday to Saturday. Some Sunday, public holiday, evening and after-hours work will also be required in line with operational and event needs.
WHAT WE OFFER
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of food and beverage, visitor services, retail and events at one of Canberra's most unique tourism destinations.
The role offers variety, autonomy and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on visitor satisfaction, team performance and commercial outcomes, including the growth of the Capybara Events Centre as a leading Canberra events venue.
Salary is competitive and negotiable based on skills and experience.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
The successful applicant will be required to:
Hold, or be eligible to obtain, an ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration.
Hold, or obtain before commencing, Responsible Service of Alcohol certification recognised in the ACT.
Have the legal right to live and work in Australia.
Satisfactorily complete all required pre-employment checks.
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📌 Food And Beverage Operations Manager (Canberra)
🏢 National Zoo & Aquarium
📍 Canberra