About Dunmore Lang College

Opened in 1972 as the first affiliated Residential College at Macquarie University, Dunmore Lang College accommodates 260 students coming predominantly from rural and regional NSW, as well as from interstate and around the world.

A strong scholarship programme supports students who would not otherwise be able to attend university to successfully complete their degrees. The College has developed a significant outreach to rural and regional, Aboriginal, and first-in-family students.

The students are supported by an integrated wellbeing team of staff and student leaders including the Principal, Deputy Principal, and Resident Advisers who all reside at the College as well as the Assistant Dean, Community Supervisor, and Senior Duty staff.

The College is committed to building and supporting a safe, respectful and inclusive community, and welcomes students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

“We are a residential academic community based on core values of respect, personal integrity and responsibility, excellence, and service to others. We encourage students to seek leadership and initiate change.”

All staff are expected to actively support the College's commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive community where students feel welcome, respected and encouraged.

The College is located adjacent to the University and within a 5-minute walk of the Macquarie University metro station as well as the Macquarie Shopping Centre.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the smooth operation of the College kitchen: developing nutritious, balanced, and appetising menus; overseeing food preparation and service; supervising and mentoring the staff team; and maintaining clean and fully compliant cooking and preparation areas matched by an inviting service space.

The kitchen and meal service are a central element supporting the welfare and wellbeing of our student community and all kitchen staff are expected to be active proponents of our values and ethos.

The kitchen provides daily meals for 260 student residents, as well as for casual student groups staying at the College during the winter and summer recess periods. It also caters for regular formal dinners and cocktail-style events, and for College events held outside normal working hours, such as Open Day and parent events.

In this role, you will:

Food preparation and menu planning

- Prepare menus that are nutritionally balanced, coherent, and responsive to feedback at least two weeks in advance of the start of each cycle.

- Ensure food preparation, presentation and service is carried out to expected standards.

- Maintain a high standard of food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness in accordance with College and statutory requirements.

- Plan and deliver catering for regular formal dinners and cocktail-style events, and for casual student groups during the winter and summer recess periods.

- Cater safely for allergies, intolerances, and cultural, religious, and lifestyle dietary needs, with alternative meals of an equivalent standard.

- Deal professionally with feedback, remaining versatile and open to change.

- Plan, staff,



and attend catering for College events held outside normal working hours, such as Open Day and parent events, as required.

Team management and mentoring

- Build and maintain excellent relationships with staff and students.

- Supervise kitchen staff and resolve issues as they arise.

- Ensure all staff understand the menu of the day, including expected presentation and portion control.

- Use your prior experience to develop and mentor other team members.

Staff and student interactions

- Uphold the College's values and ethos, maintaining a welcoming and inclusive space for all students and treating all staff and students with respect.

- Liaise with management and/or student representatives regarding menu input, special dinners, functions etc.

- Have a clear understanding of confidentiality including the importance of treating students’ information with complete respect.

Administration requirements

- Maintain accurate records for ordering, invoice approval, rosters, timesheets, and credit card reconciliation in accordance with College requirements.

- Control food and labour costs within agreed budgets.

- Ensure all food wastage is recorded and feedback provided to College management.

- Undertake other reasonable duties as designated by the College Management team.

Compliance, safety, and security

- Ensure all food safety requirements are implemented including clear allergen advice in the service areas.

- Maintain an up-to-date register of residents' allergies and dietary requirements, and ensure procedures are in place to prevent cross-contact during storage, preparation, and service.

- Ensure the kitchen facilities (office area, food preparation, service and storage areas and staff room) and equipment are kept in good working order.

- Report all food safety, maintenance issues and WHS hazards (including damaged or faulty equipment), accidents, and other incidents to the Business Manager immediately.

- Ensure the kitchen areas are left secured after the last shift and/or when staff are absent.

On day one, you will bring:

- A demonstrated ability to juggle several tasks at once without losing focus.

- Excellent cooking skills and a passion for the food experience, from preparation to presentation.

- A calm leadership style that instils trust and confidence.

- Exceptional organisational skills.

- Alignment with the College’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful community.

Essential

- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.

- Management/ supervisory experience in a medium to large commercial kitchen.

- Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain).

- Understanding of legislative requirements as these relate to Food Safety, WHS and Industrial Relations.

- Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and online ordering systems.





- Experience in catering for large numbers within specific time limits, including formal dinners and cocktail-style functions.

- Experience managing allergens and special dietary requirements in a high-volume kitchen.

- Police Check and Working With Children Check (or a willingness to obtain these).

- Availability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for College events such as Open Day and parent events.

Desirable

It would be great if you also bring:

- Previous experience in a student and/ or similar residential environment.

Our Benefits

- A great community of staff and students.

- Onsite parking.

- Meal during shifts.

- Close to shops and other services.

- Green walking spaces nearby.

- Public transport within a 5-minute walk.

Appendix One

You will report to:

- The Business Manager – Operations.

- The Deputy Principal – meals, service, and other student events.

- Senior Management Team.

You will be working with:

- Kitchen and College administration staff teams.

- Student residents including the student food liaison committee.

- College events staff and conference organisers.

Other Duties:

- Work co-operatively with other members of the College staff including assisting other work areas in times of high demand.

- Actively participate in regular team meetings.

Appendix Two

Service Benchmarks

Excellence in food service and menu planning

- Menus are planned, reviewed, and implemented in a timely fashion.

- Meals are nutritionally balanced and coherent for each service time and across the week.

- Variety of styles and theme nights are offered alongside regular favourites.

- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available and of an equivalent standard and nutritional value.

- Positive feedback from students and visitors.

Excellence in customer service to all internal and external parties

- Requests from students, staff, and event organisers are handled promptly and courteously.

Effective time management

- Meals are ready in time for agreed service periods.

- Standard fortnightly rosters available to staff at least 14 days in advance.

- Supplies are ordered in time ensuring sufficient stock levels and continuity of service.

- Invoices submitted to accounts in time for fortnightly payments and within agreed payment terms.

Effective management of area and duties

- Calls and email enquiries are answered promptly and accurately.

- Effective record keeping for all food licence, WHS, and finance requirements.

- Demonstrated ownership of all areas of responsibility.

Commitment to College ethics and values

- Alignment with the College’s commitment to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful community.

- Students feel welcome and respected.

Commitment to innovation and total quality improvement

- Regular reviews of processes as well as maintenance of operating manuals, templates and forms completed.

- Emphasis on innovation and creative problem-solving to improve student and customer satisfaction.

- Budget maintained with an emphasis on cost management without compromising on quality.

- Processes are maintained in good order with an emphasis on streamlining and simplification.

📌 Catering Manager (Macquarie Park)
🏢 Dunmore Lang College
📍 Macquarie Park