Assistant Manager / Supervisor – Food & Beverage, Functions & Events

TheNational Zoo & Aquarium, located in Canberra, is one of Australia's most distinctive wildlife attractions, offering memorable visitor experiences, exceptional hospitality and unique events in a remarkable setting.

OurRhino Bistro and Capybara Events Centreprovide a diverse range of hospitality experiences, from casual dining and daily visitor services to corporate functions, private celebrations, weddings and special events.

Lead teams. Deliver exceptional hospitality and events. Build your career in one of Canberra's most unique tourism destinations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking experienced, hands‑onAssistant Managers and Supervisorsto join our Rhino Bistro and Capybara Events Centre team.

Working acrossFood & Beverage, Functions & Events, these roles are central to the daily operation of our hospitality venues, supporting the successful delivery of functions and events while ensuring consistently high standards of service for our visitors and guests.

You will work alongside managers, supervisors and frontline teams, providing visible leadership, coordinating service delivery and supporting the planning and execution of functions and events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the daily operation of the Rhino Bistro and Capybara Events Centre.

Assist with the coordination and delivery of functions, corporate events, weddings and private celebrations.

Oversee event preparation, room setups, food and beverage service and the smooth running of functions.

Lead from the floor, supporting team members and modelling exceptional customer service.

Liaise with event organisers, guests, Kitchen and other departments to ensure successful event delivery.

Oversee opening and closing procedures and maintain high presentation, cleanliness and service standards.

Support staff training, mentoring, rostering and day‑to‑day workforce coordination.

Assist with stock management, ordering, POS operations and cash handling procedures.





Respond to visitor and guest enquiries, feedback and complaints promptly and professionally.

Support the implementation and ongoing improvement of operational procedures and service standards.

Respond flexibly to changing visitor numbers, event requirements and operational priorities.

ABOUT YOU

You will ideally have experience inrestaurants, functions and events, hotels, hospitality venues, tourism attractions or another customer‑focused environment.

You will be practical, organised and guest‑focused, with a genuine passion for hospitality and delivering memorable experiences.

Experience in coordinating or supervising functions and events will be highly regarded, although experience across every operational area is not essential. Training and support will be provided for the right candidate.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

Previous experience in hospitality, food and beverage, functions and events or a similar customer service environment.

Experience supervising or leading staff in a busy operation.

Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

The ability to coordinate service requirements and manage competing priorities.

A practical, hands‑on leadership style and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

A genuine commitment to outstanding guest experiences and high service standards.

Experience with event coordination, POS systems, stock management or hospitality booking systems will be highly regarded.

WHICH OPPORTUNITY SUITS YOU?





Suitable for an experienced hospitality leader who is confident supporting the overall operation of the Rhino Bistro and Capybara Events Centre, coordinating functions and events, leading teams and maintaining consistently high service standards.

Suitable for an emerging or experienced frontline leader who enjoys working directly with guests and staff, supervising food and beverage service, assisting with functions and events and stepping up to lead operations during busy periods.

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

The National Zoo & Aquarium operates seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays, with functions and events also taking place outside regular Zoo opening hours.

These roles require flexibility to work across a rotating roster, includingweekends, evenings and public holidays, in line with operational and event requirements.

WHAT WE OFFER

This is an opportunity to build your hospitality career within one of Canberra's most unique tourism and events destinations.

You will gain valuable experience across Food & Beverage, Functions & Events, working in a diverse setting where exceptional service, teamwork and memorable guest experiences are genuinely valued.

Training, support and opportunities for development are available across the National Zoo & Aquarium.

Competitive and flexible remuneration is available based on skills and experience.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Successful applicants 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.

The National Zoo & Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge are equal opportunity employers and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only candidates progressing to the interview stage will be contacted.

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📌 Assistant Manager / Supervisor – Food & Beverage, Functions & Events (Canberra)
🏢 National Zoo & Aquarium
📍 Canberra