Food & Beverage Operations Manager - Melbourne Showgrounds

We are offering an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to lead the smooth running of the food and beverage experience at Melbourne Showgrounds and the Melbourne Royal Show in the role of Food & Beverage Operations Manager.About usIn 2018, the Moonee Valley Racing Club launched Dean & McPherson and partnered with PGA Tour in 2019 to deliver the world-renowned Presidents' Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Since 2021 Dean & McPherson has partnered with Melbourne Royal as the hospitality partner of the Melbourne Showgrounds where we have delivered many and varied events including the 2022 and 2023 Melbourne Royal Show.The MVRC conducts and delivers all on course hospitality for up to 26 race meetings each season, and The Valley is home of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival. The Club also stages over 350 non-raceday events each year.Our hospitality portfolio also includes three gaming and entertainment venues: Legends, The Junction Club & The Leighoak as well as TOTE Bar & Dining, a modern lunch and dinner destination extending to casual, private dining experiences and functions.There's never been a better time to join our team.About Melbourne RoyalMelbourne Royal promotes the development of and celebrates agriculture through events which connect industry with consumers and ultimately aims to improve the quality and increase demand for Victorian agricultural produce.Melbourne Royal is a member based, not for profit organisation that has a proud history of providing industry with valuable platforms to advance excellence in agriculture, primarily through conducting consistent benchmarking and high calibre award programs and events. These award programs and events provide those with a direct involvement in primary and secondary production, particularly in Victoria, with unique opportunities to improve industry standards, establish credibility and provide market differentiation.The Melbourne Royal Show, Victoria's largest annual community event conducted by Melbourne Royal, provides industry with opportunities to engage and connect annually with half a million consumers over 11 days and build their knowledge and understanding of the vital role agriculture plays in everyday life.Melbourne Royal's vision is to be globally recognised as a seal of excellence, highly valued for:

• Showcasing food and beverage, produce and producers.
• Presenting premier events.
• Activating and creating vibrant event spaces.

This vision is one shared by Dean & McPherson and it is imperative that the successful applicant takes responsibility for leading the drive for excellence.About the roleWe are looking for a Food & Beverage Operations Manager who is a dynamic leader with experience in high-volume, face-paced environments. This role will suit a passionate hospitality professional, who can adapt to a range of service styles and product offerings within the one precinct including the new state-of-the-art Victoria Pavilion.This role will ensure the smooth operation of the food and beverage program within Victoria Pavilion in conjunction with all other events at Melbourne Showgrounds and the Royal Melbourne Show. Dean & McPherson and Melbourne Royal have a unique opportunity to market and deliver amazing function and event solutions to local, national and international event organisers through the amazing new Victoria Pavilion facility.This role will have the responsibility to develop, innovate and deliver high quality services whilst maintaining commercial returns. This role will ensure that all working methods are reviewed, and best practice is achieved whilst delivering excellent service and presentation that meets the needs and expectations of Melbourne Royal, Dean & McPherson and our clients.The role is required to continuously drive and identify guest experience, product and commercial enhancement opportunities.The Food & Beverage operation includes but not limited to:

• Victoria Pavilion: Victoria's newest purpose-built function and exhibition space
• Melbourne Showgrounds: catering vendors, restaurants, bars, banqueting, functions and kitchens.
• Melbourne Royal Show: catering vendors, functions, activations.

To effectively perform in the role, the successful candidate must possess the following skills, experience and qualifications:

• 7 years' experience in senior-level hospitality role with a high focus on quality & profitability, preferably in a large multi-space venue.
• Engaging leadership style, a positive attitude, resilience and strong communication skills
• Exceptional understanding of what it takes to run a profitable business as well as exposure to commercial negotiations and a proven track record in leading high performing teams
• Strong time management, methodical planning, organisation, a great eye for detail and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Natural want to appease the guests no matter how small or large the request
• Passion for working within a collaborative team and being open to feedback
• Experience and range in high volume catering from premium retail experiences to fine dining
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills
• Forklift licence beneficial

You must be prepared to work outside the spread of normal hours with availability to work across the week, weekends and public holidays when required. You may also be required to work across other MVRC/Dean & McPherson sites and events.For your successful contribution to The Club; a not-for-profit organisation, you can anticipate being rewarded with:

• Competitive remuneration.
• Free (on-site) parking.
• Racing industry ticketing.
• Salary packaging.
• Best practice parental leave scheme.
• Free Death, TPD and Salary Continuance insurance through superannuation.
• Paid volunteer leave.
• Long Service Leave in addition to the National Employment Standards.
• A sense of belonging; Being a part of a team that supports each other and encourages professional and personal growth.
• Support, mentoring and training through our online learning platform and from the Head of Hospitality and diverse existing skillset in the organisation.

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link provided or visit https://www.thevalley.com.au/careers to view a position description.Applications close: 5pm Sunday 30 June 2024.No agencies please.Moonee Valley Racing Club is an equal opportunity employer.Applications will only be accepted from candidates who have the appropriate approval to work in Australia. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Record and Bankruptcy check prior to commencement of employment.