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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering high-quality food and beverage services.
- Company: Join ESS Defence, serving meals to our brave Defence personnel.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule, competitive pay, and career growth.
- Other info: Secure environment with ongoing training and exclusive employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while ensuring our Defence personnel thrive with great food.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for service excellence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ESS Defence has the privilege of serving millions of meals to our Defence personnel under our Defence Life brand. Whether it is out in the field, or in dining halls, we provide everything from snacks to buffet style meals, to first class dining experiences for functions. The support we provide is vital in ensuring our personnel thrive during their service. We deliver high quality food coupled with a fantastic customer service experience.
We are seeking an experienced Food & Beverage Manager to lead food service operations at RAAF Base Richmond, Richmond. This is a rare Monday to Friday opportunity offering genuine work–life balance in a secure Defence environment. You will oversee a large, high‑volume operation, leading a dedicated team while ensuring consistent quality, safety, and service standards. In return, ESS offers excellent working conditions and strong opportunities for career growth within a globally recognised organisation.
The Role:
- Lead and manage a team of approximately 30 staff across food and beverage operations
- Oversee daily service delivery, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency
- Manage financial performance, including cost control and reporting
- Drive a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with food safety standards
- Build and maintain positive relationships with Defence stakeholders and customers
About You:
- Previous people management experience in a hospitality or food service environment
- Background in hospitality and/or commercial kitchen operations
- Strong focus on safety, compliance, and service excellence
- Confidence in financial management, reporting, and achieving KPIs
- A hands‑on, practical, and can‑do leadership style
What’s on Offer:
- Monday to Friday role supporting real work–life balance
- Competitive remuneration with opportunities for growth and progression
- On‑site parking, uniforms provided, and meals while on duty
- Ongoing training, development, and support through Compass Group
- Access to exclusive employee discounts and benefits
As you will understand, Defence establishments operate in a highly secure environment. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Check, which will be paid for by the Company.
Food & Beverage Manager in Penrith employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food & Beverage Manager in Penrith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food and beverage industry, especially those who have experience in Defence environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ESS Defence and their operations. Understand their values and how they serve Defence personnel. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your hands-on approach and how it led to improved service standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Food & Beverage Manager in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Food & Beverage Manager role. Highlight your previous experience in hospitality and people management, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that showcase your leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on leadership style and how you can drive safety and service excellence in our operations.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: Since managing financial performance is key, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully controlled costs and achieved KPIs in your previous roles. This will show us you’ve got the business savvy we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team at ESS Defence!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food and beverage operations. Understand the specific challenges faced in a high-volume environment like RAAF Base Richmond, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership approach. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on building relationships and driving a strong safety culture.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've controlled costs and achieved KPIs in previous roles, as this will be crucial for managing the operation's financial performance.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Since customer service is vital in this role, prepare to share instances where you've gone above and beyond to ensure a fantastic experience for customers. Highlight your commitment to quality and service standards.