Catering and Events Manager

Canterbury College is one of Queensland's leading Anglican ELC-12 schools, located in the rapidly growing corridor spanning Logan, the northern Gold Coast and southern Brisbane. We are seeking an experienced, flexible and proactive Catering and Events Manager to elevate the service through high-quality food and beverage services and exceptional customer service across the College. 

This is a permanent, full-time appointment and offers variety, a collaborative culture and cohesive team. 

Position Purpose

The Catering and Events Manager is responsible for the coordination, preparation, delivery and operational support of catering services across the College. The role ensures the successful execution of internal and external events, functions, meetings and community activities through the provision of high-quality food and beverage services and exceptional customer service.

Working closely with staff, students, families, alumni and external stakeholders, this role supports a vibrant College community by delivering professional hospitality services that enhance the College's reputation and guest experience.

The role requires flexibility to support a diverse range of events, including staff meetings, parent functions, student celebrations, fundraising events, performances, sporting events, conferences and community gatherings.

 Key Responsibility Areas

 Operations

• Coordinate and deliver catering services across College events and functions. 
• Prepare and present food and beverage offerings in accordance with College standards. 
• Assist with menu planning and catering packages for a variety of events.
• Ensure catering requirements are accurately interpreted and fulfilled.
• Set up, monitor and pack down catering spaces and service areas.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with inventory management and ordering.
• Receive and store catering supplies in accordance with food safety requirements.
• Minimise food wastage and support sustainable catering practices.

 Functions and Events

• Act as a key contact for internal catering requests. 
• Liaise with event organisers to determine catering requirements, timings and service expectations. 
• Assist in the scheduling and coordination of catering support for College functions. 
• Prepare event run sheets and catering schedules as required. 
• Coordinate venue setup requirements related to catering operations. 
• Monitor event delivery to ensure a positive guest experience. 
• Support after-hours and weekend functions as required.

Rostering and Staffing  

• Prepare and manage staff rosters that reflect the rhythm of the school year;
• Support the onboarding and day-to-day supervision of casual team members;
• Contribute to a positive and high-performing team culture;
• Assist with the training of team members in food safety, service standards and College expectations;
• Ensure Workplace Health and Safety standards are upheld across all outlets.

Customer Service

• Provide professional and courteous service to staff, students, families and visitors. 
• Develop positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Respond promptly to catering enquiries and requests. 
• Address issues and service concerns in a timely and professional manner. 
• Represent the College in a positive and welcoming manner at all times.

 Food Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all food handling, hygiene and health regulations.
• Maintain Food Safety Program documentation and records.
• Implement safe food storage, preparation and service procedures.
• Monitor cleanliness and sanitation of catering facilities.
• Report hazards, incidents and maintenance requirements promptly.
• Follow Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and procedures.

Financial and Administration

• Responsible for catering budgets and costs in collaboration with the Deputy Principal.
• Support accurate invoicing and reconciliation processes where applicable.
• Maintain records relating to stock, suppliers and catering bookings.
• Assist with supplier relationships and procurement activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within hospitality services.

 Essential Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, catering, events or food service operations. 
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple activities and competing priorities. 
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene requirements.
• Current Food Safety Handling Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Current Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain and maintain).

 Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working within a school or educational environment.
• Qualifications in Hospitality, Catering, Events Management or a related field.
• Barista experience and/or Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification.
• Experience using event booking or catering management systems.
• First Aid qualification.

Why Canterbury College?

Working at Canterbury is both professionally rewarding and personally sustaining. You will be part of a collegial and disciplined environment where where effort is recognised and where people genuinely support one another to improve.

• A high-trust, collaborative staff culture focused on excellence in practice
• A clear commitment to staff wellbeing, with strong leadership support
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free onsite parking, coffee shop and a wide-ranging staff wellbeing program
• Remuneration in accordance with experience and qualifications, above award where merited

Work and Wellbeing

We recognise that sustainable performance depends on balance. Canterbury supports the Right to Disconnect, and we are intentional about ensuring that expectations around communication and workload are clear, reasonable and respectful of personal time.

A Different Kind of Community

Our mantra, "Different Together", speaks to the strength of a community that is diverse in experience, perspective and background, yet united in purpose. We are proud of the culture we have built, one that combines high expectations with genuine care, and one that continues to evolve as we look to the future.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including a covering letter and resume addressed to Mr Daniel Walker, Principal, together with the contact details of three professional referees.

Canterbury College is committed to being a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Successful applicants will be expected to live and breathe our unwavering commitment to the dignity, safety and wellbeing of every student, and to act consistently in ways that reflect and uphold this across all aspects of College life.