ASSISTANT OPERATIONS MANAGER

Laissez-Faire Catering; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Laissez-Faire Catering, a premier Sydney-based events firm, is seeking an experienced Events and Catering Manager to lead our front-of-house team and collaborate with the Executive Chef. You will oversee bookings, attend events, and drive hospitality excellence across multi-site catering engagements.

The role requires a detail-oriented, customer-focused leader with a passion for hospitality, capable of coordinating stakeholders and maintaining an inviting atmosphere for guests and staff alike.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in contract catering or hospitality with multi-site exposure.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a customer-centric approach.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities to manage complex events.

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operations across multiple locations.
• Coordinate and manage multiple events, liaising with stakeholders for seamless execution.
• Train, manage, and inspire front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional service.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-site management

Customer service

Staff training

Inventory management

Event bookings

Vendor coordination

Food safety

Tools

Booking systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Experienced hospitality professional sought to lead of our award-winning team, who are as passionate about customer service as you are.

About us

Laissez-faire Catering is a premier Sydney-based firm specializing in sustainable, high-end events. They blend 30 years of expertise with locally sourced ingredients and Indigenous flavors to create unforgettable culinary experiences.

About the Role:

As the Events and Catering Manager, you will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to manage and oversee the catering for events ranging from small gatherings to large functions. We are looking for a detail-oriented, customer-focused manager to oversee event bookings, attend events and lead our front-of-house team. The ideal candidate should have a passion for hospitality, strong leadership abilities, and the skills to create an inviting atmosphere for both guests and team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the catering operations across multiple locations
• Oversee and coordinate multiple events, liaising with various stakeholders for seamless event execution.
• Train, manage, and inspire the team around you, fostering a supportive and motivated team culture.
• Monitor and manage staffing requirements, inventory levels and ordering stock.
• Evaluate and enhance catering operations to adapt to the changing needs of the business.
• Collaborate with team members and external suppliers to organize event logistics and catering specifications.
• Lead and attend large events from initial planning through to successful execution.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous business growth, improvements and create solutions for catering services.

What You Bring:

• Proven experience in a leadership role within the contract catering or hospitality industry with multi-site exposure.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with booking systems and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• A passion for providing exceptional customer service.
• Full time availability including nights and weekends.
• Full drivers licence and willingness to drive for work purposes.
• Strong knowledge of food handling and hygiene principles