Service Operations Manager - Christchurch Lounge

Compass Group New Zealand; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service provider in Christchurch Airport seeks a dynamic Service Operations Manager to oversee exceptional food and customer service. You will lead a high-performing team, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have operational leadership experience in hospitality, strong commercial acumen, and exceptional communication skills. Enjoy benefits including training, career pathways, and performance recognition in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Training & Development

Career Pathways

Recognition

Health & Safety

Discounts

Site-Specific Perks

Qualifications

• Experience in operational leadership within hospitality or services.
• Ability to manage budgets and identify growth opportunities.
• Understanding of health, safety, and food hygiene practices.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of food, beverage, and customer service.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Manage budgets and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Operational leadership experience

Strong commercial acumen

Communication skills

Customer service passion

Health and safety knowledge

Education

Relevant certifications or qualifications

Tools

Systems and reporting tools

Job description

Location

Christchurch Airport

Employer

Compass Group New Zealand

Employment Type

Full-time

Why Join Us

• Lead with purpose in a world‑class lounge experience ✨ Shape premium guest experiences – Lead a high‑performing team in one of New Zealand’s most prestigious airport lounges.
• 🚀 Grow your leadership career – Access NZQA qualifications, apprenticeships, and structured development pathways.
• 🌟 Be recognised – Enjoy performance bonuses, awards, and a supportive team culture.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Service Operations Manager to lead the team at the Air New Zealand Lounge in Christchurch Airport. In this role, you’ll oversee the delivery of exceptional food, beverage, and customer service experiences. You’ll be responsible for operational excellence, team leadership, client engagement, and ensuring the lounge operates to the highest standards of safety, quality, and guest satisfaction.

Your Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring service delivery aligns with contractual and brand expectations.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets, stock control, and financial performance to meet commercial targets.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food safety regulations and company policies.
• Drive customer satisfaction through innovation, service excellence, and operational efficiency.

About You

• Proven experience in a similar operational leadership role within hospitality or service industries.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and identify growth opportunities.
• In‑depth understanding of health, safety, and food hygiene practices.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a passion for customer service.
• Computer literate with the ability to manage systems and reporting tools effectively.

Benefits & Perks

• ✅ Training & Development – Online learning, apprenticeships, and NZQA qualifications.
• 📈 Career Pathways – Formal progression opportunities within Compass Group.
• 🎉 Recognition – Star Awards, Service Awards, and annual bonuses.
• 🛡 Health & Safety – A safe, supportive work environment.
• 🛍 Discounts – Health insurance, gym memberships, optometry, and more.
• ✈️ Site‑Specific Perks – Free uniforms, on‑site parking, and access to airport amenities.

Please visit our Benefits page for a comprehensive list of our benefits.

About Us

• We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.
• Our sub‑brands, Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, ESS and Rapport manage these industry sectors.
• We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT.
• Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen!
• Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH, and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.
• We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritise sustainability in everything we do, ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Successful candidates will be able to pass per‑employment checks satisfactorily.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity - Click'Apply'Now!

For any recruitment queries please contact the Compass Group Recruitment team [e-mail].