FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER – FULL TIME – HMAS PENGUIN 

Harbourside Location | Hospitality Leadership | Career Growth

• Lead hospitality operations at HMAS Penguin
• Monday to Friday roster with occasional function evenings
• Free on-site parking in a unique harbourside location
• Career development opportunities within ESS Defence and Compass Group

ESS Defence delivers the best hospitality and catering services to our Defence personnel. We are committed to providing nutritional and delicious meals to our customers, whether it is in dining halls or out on the field. The work that we do is essential in keeping our Australian Defence Force healthy, comfortable and living their best Defence Life.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Food & Beverage Manager to join our team at HMAS Penguin, Mosman. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a hospitality professional who enjoys leading teams, building relationships, delivering outstanding customer service and maintaining high operational standards.

Set in a unique harbourside location, this position offers the opportunity to lead hospitality operations, develop high-performing teams and deliver exceptional service in a structured and purpose-driven environment.

THE POSITION

• Lead, coach and inspire front-of-house teams across daily service operations
• Drive a positive team culture focused on accountability, engagement and service excellence
• Oversee dining services, hospitality functions and customer experience delivery
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, food safety standards and service expectations
• Manage rostering, workforce planning and people management activities
• Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness and operational efficiency
• Lead by example with a hands-on and visible leadership style
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Defence stakeholders and customers

THE PERSON

• Proven hospitality leadership experience, including people management and rostering
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to coach, mentor and develop team members
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with site leadership teams
• Current driver's licence preferred
• Ability to obtain and maintain a National Police Check and Defence clearance

ROSTER

• Predominantly Monday to Friday roster
• Typical working hours are 7:00am to 3:00pm
• Occasional evening functions and special events

BENEFITS

• Free on-site parking
• Unique and picturesque harbourside working environment
• Stable leadership opportunity within a respected national organisation
• Ongoing development and clear career pathways within ESS Defence and Compass Group
• Meals and uniforms provided while on duty
• Access to employee discounts, benefits and recognition programs
• National Police Check completed at company expense

Apply now to join our team at HMAS Penguin and play a key role in delivering exceptional hospitality services to Australian Defence Force personnel.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks including an Australian National Police Check and Defence clearance.

We are committed to a fair and accessible recruitment process. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact 1300TALENT or careers@compass-group.com.au.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and from people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. We also welcome applications from Veterans and Defence family members.