Catering Operations Manager | Cruise Whitsundays

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

About Us

Cruise Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach is the largest marine-based tour and transport provider in the Whitsundays. Providing close encounters with the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the islands of the Whitsundays, Cruise Whitsundays operates 10, well-equipped, air-conditioned vessels, plus a world-class sailing catamaran, offering a range of tours, as well as an inter-island resort connection service, with regular daily departures at two islands, one airport and two mainland ports.

Cruise Whitsundays also operates Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefsuites, and a Reefsleep glamping experience at the Reefworld pontoon, moored offshore at Hardy Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

From our cruises and sailing adventures to our world-renowned underwater accommodation, there’s no better way to experience the Whitsundays, and you won’t find a friendlier or more experienced crew to work with.

About Journey Beyond

Journey Beyond is Australia's leading experiential tourism group, operating 35 brands across Australia and New Zealand that connect guests to the land and to each other.
The group was formed in 2016 and now includes:
Rail & Touring: Iconic trains: The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland and Vintage Rail Journeys, the Murray Princess, Adelaide Sightseeing, premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit and New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours.
Resorts & Lodges: Ayers Rock Resort, Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kingfisher Bay Resort and K'gari Beach Resort, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef and Monarto Safari Resort.
Experiences & Attractions: Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises, Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney, Melbourne Skydeck, Eureka 89, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Exmouth Dive and Whalesharks Ningaloo, Mosman Gorge Cultural Centre, Captain Cook Cruises Sydney & Perth, Starship Sydney, The Jackson, Bells Functions, Swan Valley Tours, Red Cat Adventures, Whitsunday Jetski Tours, K'gari Explorer Tours, and Island Connections: Bruny Island, the Whitsundays, K’gari, Darwin -Mandorah, Tiwi Islands and Groote Eylandt.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team! The Catering Operations Manager will be responsible for leading and shaping all aspects of the catering department at Cruise Whitsundays, with a clear focus on elevating food and beverage options across the business.

Your responsibilities may include but not limited to:

• Strategic and operational leadership across the Catering Department
• Lead supplier negotiations, procurement strategies and product sourcing
• Maintain overall operations accountability for food safety, workplace health and safety within the catering facility, licensing and regulatory compliance.
• Develop, implement and improve Standard Operating Procedures
• Lead compliance audits, inspections and risk management activities
• Drive catering quality, lead menu strategy and monitor guest feedback.

About you

You are an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a strong focus on guest satisfaction, a passion for hospitality and a commitment to providing high quality guest experiences.

To be successful in the role you must have:

• Demonstrates a strong passion for hospitality, with a commitment to delivering highquality guest experiences
• Proven capability in rostering and workforce planning, with a solid understanding of the Hospitality Industry Award and labour management
• Strong leadership and people management experience, with the ability to build, engage, and develop a high-performing team. Confident in managing performance, providing feedback, and supporting team growth and accountability
• Technically proficient, with sound knowledge of POS systems, ordering platforms, and operational tools
• Highly self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and high standards across all operations
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work varied hours, including weekends and extended shifts as required

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years in a similar position, preferably with bulk food preparation experience
• Cert III in Commercial Cookery (Mandatory)
• Driver Licence (Mandatory)
• SITHFAB021– QLD Responsible Service of Alcohol (Mandatory)
• SITSS00069 – Food Safety Supervision Skill Set (Mandatory)
• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Mandatory)
• Blue Card (Working with Children’s check─ QLD) (Mandatory)
• Elements of Shipboard Safety (Mandatory)

Benefits

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• An attractive salary and positive work environment
• Study Assistance Policy
• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise
• Discounts at the Cruise Café & Bar
• Discounts at the bar on board vessels
• Free public transport
• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

Applications will be reviewed and progressed as they are received, so don't wait, apply now!