Catering Coordinator

Provide day-to-day leadership of the catering team and assumes primary responsibility for food service quality, kitchen systems, food safety, stock control, guest satisfaction, team culture and operational delivery at Port Hacking......

POSITION PURPOSE

The Catering Coordinator is responsible for leading, coordinating and delivering the catering operations at Port Hacking Conference Centres. Reporting to the Port Hacking Centre Manager, this role provides day-to-day leadership of the catering team and assumes primary responsibility for food service quality, kitchen systems, food safety, stock control, guest satisfaction, team culture and operational delivery at Port Hacking.

This is both a leadership and hands-on operations role. The Catering Coordinator will lead the catering team in delivering high-quality, guest-centred catering while also working directly on the kitchen floor as required to support food preparation, cooking, service delivery and the smooth running of the kitchen. The role is to ensure that catering at Port Hacking reflects Youthworks’ commitment to excellent Christian service and keeps ministry partnership, Christian hospitality and the proclamation of the gospel at the heart of the team’s culture.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Catering Leadership and Operations

• Operational Leadership: Lead and coordinate the day-to-day catering operations at Port Hacking, ensuring meals are prepared, delivered and served to a high standard and in line with guest needs, camp schedules and organisational expectations.

• Team Coordination: Provide direct leadership, supervision and positive support to cooks, kitchen hands, casual staff and other catering team members, including clear communication of daily priorities and expectations.

• Kitchen Workflow: Coordinate kitchen workflows, production schedules and food delivery logistics so that catering services operate safely, efficiently and on time.

• Hands-on Support: Participate directly in food preparation, cooking, baking, service and kitchen duties as required, particularly during peak periods, staff absences or operational pressure points.

• Guest-centred Service: Ensure the catering team delivers a warm, hospitable and responsive service that contributes positively to the guest experience and strengthens Youthworks’ reputation.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement practical improvements to catering systems, service delivery, menu execution and team performance.

Food Production and Menu Delivery

• Menu Delivery: Oversee the planning, preparation and delivery of approved seasonal menus, ensuring meals are nutritious, appealing, consistent and suitable for the needs of school, church and community groups.

• Food Preparation: Prepare ingredients and food for cooking and service, and cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the catering team.

• Special Dietaries: Coordinate the accurate preparation and service of meals for guests with dietary, allergy, medical or cultural requirements, maintaining clear communication and documentation.

• Quality and Presentation: Maintain consistent standards of food quality, portioning, presentation and service across all meals and catering functions.

• Timely Service: Ensure food is prepared, held, transported where necessary and delivered to service points in a timely and safe manner.

• Storage and Stock Rotation: Ensure all food and other items are stored appropriately, labelled, monitored and rotated in line with food safety requirements and good kitchen practice.

Systems, Compliance and Risk Management

• Food Safety: Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness in line with health regulations, Youthworks policies and industry standards.

• Compliance Records: Ensure food safety records, temperature checks, cleaning schedules, allergy documentation, incident reporting and other required records are accurately maintained and filed.

• Kitchen Systems: Maintain a sanitised, orderly and well-functioning kitchen environment, including practical systems for stock, equipment, cleaning, storage and service readiness.

• Inventory and Procurement: Manage stock levels, ordering, inventory control and cost-aware purchasing in consultation with the Port Hacking Centre Manager and relevant finance or operations staff.

• Budget Awareness: Contribute to responsible stewardship of catering resources by monitoring wastage, portion control, stock use and other cost pressures.

• Equipment and Maintenance: Monitor kitchen equipment and infrastructure, reporting issues promptly and working with the Centre Manager and property team to plan repairs, maintenance or replacement.

• Risk Management: Identify and respond to operational risks in the kitchen, including WHS hazards, food safety concerns, staffing risks and service delivery issues.

Team Leadership and Development

• Direct Supervision: Lead, supervise and support catering staff, including casual team members, so that the team works safely, efficiently and consistently.

• Training and Coaching: Provide on-the-job training, coaching and feedback to catering staff to strengthen skills, confidence, food safety practice and customer service.

• Team Culture: Foster a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture shaped by grace, integrity, mutual respect, hard work and excellent Christian service.

• Rostering Input: Contribute to roster planning and staff deployment in consultation with the Port Hacking Centre Manager, ensuring catering operations are appropriately resourced.

• Communication: Communicate clearly with the Centre Manager, bookings and guest services, program teams and other stakeholders regarding catering needs, guest requirements and operational changes.

Christian Leadership and Ministry Engagement

• Christian Leadership: Model a Christ-centred life and demonstrate Christian character in all aspects of leadership, communication, decision-making and staff engagement.

• Devotions and Prayer: Lead regular Bible devotions and prayer times with the Port Hacking catering team, encouraging spiritual growth, shared faith and dependence on God in the work of Christian hospitality.

• Ministry Culture: Ensure the ministry focus of Youthworks remains at the heart of the catering team culture, helping staff understand how excellent food service supports the gospel-shaped ministry of camps, schools, churches and community groups.

• Pastoral Care: Provide appropriate pastoral support to catering staff, referring to the Centre Manager, ministry staff or People and Safety where further care is needed.

• Christian Hospitality: Lead the team in seeing interactions with guests and one another as opportunities to promote and proclaim the gospel through generous, hospitable and excellent service.

• Youthworks Community: Actively participate in the wider Christian life of Youthworks, including staff meetings, devotions, training, retreats, services and other organisational gatherings as required.

Stakeholder Engagement and Guest Experience

• Guest Feedback: Respond promptly and constructively to guest feedback, catering issues and service concerns, implementing improvements where appropriate.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the Port Hacking Centre Manager, bookings team, program staff, property team and other stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery of catering services.

• Supplier Relationships: Maintain effective relationships with suppliers as required, ensuring quality, reliability and cost-aware purchasing for Port Hacking catering operations.

• Reporting: Provide timely updates to the Port Hacking Centre Manager on catering performance, staffing, compliance, stock, equipment, guest feedback and emerging risks.

How to apply:
Please download the Position Description and submit an application via the 'Apply to this Job' button below.

Youthworks is committed to participating in the NSW Working with Children Checks program, and successful applicants must have a valid Working with Children Check ID number for paid employment before an offer of employment can be made. Persons who are ineligible need not apply.

General enquiries can be directed to humanresources@youthworks.net however applications will only be accepted via the apply now button below.

Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

If your skills are a fit, you will be contacted by a member of our recruitment/HR team.

Applications cannot be processed until a completed application form is submitted.