Catering Specialist

Join the delivery of one of the world's largest international sporting events as a Catering Operations Specialist, supporting catering operations for a massive international football tournament. In this operational role, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery of catering services at an assigned venue, ensuring food service operations run efficiently, safely, and in line with event standards.This is a full-time, fixed-term position from September 1, 2026, to February/March 2027. Please apply only if you are available to commit for the entire contract duration. This is not a part-time role and requires full-time commitment.Position SummaryThe Catering Specialist supports the delivery of catering operations at an assigned venue by supervising daily catering activities and ensuring services are delivered in accordance with operational plans, food safety requirements, contractual obligations, and agreed service standards. The role is primarily field-based, overseeing contractor performance during operations, identifying operational issues, and reporting them to the Venue Catering Manager or Senior Catering Cluster Manager. The ideal candidate has experience in catering or event operations, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks on-site efficientlyKey ResponsibilitiesSupport the daily execution of catering operations across assigned kitchens, storage areas, dining facilities, hospitality lounges, and service points.Assist with the setup, operation, and breakdown of catering services as required before, during, and after service periods.Conduct routine inspections to verify operational readiness, cleanliness, equipment functionality, and compliance with approved operational standards.Monitor catering operations throughout service and promptly report any operational issues or service disruptions.Supervise the daily activities and overall performance of catering contractor personnel within assigned areas.Ensure all assigned catering staff are present, appropriately accredited, correctly uniformed, and deployed according to the approved operational plan.Verify that catering setups, equipment, furniture, signage, and service areas comply with approved layouts and contractual requirements.Provide day-to-day operational direction to contractor supervisors and escalate issues requiring management intervention.Monitor compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and health & safety standards throughout catering operations.Identify and immediately report food safety concerns, quality issues, equipment failures, or service deficiencies to the Venue Catering Manager.Liaise with suppliers and contractor representatives to support the timely delivery of food, beverages, catering equipment, and operational consumables.Prepare and submit within established reporting timelines accurate daily operational reports, including meal counts, staffing attendance, operational observations, incidents, equipment issues, and corrective actions.Report contractor non-compliance, operational risks, customer feedback, and venue issues through the established reporting process.Ensure assigned catering activities are carried out in accordance with event procedures, operational guidelines, contractual requirements, and health & safety regulations.Support the Venue Catering Manager and wider Catering team with additional operational tasks as required.Qualifications & ExperienceDiploma or equivalent qualification in Hospitality, Catering, Culinary Science, Event Management, or a related discipline, or relevant operational experience.Minimum two (2) years' experience supervising catering, hospitality, or food service operations, preferably within large-scale events.Working knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices.Strong organisational, communication, and teamwork skills.Strong computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams), and the ability to accurately prepare daily operational reports, maintain digital records, and use event management or reporting systems.Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced event environment.Performance Indicators:Smooth execution of catering operations at the assigned venue.Compliance with food safety, hygiene, and service standards.Efficient coordination with staff, vendors, and suppliers.Accurate record-keeping and reporting of operational metrics.Positive feedback from venue management and stakeholders on operational support