Customer Experience Manager - ESS Waiouru Military Camp

He Angitūtanga / The Opportunity

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Customer Experience Manager to lead our large catering and hospitality operations at Waiouru Military Base .

Waiouru is located within the Ruapehu district, 130 km north of Palmerston North and 112 km from Taupo. With some of the best fly fishing, hunting, great walks, skiing and mountain bike trails in the country on your doorstep it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The tight knit community is proactive and offer plenty of events you can chose to be a part of.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring exceptional service delivery, managing a dedicated team, and maintaining compliance with food safety and health regulations. Driving sales within this area will also be a key component of your role.

Experience with Deputy and SAP would be an advantage.

You will be responsible for organizing and managing the front of house and overall customer experience. This also includes transportation, logistics and function planning & delivery in accordance with the standards required by the New Zealand Defence and Compass Group.

Ko o Kawenga / Your Responsibilities

• Manage contracts to provide services
• Lead and manage catering operations and facilities, ensuring high standards of service and compliance.
• Recruit, develop and coach staff, manage rosters, and foster a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Monitor budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Maintain strong client relationships and respond proactively to feedback and service requests.
• Oversee event catering, stock control, and ensure adherence to food safety and health standards.
• Ensure responsible service of alcohol.

He Kōrero Mōu / About You

• Proven leadership experience in hospitality or catering, ideally in a Defence or institutional setting.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and drive performance and preparing management reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-first mindset.
• In-depth understanding of health, safety, and food safety regulations.
• NZQA Food Handling Certificate (Units 167 & 168) and First Aid Certificate desirable.

Ngā Painga / Benefits & Perks

• Competitive hourly rate and corporate benefits such learning and development and career progression opportunities, access to Employee Assistance Programme, Annual Star Awards.
• Exclusive discounts and special offers in Health insurance, travel and accommodation, entertainment, food, health and fitness, banking and more;
• You will be provided with free Uniforms & PPE and free meals while on duty
• On-site accommodation (subject to availability) and access to the army's amenities such as sporting facilities (Gym, pool, squash courts etc);
• Relocation allowance

Mō Mātou / About Us

• We are New Zealand's leading and largest provider of food and support services across multiple industries.
• These industry sectors are managed by our sub brands Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, and ESS.
• 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 an equal opportunity employer; we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.

Successful candidates will be able to satisfactorily pass a Security and police clearance.

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

Ready to lead with purpose and make a difference? Click 'Apply Now' to join our team.

For recruitment queries, contact :

Great People, Real Opportunities

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