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We are seeking an experienced Retail Operations Manager who will be responsible for leading the retail department to deliver exceptional customer experiences across cafés and event-based retail outlets, while achieving strong commercial performance.
This role provides operational leadership to ensure the successful planning and delivery of retail services through effective people leadership, financial management, operational planning and continuous improvement of processes and systems.
VCET – About our Venues
The Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) is the powerhouse behind two of Victoria's most iconic venues—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Together, they create experiences where forward-thinkers connect, collaboration thrives, and world-class events come to life.
Two Venues, Endless Possibilities
The Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) is the powerhouse behind two of Victoria's most iconic venues—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. Together, they create experiences where forward-thinkers connect, collaboration thrives, and world-class events come to life.
Why MCEC?
MCEC is where ideas come to life and the world's thought leaders gather. From dynamic exhibitions and conferences to galas and concerts, every event leaves a lasting impact.
We're a place for all communities and passions, bringing people together over thought-provoking discussions, cutting-edge tech, and Melbourne's best food experiences. Every event is designed to inspire, surprise, and spark new ideas.
Our people are the heartbeat of our vibrant community—curious, dedicated, and always brimming with innovative ideas. We thrive on collaboration, believing no challenge is too big when we work together.
Responsibilities
Oversee the day-to-day operations of cafés and outlets ensuring high standards of product quality, service delivery and operational efficiency.
Provide on-floor operational leadership during peak service periods and key activations.
Ensure consistent standards of food presentation, service delivery and customer engagement.
Plan and manage retail activations for exhibitions, plenary events and large-scale activations.
Develop Retail Briefs for major events and exhibitions, typically 6–8 months prior to event delivery.
Identify opportunities to enhance product offerings, service concepts and retail experiences.
Develop and maintain Retail Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational documentation.
About you
Qualifications
* Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
* Certificate II or higher in Hospitality Management
* Tertiary qualification in Hospitality, Business or Management
* Certificate IV in Hospitality or Commercial Cookery
* Training and Assessment qualification
* Extensive experience managing multi-outlet hospitality or retail operations
* Experience managing high-volume café or food and beverage retail environments
* Demonstrated leadership experience managing large teams including casual workforces
* Strong financial acumen including budgeting, reporting and cost control
* Experience operating in fast-paced, dynamic hospitality environments
* Strong planning, organisational and operational management skills
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management capability
* Strong attention to detail in operational and service delivery environments
* Experience with EBMS or similar event management systems
* Experience with workforce management systems such as Humanforce
* Experience implementing or managing POS systems
* Experience working in HACCP-certified environments
* Experience managing third-party retail vendors or food trucks
Our Culture
We're a values-driven team, and success comes from working and celebrating together. We back each other, share the wins, and push for better, because we know that great things happen when we work as one.
At VCET, inclusion drives everything we do
Our Gender Equality Action Plan strengthens representation, culture, and policies.
Our Accessibility Action Plan is in place, ensuring a more accessible workplace.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan is in development, deepening our community commitment.
Need adjustments during the application process? We're happy to help
Why You'll Love it Here
At MCEC, we're all about flexibility, balance, and perks that make a difference—like remote work options, exclusive discounts, extra leave for life's moments, and discounted meals at our employee Lounge.
Plus, we're committed to your growth, wellbeing, and impact
Career development – Access learning programs to grow and evolve.
Wellbeing support – Enjoy counselling, Healthy Day leave, and financial coaching.
Stay active – Get discounted gym and pool access.
Community impact – We invest $2 million annually in sustainability and inclusivity.
End of year closure – 2 weeks to spend time with family and friends
Exclusive perks – free breakfast and subsidised lunch or dinner provided by our talented kitchen, on-site parking, dry cleaning, health insurance, childcare discounts, and free event tickets
Make an Impact
We don't just talk about community; we invest in it. Through our partnerships with leading Australian charities, we contribute nearly $2 million annually to causes that champion sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
Ready to Apply
We'd love to see how your unique experience can add to our team. Apply now or explore all current opportunities
*Noting that candidates may be contacted earlier than the above-mentioned date.
Acknowledgement of Country
Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.
Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
* What's your expected annual base salary?
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