Tuckshop Convenor
Freshwater State School P&C Association
Cairns, Cairns & Far North QLD
Casual School Hours with Pathway to premenant
$36 – $38 per hour (dependent on experience)
A leadership role for someone who enjoys building, improving, and running a well organised food operation.
Freshwater State School P&C Association is seeking a capable, proactive, and commercially minded Tuckshop Convenor to lead the day to day operation of our school tuckshop.
This role will suit someone who is comfortable stepping into an environment where not all systems are fully established yet, and who enjoys identifying gaps, improving processes, and implementing practical solutions. You will be supported by the P&C Association and Operations Manager, but you will also be trusted to show initiative, bring forward ideas, and help shape how the tuckshop operates going forward.
The role is initially offered on a casual basis during school hours, with a clear pathway to full time for the right candidate once operational stability, consistency, and fit are demonstrated.
Why This Role Is Different
· School hours with term time only work
· Genuine opportunity to shape systems and processes
· Autonomy to identify problems and implement improvements
· Supportive governance structure with clear decision making pathways
· Scope to introduce new, well considered ideas to grow tuckshop revenue
· A leadership role that balances creativity with commercial accountability
· The opportunity to positively impact children, families, and the wider school community
Our Customers
Our primary customers are children, which means this role requires an understanding of high-volume service, simple and appealing menu design, consistency, and speed.
This role suits someone who can design offerings for children first, while balancing operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
· Manage daily tuckshop operations including preparation, service, rostering, and supervision
· Identify operational gaps and implement streamlined processes and systems
· Develop menus and offerings that balance nutrition, efficiency, and student appeal
· Cost menu items accurately including ingredients and labour
· Propose and trial new revenue generating ideas such as take home meals or breakfast offerings, subject to approval
· Maintain food safety, WHS, and compliance documentation to required standards
· Manage stock control, ordering, waste reduction, and supplier relationships
· Coordinate and supervise volunteers with clear expectations and structure
· Provide timely and accurate reporting on sales, costs, and operational matters
· Cater afternoon tea for the OSHC service
· Work collaboratively with the P&C Association to implement agreed improvements
This Role Will Suit Someone Who
· Enjoys building systems and improving how things are done
· Sees problems and takes initiative to develop practical solutions
· Can balance creativity and innovation with cost control and compliance
· Understands how new ideas must be costed, trialled, and evaluated
· Is organised, dependable, and follows through on commitments
· Communicates clearly and professionally with a range of stakeholders
· Enjoys working in a school environment while understanding this is still a business operation
Essential Requirements
· Proven experience in hospitality, food service, or kitchen management
· Demonstrated ability to improve processes or introduce new initiatives
· Confidence with costing, basic financial reporting, and spreadsheets
· Current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain
· Food safety certification or willingness to obtain
Desirable
· Experience managing or coordinating staff and volunteers
· Experience introducing new menu concepts or revenue streams
· Barista or coffee machine experience
What We Offer
· Competitive hourly rate based on experience
· Casual school hours with term time only work
· A clear pathway to permanent employment
· Genuine scope to influence and improve how the tuckshop operates
· Strong support and governance, without micromanagement
· A respected leadership role within a well regarded school community
Applications are welcomed from both members of the Freshwater school community and the wider community.
Position Commencement and Recruitment Timeline
· The successful applicant is expected to commence on 19 January
· Shortlisted candidates will be contacted from 5 January, following the P&C Association's end of year closure
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining:
· An example of a process or system you have improved in a previous role
· An idea you have introduced or would like to introduce to increase food service sales, and how you would assess its viability
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.