Head of National Venue Operations
Shape the future of hospitality operations with TNA
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for operational excellence?
The Navy's Anchorage (TNA) is seeking a Head of National Venue Operations to join our Executive Management Team and drive operational excellence across our cafe, catering, and mobile food and beverage network nationwide.
This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced executive who thrives on complexity, scale and strategic alignment.
This new opportunity comes as part of an internal realignment to strengthen our leadership team.
Our current Head of National Operations remains an integral part of the organisation.
About the Role
As the Head of National Venue Operations, you will hold primary accountability for operational performance across all 33 venues nationally (and growing), ensuring they operate safely, profitably, and in alignment with TNA's strategic objectives and Defence partnership obligations.
You will work closely with the Head of Strategic Operations & Projects to translate initiatives into executable outcomes, standardise processes, and champion innovation across a multi-site footprint.
What you'll do
Lead National Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations across all venues, ensuring profitability, compliance, and exceptional customer experience.
Drive Strategic Execution: Translate organisational strategy into operational frameworks that deliver sustainable growth and service excellence.
Financial Leadership: Develop and monitor budgets, cost ratios, and revenue performance.
Partner with the CFO on forecasting, capital planning, and Board reporting.
People & Culture: Inspire and lead a distributed team of Venue Managers and operational staff.
Build a high-performance culture through coaching, accountability, and leadership visibility.
Governance & Risk: Maintain WHS, HACCP, and food safety compliance.
Ensure operational policies and SOPs are implemented and audited.
Innovation & Sustainability: Champion technology adoption, process automation, and sustainability initiatives.
Collaborate on menu optimisation and customer engagement strategies.
Executive Representation: Represent TNA at Defence and stakeholder forums, strengthening partnerships and influencing outcomes at the highest level.
Travel Requirements
This is a national leadership role requiring significant on-site engagement to ensure operational visibility, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Expect to be away from your home base for up to 50% of the work year, and spend at least a minimum of 1 week on site at each of our 8 locations around the country.
What we're looking for
Senior leadership experience in large-scale, multi-site hospitality or retail operations.
Proven ability to manage budgets, financial performance, and operational systems.
Expertise in food safety (HACCP), WHS, and compliance.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement within regulated or Defence environments.
Proficiency in operational systems such as Bepoz and Lightyear.
Qualifications in Business, Hospitality or Operational Management (desirable).
Location
Flexible – can be based anywhere in Australia, provided you have easy access to a Navy Base.
Be part of a purpose-driven organisation with a strong Defence link.
Influence national operations and shape the future of hospitality in a mission-driven organisation.
Collaborate at the highest level with executive peers and Defence stakeholders.
Drive innovation and sustainability across a diverse operational footprint.
Enjoy a dynamic role with national travel and executive-level impact.
Ready to lead with impact?
Apply now and help us deliver operational excellence across Australia.
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