Be part of something extraordinary. Lead hospitality at a cultural landmark.
Alder Road Group, led by David O'Brien, is a growing, dynamic hospitalitycollective, passionate about food, drinks and remarkable guest experiences. Known for creativity and bespoke adaptability, our brands include:
Cook & Waiter – high-end and bespoke catering for events, corporate, weddings and private celebrations.
Food Rascal – workplace hospitality, retail and venue support.
Saltbox – a premier event venue redefining event experiences.
We're now seeking a Head of Hospitality Operations – Cook & Waiter, for our exciting new state government contract in Parramatta where we will run the Food and Beverage, and the Events Front of House and Back of House, at a large and diverse new landmark cultural site which will redefine museums in the 21st century by renegotiating the terms of engagement with communities, radically returning to and reckoning with its legacy as a museum of industry and fortifying its vital role in the cultural and economic ecosystems of NSW, Australia and the world. This is a rare opportunity to be part of the pre-opening and launch, helping shape systems, teams, standards and service at this world-class venue in collaboration with the on-site State Government team.
Our head office is in Alexandria with parking, so you'll also have the chance to come to head office from time to time and may spend pre-opening at our Alexandria and City sites.
About the Role
As the Head of Hospitality Operations for Cook & Waiter you'll be the main on-site lead for operational delivery of catering and front of house hospitality services across Events, Academy, Residences, and Retail Pop Up / Mobile Activations. You'll be the main relationship manager for the contract ensuring:
* All contract standards and KPIs are met or exceeded.
* Operational excellence, safety and guest experience are world-class.
* Strong, collaborative relationships with state government stakeholders.
* Accurate reporting and proactive improvement initiatives.
This is a hands-on, leadership role with accountability for people, performance, compliance, commercial results, and exceptional guest experiences.
What You'll Do
* Deliver all contract requirements and KPIs, maintaining exceptional service standards.
* Lead daily operations across the front of house service delivery and back of house kitchens for Events, Academy, Residences, and Retail activations.
* Lead and mentor the team including Events Operations and Catering Managers.
* Oversee event operations, staffing (Chefs, Waitstaff etc), and operational bump in/out.
* Drive guest experience excellence, overall brand alignment, and resolve operational issues.
* Lead HACCP Food Safety, WHS, Liquor Act compliance and audit readiness.
* Monitor commercial performance, menus, COGS, labour and profitability.
* Embed six-star green standards into the hospitality operations, ensuring innovative, practical and future-focused food, service, equipment and workflow solutions across.
* Build, lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
* Represent Alder Road Group in regular meetings with stakeholders.
* Foster a collaborative environment between the site government team & Cook and Waiter teams to ensure a seamless experience.
About You
* Experienced in multi-stream hospitality, events, or venue operations.
* Strong in stakeholder management, reporting, administration, and KPI delivery.
* Confident leading teams through pre-opening, new contracts, or major operational transitions.
* Excellent communicator, highly organised, and commercially aware.
* Passionate about delivering exceptional, memorable guest experiences.
Why Join Alder Road?
* Lead at a landmark cultural venue during its pre-opening and launch.
* Be part of a fast-growing, fun and innovative hospitality group.
* Work across a variety of exciting service streams and events.
* Influence culture, operational excellence, guest experience, and commercial outcomes.