Food & Beverage Manager - Student Programs & Impact

Arc Employee Portal • Kensington, NY

1d

About The Position

Arc is seeking a hands-on Food & Beverage Manager to lead a diverse operation serving more than 4,000 meals each week to support UNSW students. The role oversees the Canteen, UNSW Meals, Checkpoint Breakfasts, catering and food truck activations, balancing food quality, affordability, sustainability and operational performance.

The manager will lead kitchen production and menu development, oversee staff and customer experience, and take responsibility for budgets, costs, procurement, food safety and compliance. The role combines practical kitchen work—including food preparation, cooking and service when needed—with strategic oversight and continuous improvement. It also involves collaborating with Arc teams, UNSW stakeholders, suppliers and partners to develop services that support student wellbeing and align with Arc’s objectives.

The position offers mostly daytime hours, with very minimal nights and weekends, a flexible and people-first working environment, and four additional days of leave at the end of the year.

Requirements

• Proven ability to independently manage complex food and beverage operations, with strong judgement, initiative and accountability.
• Experience in high-volume food production, bulk cooking or catering, with strong commercial kitchen knowledge.
• Ability to develop and improve operational systems, processes and workflows.
• Strong financial acumen, including COGS, menu costing, waste management, labour costs and budgeting.
• Practical cooking and food preparation skills, and willingness to work hands-on in the kitchen.
• Experience leading and developing teams, including workforce planning and performance management.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, allergen management, WHS and relevant compliance requirements.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to affordable, high-quality student food services.
• Hands-on, collaborative leadership style and positive, people-first attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a social enterprise, community or not-for-profit environment.
• Knowledge of circular economy or sustainable food systems.
• Food Safety Supervisor qualification.

Responsibilities

• Oversee high-volume food production across the Canteen, UNSW Meals, Checkpoint Breakfasts, catering and food truck activations, coordinating production schedules, kitchen resources, preparation, cooking and storage.
• Lead menu development and food production standards, ensuring quality, appropriate portions and offerings that balance student preferences, affordability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain a daily kitchen presence and provide hands-on support with preparation, cooking and service as required.
• Take responsibility for food safety, allergen management, stock control, kitchen compliance, and the safe and effective operation of kitchen facilities and equipment.
• Manage the financial performance of food and beverage operations, including budgets, menu costing, COGS, labour efficiency and waste reduction.
• Monitor and analyse financial and operational performance, including costs, margins, sales and wastage, and use the information to guide improvements.
• Manage procurement, suppliers and purchasing arrangements to achieve quality, reliability and value for money.
• Oversee financial planning and reporting, identify financial risks, and balance commercial sustainability with student affordability.
• Lead kitchen, front-of-house and other food and beverage staff, fostering a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture.
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, training, rostering, performance management and staff development.
• Oversee Canteen operations to support a welcoming venue, efficient service and a positive student experience.
• Lead food programs, student catering and food truck activations in collaboration with internal teams, meeting program objectives, student needs and budgets.
• Monitor customer demand, sales performance and student feedback to identify service improvements and respond to changing student needs.
• Collaborate with Arc’s Marketing team on promotions, activations and initiatives to strengthen the visibility and performance of food and beverage services.
• Develop systems and processes that improve operational efficiency, service quality and financial sustainability.
• Maintain effective relationships and communication with UNSW stakeholders, Arc teams, suppliers and other partners.
• Monitor and report on operational performance, outcomes and risks, ensuring services meet organisational, contractual and compliance requirements.
• Support the development of food and beverage services in line with Arc’s strategic objectives, including sustainability, waste reduction and collaboration with the Food Hub.

Benefits

• Mostly daytime hours, with very minimal nights and weekends.
• Four extra days of leave at the end of the year.
• Flexible, people-first working environment.
• Opportunity to lead a diverse food operation with real ownership and room to make improvements.
• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation supporting student wellbeing and cost of living.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed