Operations Manager - Food & Beverage

From lunches and dinners for 500+ people through to smaller, intimate VIP functions, student events, corporate bookings, gigs and everything in between…..this role covers a truly diverse range of events and services. Pulse is seeking a well-rounded Operations Manager to oversee our food and beverage portfolio, made up of Aspire Events & Catering and the UOW UniBar, servicing entertainment needs of UOW students, staff and the broader community.

About the role 

You will lead day to day operations across Aspire and UniBar , ensuring we deliver exceptional events across a truly broad and diverse scope. . Your strong operational expertise, high attention to detail and an outstanding customer service focus will help establish Aspire as the premier function and event center in the Illawarra and solidify UniBar as an iconic entertainment venue. 

In this hands-on operational role, you will:

• Lead and inspire the Aspire front-of-house team to deliver high-quality events with a strong focus on customer service
• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the UniBar team

• Coordinate, liaise and deliver UniBar gigs and events

• Collaborate with internal and external clients on event planning and execution
• Bring your own creative flair and expertise
• Ensuring smooth and efficient operations across all stages and venues – from coordination and setup to seamless event delivery.

About you

As an energetic and passionate leader with a strong background in events and catering, you will inspire a vibrant team to establish our venues as the go-to destinations in the Illawarra.

This is a hands-on operational role, where you will be required to work alongside teams to deliver exceptional experiences whilst complying with company policies and NSW legislative requirements.  In addition, you will need to have the following experience and skills:

• Hold a current Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate
• Extensive experience in the front of house/ gig space – with a minimum two year management experience 
• Hands-on experience in planning, coordinating, and executing events of all sizes – from intimate corporate gatherings to large-scale live music productions.
• Demonstrated high level organisational skills with proven experience in leading and managing a diverse team. 
• Strong problem-solving skills, including ability to react quickly and effectively to unexpected operational issues.
• Current NSW Driver’s License

In return, we offer the following perks and benefits:

We have a generous package on offer to ensure you get the most out of your Pulse experience:

• Work life balance – primarily a Monday to Friday operation, with occasional Saturday and Sunday events. 
• Generous leave entitlements including concessional leave, (paid time off between Christmas Day and New Years Eve each year, in addition to your annual leave) and birthday leave (take a day to celebrate another lap around the sun!)
• Salary packaging available, including the ability to salary sacrifice campus parking and a gold gym membership with UniActive for only $2 per week.
• Opportunities to learn and grow beyond food and beverage and events management. UOW Pulse runs gyms, retail outlets, student engagement activities and more on campus, with all business units working together to enrich student experience and bring the campus to life.  

About us

UOW Pulse is a not-for-profit organisation that enhances campus life for students and staff through events, entertainment and experiences. We work across a diverse range of outlets and commercial sectors to provide and deliver a memorable experience for the entire UOW community. 

Nestled within the scenic UOW campus, this location offers convenient access to the UniActive gym and pool, a range of dining options, Village Grocer, a chemist, hairdresser and a post office—everything you need for your daily essentials, all in one place. 

UOW Pulse is a proud Child Safe Organisation. We take the safety of children and young people that we employ, support and care for seriously, and have a zero tolerance for child abuse. We have strict guidelines, policies, procedures, processes and training in place to support our teams in interacting with and working alongside children and young people. We aim to create a reflective culture of continuous improvement, where advocacy for children and young people is championed. The wellbeing of children and young people is at the forefront of what we do and the decisions we make. Hear what the children at Kids’ Uni have to say.

For more information, please refer to the job description. To apply, upload a current resume and cover letter outlining why you believe you're a good fit for the role.

Applications close on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. 

UOW Pulse reserves the right to interview candidates and fill the position prior to the closing date if a suitable applicant is found.