Catering Leader

Lead One of New Zealand’s Most Unique High-Volume Hospitality Operations Rainbow’s End is New Zealand’s premier theme park, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests each year and delivering memorable experiences for families from across New Zealand and beyond. We are looking for an exceptional operational leader to take responsibility for one of the park’s largest and most dynamic teams. As Catering Leader, you will lead a diverse, high-volume hospitality operation that includes cafés, fast-service outlets, specialty dessert and ice cream offerings, a production kitchen, birthday catering, major group functions, and large-scale event catering. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and can balance guest experience, food safety, commercial performance, and team culture. About the Role Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will lead through Site Supervisors, Chefs and Team Leaders to ensure food and beverage services are delivered safely, efficiently, and consistently. You will be responsible for: Food safety and compliance Labour planning and productivity Team leadership and performance management Stock control and waste reduction Guest experience and service standards Coaching and capability development Operational planning and execution Major event catering, including launches and special events You will play a central role in strengthening standards, building accountability, and delivering a consistently high-performing catering operation. You will work closely with the Business Development Leader and external menu consultants to operationalise menu and product improvements, ensuring new offers are standardised, costed, tested, and delivered consistently across the operation. About the Operation The Catering team supports a wide range of food and beverage experiences, including: Two cafés Two high-volume fast-service outlets A production kitchen A specialty sweets and dessert outlet An ice cream outlet Birthday catering packages Corporate and group catering Seasonal and evening events This role requires a leader who can coordinate multiple outlets and service styles while remaining calm and decisive under pressure. About You You are an experienced hospitality leader who: Has successfully led large, fast-paced food service operations Maintains high standards of food safety and compliance Uses data and KPIs to improve performance Builds strong and accountable teams Holds people to account with fairness and respect Coaches supervisors and develops capability Takes ownership and follows through Remains calm and solutions-focused during peak trading periods A current Duty Manager Certificate, or willingness to obtain one, will be an advantage. Experience in multi-site hospitality, event catering, or large-scale food operations will be highly regarded. Why Join Rainbow’s End? At Rainbow’s End, no two days are the same. You will help shape one of the most unique hospitality operations in New Zealand while contributing to memorable experiences for guests of all ages. We offer: Free onsite parking Complimentary park visits on your days off 12 free ride passes each year for family and friends Discounts while rostered Uniform provided Hours of Work This is a full-time salaried role based on 45 hours per week, typically worked Thursday to Monday. The role requires flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, evenings, and peak trading periods. Salary will be based on experience and capability. #J-18808-Ljbffr