The Role
Ventia are looking for an experienced and motivated Mess Manager to lead the daily operations of a Defence hospitality facility. If you take pride in delivering exceptional food and beverage services, excel in a compliance‑driven environment, and enjoy building positive relationships with staff and customers, this is a fantastic opportunity to step into a fast‑paced and rewarding role.

About the Role
As the Mess Manager, you’ll oversee the smooth and professional running of the mess facility, ensuring high‑quality service delivery across meals, bar operations, and functions. You will play a key role in maintaining compliance with food safety, HACCP requirements, cash handling standards, and operational procedures.
Working closely with hospitality teams, Defence personnel, and internal stakeholders, you’ll help drive operational excellence, foster a positive workplace culture, and uphold company values through every interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Adhere to all SHEQ systems and statutory obligations
• Report WHS incidents and near misses through Vensafe
• Support corrective actions and promote a strong safety culture
• Oversee day‑to‑day mess operations to meet contractual and service standards
• Complete cash handling duties including takings, floats, and weekly bar/bank reconciliations
• Conduct monthly bar stocktakes and end‑of‑month cash float reconciliations
• Organise and manage functions to a high standard
• Monitor all food safety practices including labelling, storage, and use‑by monitoring
• Ensure the mess is secure, clean, and well-presented
• Manage staff rosters and coordinate coverage with the Workforce Planner
• Analyse POS data and complete stock ordering and stocktaking activities
• Record Meal Pass and IMPOS transactions accurately
• Report facility damage or equipment faults promptly for repair
• Assist Defence personnel with MAFM collection
  
  

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience supervising food and beverage service
• Sound knowledge of Food Safety Standards, relevant legislation and statutory obligations
• Responsible Service of Alcohol certification
• Food Safety for Supervisors certification (training provided by employer)
• Knowledge of Defence operations (desirable but not essential)
• Enthusiasm and commitment to high standards of customer service
• Strong understanding of HACCP and compliance requirements
• Strong planning and organisation skills and proven experience in collaborative and consultative processes at a professional level
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills and the ability to lead and motivate a team
• An ability to work flexibly and adaptively in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders

Please note: In order to meet Defence requirements, you must be an Australian Citizen to be considered for this position.

About Ventia
Ventia is a leading infrastructure services company, operating across Australia and New Zealand. Our clients are the owners and operators of assets that are critical to our local communities. We pride ourselves on working smart, safely and sustainably, harnessing the latest technologies and brightest minds. With a diverse and proud heritage, we have a track record of delivering essential services to the communities in which we operate. 

Diversity  
Ventia is enriched by the diverse experiences, talents and cultures that our people bring to the organisation, while celebrating and respecting the communities we operate in. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment that provides equal opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, Women, Veterans and spouses and people with disabilities.    

How to apply  
If you are looking to expand your career with a business that rewards and values its employees, please apply below by clicking on the apply now button.    

Position Reference Number: 166148