Shape the Future of Travel Dining with the largest Travel Retail Operator in the Pacific ✈️

At LagardèreAWPL, we’re not just the largest Travel Retail operator in the Pacific – we’re the most passionate! With 150+ stores across Australia, & New Zealand, we bring big brands to life in airports and travel hubs. Our dynamic team of 1,500+ professionals work across 40 unique retail concepts – and now, we want YOU to join our team!

The Role:

Reporting to the Head of Food Services, the Food Operations Manager will take ownership of performance, guest experience, and commercial outcomes across a growing network of over 15 Food Service venues – with more to come – spanning across 9 busy airport terminals nationwide. This is a hands-on leadership role, where you’ll drive excellence from the front line while setting the standard for operational success. You’ll coach and inspire high-performing teams, ensure venues run seamlessly day-to-day, and deliver hospitality experiences that exceed expectations.

With our network expanding, you’ll play a critical role in shaping how thousands of traveller’s experience food and service in airports across Australia.

This role is perfect for industry professionals wanting to step into the travel retail space — offering the chance to make a real impact with full autonomy and leave your mark on the future of food & beverage in airports.

What You’ll Do:

✅ Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple venues, ensuring consistency in brand, service, and quality standards
✅ Drive financial performance through smart sales analysis, cost management, and forward planning
✅ Lead, coach, and develop venue managers and their teams to deliver operational excellence
✅ Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations across all sites
✅ Partner with the wider Food Service team – including the Culinary and Beverage Operations Leads – to deliver successful new activations and implement operational changes
✅ Travel interstate to engage with local teams, providing on-the-ground operational support and leadership
✅ Support new venue openings and rollout continuous improvement initiatives
✅ Manage key operational metrics including sales, COGS, labour costs, and venue performance scorecards

What We’re Looking For:

💼 Proven experience in a multi-site or high-volume operations management role in hospitality, retail or travel retail
👥 Strong people leadership skills — able to coach, guide, and motivate diverse teams
🧠 Commercial mindset with experience in cost control and sales growth
🗣 Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
🖥 Proficiency in POS systems, rostering platforms, and reporting tools
🎓 Relevant hospitality or business management qualifications preferred
✔ Excellent operational knowledge of hospitality standards and compliance

Not ticking every box? That’s okay — we’re committed to supporting the right candidate with training and development to help bridge any skill or experience gaps.

Perks & Benefits:

🚗 Parking – Enjoy the convenience of parking with this role!
🛍️ Staff Discounts – You'll get exclusive discounts on products in our stores + extra savings on water and hot beverages
🚀 Career Development – Our Better Together development program offers opportunities to upskill, take on new challenges, and grow your career within our vibrant network
📚 Professional Growth & Education – Access to further educational development opportunities to support your long-term career goals
👨‍👩‍👧 Paid Parental Leave – We proudly support growing families with up to 18 weeks of employer-funded top-up paid parental leave scheme + additional personal leave entitlements
🎁 Employee Referral Program – Refer your awesome network to our team and if they’re hired, you’ll receive a reward + you’ll go into the running to win an end-of-year bonus
💆‍♀️ Wellbeing Leave & Employee Assistance Program – From day one our permanent employees receive a paid Wellbeing Leave day, and everyone has access to TELUS Health – a 24/7 service offering compassionate, confidential support whenever you need it
✈️ Work in a Dynamic Airport Environment – Where no two days are the same!
🕐 Work–Life Balance – Enjoy a flexible roster designed for the right candidate, working predominantly Monday to Friday with limited weekend requirements

We Value Diversity & Inclusion

At LagardèreAWPL, we value diversity, inclusivity, and a collaborative work environment, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside a talented team of people who share your passion for creativity and excellence. 

Join us at LagardèreAWPL and be part of a global company that celebrates creativity, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

📢 APPLY NOW to lead operational excellence to make travel better for thousands of customers daily!