Retail Manager

Job Details

Job Title: Retail Manager

Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 10 July 2025

Contact: Sophie Travis, 0472876203, sophie.travis@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is seeking an experienced and customer-focused Retail Manager to join the APH Catering and Events team at Australian Parliament House.

This is a unique opportunity to work in one of Australia’s most recognisable venues, where you will enjoy a competitive salary, free parking, and complimentary gym membership. As part of a dedicated team, you will lead the front-of-house operations across several key retail outlets, including the Staff Dining Room, Queens Terrace Café, Coffee Hub, and Coffee Cart.

The APH Catering and Events team is responsible for delivering high-quality food and beverage services to parliamentarians, staff, and visitors. We are proud of our commitment to excellence and our focus on providing welcoming, efficient, and professional service in every interaction.

We are looking for a capable and enthusiastic leader to help drive the performance of our retail venues and support our continued growth.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a hospitality professional with a strong background in managing front-of-house operations in a retail food and beverage environment. You will be passionate about customer service, confident in leading a team, and committed to maintaining high standards in a dynamic setting.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• A minimum of two years’ recent experience in hospitality management or a comparable role, with the ability to oversee multiple retail outlets effectively
• A strong customer service focus, with the ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of a diverse clientele
• Proven leadership skills, including experience in supervising, training, and motivating staff
• Sound knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and compliance procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a professional and approachable manner

If you are looking to take the next step in your hospitality career and contribute to a team that values quality, collaboration, and service excellence, we encourage you to apply.

Eligibility, qualifications and/or other requirements:

• A current Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate. If not currently held, this certificate must be obtained and be maintained
• Qualifications in hospitality or retail catering are highly desirable, showcasing your dedication to the industry are highly desirable
• The occupant of this position must be willing to work according to a roster and work overtime if required. Penalty and overtime rates apply.
• The occupant of this position is required to wear a uniform as directed and present in a professional manner at all times when on duty.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5 

Branch: Commercial Operations 

Section: APH Catering 

Immediate supervisor: Assistant Director

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 5 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. As a member of the DPS Catering Team, manage the front of house team responsible for the delivery of a high standard food and beverage services at Australian Parliament House for: 

a. Staff Dining Room 
b. Queens Terrace Café 
c. Coffee Hub 
d. Coffee Cart, and 
e. in other areas as required 

2. Supervise, motivate, and train the front of house team to deliver outstanding customer service. Fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and professional development.  

3. Oversee daily operations of all retail venues, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning. Implement standard operating procedures to enhance productivity and service quality  

4. Actively participate in service during peak periods to ensure smooth operations and exceptional customer service. Provide support to staff and address any immediate issues that arise 

5. Ensure a high standard of customer service is maintained across all venues. Address customer inquiries, feedback, and complaints promptly and professionally.  

6. Monitor sales performance and implement strategies to achieve revenue targets. Analyse sales data and generate reports to inform decision-making and improve sales performance.

 
7. Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak and off-peak hours within allocated budgets. Monitor staff performance and provide feedback and coaching as needed. 

8. Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of goods. Negotiate with suppliers to secure the best terms and conditions. 

9. Other duties as required.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

How to apply

Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 

Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the the DPS Recruitment Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

•    access to flexible work arrangements 
•    ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
•    a competitive remuneration package
•    free secure underground parking
•    free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
•    on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.

Salary

Currently, the salary range for this position is $89,410 - $95,924 per annum.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 

•    Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.