Assistant Director Sales, Operations and Events
Job Details
Job Title: Assistant Director Sales, Operations and Events
Employment Type: Ongoing
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 14 October 2024
Contact: Nicole Short, 0414255696, nicole.short@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Executive Level 1 Assistant Director Sales, Operations and Events within Commercial Operations Branch.
Who we are looking for
Australian Parliament House (APH) Canberra is the meeting place of our nation and is one of our nation's most important buildings. This position offers you the chance to be a part of democracy in action. The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) supports the functions of the Australian Parliament and the work of parliamentarians.
DPS is seeking highly motivated, professional and service focused Assistant Director to assist in sales, banquet operations and events within the APH Catering and Events Team. The iconic building welcomes over 725,000 visitors each year including some 127,000 school children. It is home to some 1,300 people working across the building, rising to more than 3,500 people on sitting days and peaking at around 10,000 people in the building on the busiest day of the year each Budget Day.
The APH Catering and Events Team delivers high quality food and beverage services to building occupants and visitors. Services will be delivered through a range of venues, multiple kitchens and retail outlets that include amazing venues for function catering, a la carte, bistro, café (building occupants and public facing). Peak service times are Monday – Thursday on parliamentary sitting weeks (approximately 20 weeks per year) and Australian Parliament House is open every day except Christmas Day.
The successful applicant will have professional experience in event sales, banquet operations, managing small to large events and event coordination. Australian Parliament House consists of more than 13 premium venues, suitable for a variety of events ranging from 20 to 1000 attendees.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Assistant Secretary and Executive Chef to provide high quality events. They will also have the skills and attributes needed to deliver high quality catering outcomes for DPS and potential services beyond Parliament House in the future.
The successful applicant is an industry leader with acute organisational and communication skills, including the experience and ability to service multi-faceted banquet operations. You should have proven experience in leading teams to meet a high level of performance across service quality and innovation, service standards, financial acumen in the back of house operation, and operational commitments.
Job Specific Requirements:
Academic qualifications in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
A current Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate. If not currently held, this certificate must be obtained within two weeks of commencing in the role and be maintained.
The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (Confidential/Highly Protected/Secret) security clearance.
At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Duty Statement
Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Branch: Commercial Operations Branch
Section: APH Catering
Immediate supervisor: Assistant Secretary
Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Executive Level 1 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Events and Sales
1. Ensure all event enquiries are responded to within 24 hours.
2. Ensure events meet the needs of Parliamentarians, staff and clients maintaining a high standard of catering service and a ‘Service First Culture’.
3. Lead business development efforts and manage performance reports related to section performance and budget.
4. Develop and implement policies and procedures to support the expansion of commercial operations, including seeking new business opportunities and establishing new venues and catering options.
5. Ensure best sales and event management practices are followed to deliver excellent customer service.
6. Increase visitation and event bookings during non-sitting periods.
7. Initiate marketing strategies and activation to promote event spaces.
Banquets and Operations
1. Oversee and enhance the planning, set-up and delivery of high-quality, accessible, and innovative events.
2. Conduct monthly stock takes and practice cost control practices .
3. Train, mentor and develop direct reports to manager operations effectively across the teams.
4. Maintain and enforce service and presentation standards across all areas of responsibility.
5. Act as the primary point of contact for event operations, security, building. broadcasting, and elite services.
6. Oversee staffing activities, including hiring, training, evaluating and managing staff performance.
7. Monitor inventory management, apply cost control practices, and oversee asset management and procurement activities.
8. Work with the Director to coordinate and supervise daily operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal policies.
9. Assist in developing and implementing departmental plans and goals in alignment with organizational objectives.
10. Monitor the attainment of operational objectives and assist in budgeting and expense management.
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 (500 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.
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
An attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.
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.