Food Services Manager, Palmerston North
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Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University

Food Services Manager

  • Posted 6d ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Massey University, Palmerston North

Job Description

Food Services Manager

Commercial Services

Auckland, Wellington or Palmerston North Campus

Term: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)


Massey University is seeking an experienced and commercially astute leader to drive the

future direction of our Food Services portfolio across New Zealand's university campuses. This is a unique opportunity to lead the implementation of a transformational food services

strategy, oversee residential student dining services, and deliver sustainable commercial

outcomes that enhance the student and staff experience.


As Food Services Manager, you will provide portfolio-wide leadership across food services and residential dining, working closely with internal stakeholders, service providers, and

commercial partners to deliver innovative, financially sustainable, and customer-focused

outcomes.


To be successful in this role, you will bring:

  • Proven experience translating strategy into action and leading complex transformation programmes, including the implementation of new operating models, service improvements, and organisational change initiatives.
  • Strong commercial and financial management capability, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and delivering sustainable business outcomes.
  • Senior leadership experience across multi-site food services, catering, residential dining, hospitality, or similarly complex service environments.
  • Demonstrated success in supplier and contract management, including negotiating commercial agreements, managing vendor performance, and achieving value-formoney outcomes.
  • Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build trusted relationships across diverse internal and external groups.
  • Experience developing high-performing teams, building organisational capability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.
  • A tertiary qualification in business, hospitality management or a related discipline is
  • desirable, along with senior leadership experience in food services, catering, residential dining or commercially focused service environments.


In this role you will:

  • Lead the implementation and ongoing delivery of Massey's food services strategy across multiple campuses.
  • Drive portfolio performance through effective commercial leadership, financial
  • stewardship, and strategic decision-making.
  • Establish governance frameworks, service standards, and operational oversight to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, partners, Accommodation
  • Services, student groups, and senior University stakeholders.
  • Champion innovation, sustainability initiatives, and future-focused food service models that support student wellbeing and enhance campus life.


Why Massey?

At Massey University, we are committed to being a Te Tiriti-led university and delivering

world-class education, research and community impact. We offer a collaborative and

supportive environment where you can make a significant contribution to shaping an

essential service portfolio that supports the student experience across Aotearoa New

Zealand.


Staff Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Massey also offers:

  • Up to 6.75% employer contribution to the UniSaver Superannuation Scheme for
  • eligible employees
  • Five university holidays per year in addition to your annual leave
  • Subsidised Southern Cross Healthcare plan for you and your family
  • Special staff rates available for campus gym membership
  • Staff purchasing privileges and discounts at many commercial and retail businesses
  • across NZ
  • Access to a wonderful on-campus crèche/day care facilities for dependents of staff on
  • our Manawatū and Auckland campuses
  • Comprehensive professional development and training programmes
  • Staff fee concession for study with Massey and 30% discount on fees for immediate family of staff undertaking undergraduate study (conditions apply)


Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and we may interview prior to the closing date of Tuesday 13 October 2026, 11.00pm.

Desired Soft Skills

  • Coordination
  • Communication
  • Time Management

Culture

  • 🌈 Rainbow Tick
  • 🧠 Neurodiverse
  • 💰 Wage Equality
  • 🏃 Women Leadership
  • 🤝 Unionisation
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer
View All

Job Schedule

  • Monday to Friday

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