CRAIG MENZIES
Perth,Australia
Summary
Results driven Executive General Manager with over twenty years of experience in the Food & Beverage sector, specialising in managing large multi-outlet venues. Proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing guest experiences and achieving financial targets through innovative strategies and effective team leadership. Adept at overseeing all aspects of F&B operations, from menu development and cost control to staff training and customer engagement. Passionate about creating an inspiring work environment that fosters collaboration and promotes high-quality service.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Board Chairperson/Ordinary Board Member
Hospitality Disability Network
Perth, Australia
05.2019 - Current
- Successfully led a board through several fundraising campaigns that raised over $1.2M in four years through both state and federal grant applications that grew the reach of the HDNWA and doubled the headcount of disability advisors
- Developed and implemented a new industry outreach program that successfully placed over 250 candidates into sustainable hospitality careers through a number of members
- Led the board and strategised to grow the number of active members within the network, increasing the total number of active members from 40 to 60
- Advocated for policy changes that resulted in increased funding for community services, positively influencing local governance and enhancing the organisation's mission alignment
- Played a key role in the professional development of board members through training workshops, enhancing governance capabilities and board effectiveness
National General Manager F&B VenuesLive
VenuesLive/Optus Stadium/HBF Park
Perth, Australia
12.2016 - Current
- Company Overview: Optus Stadium is a $1.4B project in Perth, Australia
- General Manager during a 13-month preoperational period, through to launch and ongoing for F&B department at Optus Stadium a $1.4B project
- Achieved $85M of annual revenue, managed 45 full-time employees and 2,000 part-time/casual employees
- Project management of new Perth (Optus) Stadium, serving as the lead contact for West Australian State Government and construction contractor, commissioning large F&B equipment and providing input into F&B design
- Managed procurement of $4.5M small FF&E and recruitment of F&B team
- Developed and implemented an integrated management system encompassing all operational policies and procedures for new stadium
- Delivered on average 40 major events with approximately 1.8M fans annually, including 2021 AFL Grand Final, 2019 and 2022 State of Origin, 2019 & 2021 Bledisloe Cup, 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Coldplay and Taylor Swift Concerts, 2019 A-League Grand Final and 2023 Big Bash Grand Final
- Launched and increased a non-major event day function and events program from $5M to $16M pa at Optus Stadium
- Built partnerships with Culinary Ambassadors for VenuesLive - Matt Moran, Scott Pickett and Shane Delia
- Developed and presented tenders for the successful catering contract acquisition of; HBF Park Perth, Industrie Stadium Central Coast, Leichardt Oval Sydney, Thomas Dixon Centre Brisbane, Old Melbourne Gaol, Labassa Melbourne and the Como House & Garden Melbourne
- Lead the development and implementation of AI powered POS infrastructure and Point of Sale
- Steered the creation and promotion of new in-house F&B concepts and brands for VenuesLive stadiums as well as the association and partnerships with external high street brands utilised within VenuesLive Stadiums
- Awarded Restaurant Catering Association Best New Caterer 2018 WA & National, Restaurant catering Association Best Events Caterer WA 2019, Restaurant and Catering Institute Best Venue Caterer WA 2019, 2021, 2022 & Prix d'honneur 2023 and AHA WA Winner best Conference and Function Award
- Successfully led the takeover and operational transition from former caterer to Venueslive at HBF Park in 2024, adding an additional $8 to $10M to the VenuesLive WA F&B operation, a $95M total
- Optus Stadium is a $1.4B project in Perth, Australia
GM Catering
St John of God Health Care - Southern Hospitals
Perth, Australia
02.2016 - 12.2016
- Overseeing the Catering operation of 3 private hospitals including patient meal service, function & events and onsite café retail outlets
- Project managing wholesale changes to the service model moving away from tray/belt service to in room dining model with hospital
- Project managed the redevelopment of main hospital cafe, driving design improvements and equipment procurement
- Successfully oversaw annual audits for safety standard recertification
Food And Beverage Operations Manager
Adelaide Oval
Adelaide, Australia
05.2013 - 02.2016
- Led F&B team to open the redeveloped $600M Adelaide Oval with $35 million annual F&B revenue ($10 million non-match day) in 2013/14
- Managed a team of 35 permanent and 1500 part time/casual F&B employees
- Launched a new function and events business to operate on non-major event days, growing from $4.5M to $10M
- Project Manager for Hill of Grace restaurant, a luxury dining experience in partnership with Henschke wines
- Led the launch and implementation of external catering operations, delivering catering to venues beyond Adelaide Oval including SA Tennis Centre and Adelaide Arena
- Project Manager for Point of Sale implementation and associated integrated systems including the developing of a customised corporate online ordering portal and ticket download system for stadium club members
- Supported commercial rights partners and platform providers to successfully complete the install of dynamic IPTV menu boards
- Oversaw the operational planning and delivery of major events including 2013/14 2nd Ashes test match, 2 complete AFL seasons and finals, 2015 One Day Cricket World Cup, Rolling Stones concert and Liverpool FC Asia-Pac tour
- Managed all F&B contracts under contract management
- Authored in-house alcohol management plan and Food Safety Management Plan
- Served as approved person for liquor license (SA) and liaison with Liquor authorities and SAPOL
Director F&B
Crown Resorts
Perth, Australia
09.2009 - 05.2013
- Managed a $50+ million a year F&B portfolio in 2012 across 8 F&B outlets
- Managed F&B venues within both premium, hotel and gaming floor areas
- Lead role in project team that developed and opened 7 new restaurants, including 88 Noodle, Bistro Guillaume, Atrium Buffet and the Merrywell
- Handled the rebrand of Burswood/IHG to Crown resorts in 2012 in my portfolio of venue and hotel areas
- Drove F&B marketing initiatives to capitalise on Major events at Burswood dome; Hopman Cup, Metallica, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Britney Spears successfully growing spend year on year
- Implemented initiatives to enhance profitability in restaurants to and maximise uplift from Major Events Burswood Theatre - Mama Mia, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Chicago, AFL footy Show
- Demonstrated leadership through coaching and mentoring outlet managers to accurately forecast their business activities and volumes to ensure appropriate resources were allocated and efficiency was maximised
- Co-sponsor for tender documents and negotiation for the supply of Coffee and Wine to complex
- Panel member of resort Patron Care team
- Project team member for HACCP implementation and attainment of ISO 22000 certificate in 2012
- Liquor license approved manager (WA)
F&B Manager
Hilton Hotels
Chongqing, China
06.2007 - 09.2009
- F&B Manager Hilton Chongqing, 450 room hotel, 5 restaurants and significant function & events business
- Seconded to assist in the opening of Hilton Wangfunjing in Beijing CBD in advance of 2008 Beijing Olympics between March 08 and Oct 08
- Project managed the F&B areas in pre-opening & project planning of Hilton Nan Shan resort
- Achieved most improved satisfaction and guest loyalty score in Asia-Pac region in 2008/09
Function and Events Manager
Hilton Hotels
Perth, Australia
10.2003 - 06.2007
- Department head for hotel function and event centre turning over $6M annually in 2006
- Oversaw the rebranding and complete renovation of function area in 2005 with commissioning of new equipment, furniture, uniforms, etc
- Oversaw annual growth in both revenue and margin of over 15%
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Market analysis and trend identification
- Business development
- Strategic partnerships
- Sales and marketing strategies
- Strong interpersonal communication
- Negotiation and influence
- Public speaking and presentations
- Large scale precinct management
- Multi-outlet management
- Supply chain optimisation
- Budgeting and financial forecasting
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations
- Food and beverage industry standards
- Licensing and permits management
- Culinary innovation and menu design
- Promotion and event concept development
- Sustainability initiatives
- AI systems and platforms
- Data analysis and reporting tools
- E-commerce and online ordering systems
- Establishing a vision and goal setting
- Performance management
- Conflict resolution
- Coaching and mentorship
- Crisis management
- Analytical thinking and decision-making
- Process and systems improvement
Timeline
Board Chairperson/Ordinary Board Member
Hospitality Disability Network
05.2019 - Current
National General Manager F&B VenuesLive
VenuesLive/Optus Stadium/HBF Park
12.2016 - Current
GM Catering
St John of God Health Care - Southern Hospitals
02.2016 - 12.2016
Food And Beverage Operations Manager
Adelaide Oval
05.2013 - 02.2016
Director F&B
Crown Resorts
09.2009 - 05.2013
F&B Manager
Hilton Hotels
06.2007 - 09.2009
Function and Events Manager
Hilton Hotels
10.2003 - 06.2007
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