Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Education And Qualifications
Timeline
Generic

Helen Munday

Sydney,NSW

Summary

Seasoned and results-driven hospitality professional with over 20 years of leadership experience across high-volume, multi-site operations in food and beverage, catering, events, and venue management. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, implement efficient service systems, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Deep expertise in contract catering, event activation, stakeholder engagement, and compliance within both commercial and government settings. Passionate about delivering innovative, guest-focused service in dynamic environments such as performing arts venues and major events.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of Food

WHSmith Australia
04.2017 - 04.2025
  • Directed food service operations across 30 major hospital sites nationally, overseeing more than 300 team members and five Area Managers.
  • Delivered operational leadership across catering, compliance, supply chain, and financial management.
  • Opened two bars in Airports in Perth and Queensland, endured compliance was in place.
  • Led end-to-end client engagement, contract delivery, tenders, and stakeholder management.
  • Managed POS systems, pricing strategy, and national marketing—including social media and promotions.
  • Implemented a national HACCP-certified food safety program with routine compliance audits.
  • Delivered 12% annual sales growth and improved operating margins by 6%.
  • Halved mobilisation time for new contracts and launched 10 sites in under two years.
  • Reduced COGS by 7% through procurement, supplier management, and process efficiency.

Catering Manager

NSW TrainLink
04.2015 - 04.2017
  • Oversaw all catering operations across the NSW rail network during a period of organizational transition.
  • Including a bar service.
  • Implemented new POS and ordering systems with integrated performance reporting.
  • Ensured compliance with food safety, service standards, and RSA requirements.
  • Worked closely with vendors and internal stakeholders to optimize logistics and customer service.
  • Successfully led catering transition across multiple regions.
  • Developed and implemented a venue-wide food safety and compliance system.

Head of Operations – Major Events & Venues

Stadium Australia Operations (Events Live) – Spark Venues & Events
03.2013 - 04.2015
  • Directed F&B and hospitality operations across major venues including Jubilee Stadium, Brookvale Oval, and Sydney Olympic Park venues, Tempus two wineries and Fernhill estate.
  • Managed large-scale event activations including pop-up bars and temporary service points.
  • Coordinated staffing, compliance, and stock control during high-demand event periods.
  • Reported to executive leadership on operational KPIs, guest experience, and profitability.
  • Delivered major events including Top Gear Festival, achieving a 15% increase in event revenue YOY.
  • Managed simultaneous large-scale events with a combined attendance of over 70,000.

Regional Hospitality Manager

Serco Sodexo Defense Services
06.2011 - 03.2013
  • Oversaw all aspects of F&B, accommodation, and service compliance across multiple Defence bases.
  • Led a regional workforce of over 200 employees with responsibility for performance, safety, and service standards.

Regional F&B Operations Manager

Ardent Leisure – AMF Bowling Division
05.2007 - 06.2011
  • Managed food and beverage operations across 47 sites across Australia and New Zealand.
  • Led 13 direct reports across NSW, ACT, and SA with full accountability for budgets, operations, and service delivery.

Education

Advanced Diploma - Hospitality Management

Advanced Diploma - Events Management

Diploma - Human Resource Management

Certificate IV - Training & Assessment (TAE40110)

Certificate IV - Commercial Cookery

Food Safety Supervisor -

RSA -

Leading with Emotional Intelligence -

Skills

  • Food & Beverage Operations Management
  • Event Activation & Pop-up Bar Planning
  • Team Leadership & Staff Development
  • Budgeting
  • Reporting
  • KPI Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Client Relations
  • RSA and Food Safety Compliance (HACCP)
  • POS Systems
  • Operational Logistics
  • Customer Experience Strategy
  • Supplier & Contract Management
  • Risk Assessment
  • Health and Safety

References

Available upon request

Education And Qualifications

  • Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management
  • Advanced Diploma in Events Management
  • Diploma in Human Resource Management
  • Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40110)
  • Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
  • Food Safety Supervisor
  • RSA
  • Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Timeline

Head of Food

WHSmith Australia
04.2017 - 04.2025

Catering Manager

NSW TrainLink
04.2015 - 04.2017

Head of Operations – Major Events & Venues

Stadium Australia Operations (Events Live) – Spark Venues & Events
03.2013 - 04.2015

Regional Hospitality Manager

Serco Sodexo Defense Services
06.2011 - 03.2013

Regional F&B Operations Manager

Ardent Leisure – AMF Bowling Division
05.2007 - 06.2011

Advanced Diploma - Hospitality Management

Advanced Diploma - Events Management

Diploma - Human Resource Management

Certificate IV - Training & Assessment (TAE40110)

Certificate IV - Commercial Cookery

Food Safety Supervisor -

RSA -

Leading with Emotional Intelligence -

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Helen Munday