Catering Jobs in AU (Jun 26)

Australia's catering industry is a diverse and dynamic sector employing hundreds of thousands of people in food service, event catering, remote site operations, institutional catering, and corporate dining. Catering companies in Australia range from large multinationals delivering remote mining camp services to boutique event caterers operating in major cities. This guide provides an overview of the leading catering employers in Australia in 2026, the types of roles available, and where to find opportunities in this sector.

The Australian Catering Industry in 2026

The Australian catering and food service industry contributes more than $20 billion annually to the national economy and employs over 800,000 people across hospitality, institutional, and remote site settings. The sector is underpinned by several distinct market segments: remote site catering (serving the mining, oil and gas, and construction industries), event and functions catering, institutional catering (aged care, hospitals, schools, and defence), and corporate dining. Each segment has distinct employment characteristics, skill requirements, and working conditions. Major operators compete for market share across all segments, with international companies such as Sodexo, Compass Group, and Delaware North dominating the large-scale institutional and remote site markets.

Major Catering Companies in Australia

Sodexo Australia

Sodexo is one of Australia's largest remote site services and catering employers, operating accommodation villages and catering facilities across mining, oil and gas, and defence sites. With more than 6,000 employees, Sodexo hires chefs, cooks, food service attendants, and facilities managers primarily in WA, QLD, NT, and SA. For a full breakdown of Sodexo roles and careers, visit our Sodexo Job Application & Careers Australia 2026 guide.

Compass Group Australia

Compass Group is one of the world's largest food service companies and a major employer in Australia through its Eurest, ESS (remote site), and Medirest (healthcare) brands. The company provides food services at corporate offices, mining camps, hospitals, schools, and defence bases across Australia. Compass Group employs chefs, catering managers, dietitians, and food service workers in all major states.

Delaware North

Delaware North Australia operates food and beverage services at sports and entertainment venues, airports, and tourism destinations. The company employs bar staff, kitchen hands, chefs, and event managers at major venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other capital cities. Event-based roles provide flexible employment, particularly for hospitality students and those seeking casual work.

Aramark Australia

Aramark provides managed services including food, facilities, and uniform services to corporate, defence, and healthcare clients in Australia. The company employs food service professionals, facilities staff, and support workers across contracts in major cities and regional locations.

Cater Care

Cater Care is an Australian-owned company providing catering, cleaning, and accommodation services to remote sites, schools, and aged care facilities across Australia. The company is a significant employer in remote site services, particularly in NSW, VIC, and QLD, and is known for its focus on local and regional employment.

Wilson Catering

Wilson Catering provides managed food services to corporate, education, and health sectors across Australia. The company employs chefs, catering managers, and food service staff, with strong representation in South Australia and Victoria.

Epicure

Epicure operates premium catering and event services at iconic venues across Australia, including Melbourne's exhibition and convention centres. The company employs executive chefs, event caterers, and hospitality professionals for high-profile corporate and social events.

Types of Jobs in Australian Catering

The catering sector offers a broad range of roles across skill levels. Entry-level roles include food service assistant, kitchen hand, and barista. Trade-level roles include commis chef, chef de partie, sous chef, and head chef. Management roles include catering manager, camp manager, and operations manager. Specialist roles include dietitian, food safety auditor, and menu development chef. Support roles include logistics coordinator, procurement officer, and training manager. Remote site catering roles attract premium pay relative to urban hospitality positions due to site allowances and FIFO/DIDO arrangements.

Qualifications for Australian Catering Careers

The primary qualification pathway for culinary roles is Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (SIT40521), available through TAFE and registered training organisations. Food Safety Supervisor certification is mandatory for most food-handling roles in commercial catering environments. For remote site roles, an occupational health and safety induction (such as Construction Induction or site-specific training) is typically required. Management roles benefit from a Diploma of Hospitality Management or Diploma of Business, supplemented by practical industry experience.

Catering jobs in Australia