Unit Manager Scott Base - Antarctica

Looking for something different? **Tired of city traffic?**Ready for a big adventure?Ever thought, “Could I really work in Antarctica?”

If so… this could be the role you’ve been waiting for. ****

The Opportunity

Compass Group is seeking a calm, capable Unit Manager to lead our retail and bar operations at Scott Base, Antarctica.

This is a fixed‑term contract of 8+ months, starting in July and running through to late February / early March, including deployment to Antarctica.

Our work supports the day‑to‑day operation of Scott Base, New Zealand’s permanent research station in Antarctica. By joining us, you’ll be supporting people who play a critical role in protecting vital research, assets, and national outcomes — in one of the most unique environments on earth.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, inspirational, innovative, and fun leader to manage and grow our business across:

• Bar services
• Convenience retail
• Souvenir and gift ranges

You’ll bring a warm, people‑first approach, balanced with a cool head under pressure, and a strong commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing — for yourself and for others.

While deployed in Antarctica:

• You’ll live onsite at Scott Base
• Work 6 days per week (approx. 52 hours)
• Our store and bar operate 7 days a week

Before deployment, you’ll be based at our Burnham site (20km south of Hornby, Christchurch) from July to October, supporting preparation, stock planning, and freight to Antarctica.

About the Role: Current Services Include:

• Scott Base Store- our store stocks convenience items, phone cards, souvenirs, and gift items.
• Scott Base Bar - the bar is open every evening and staffed by the applicant with assistance from Base staff who hold other positions at Scott Base
• Burnham Store - This is our convenience store based in Burnham. You will be based here until deployment and will be involved in designing, ordering, and packaging stock to send to Antarctica.

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Hold or have Held a GM Certificate
• Hold an LCQ Certificate
• Hold a full Drivers' Licence
• Obtain and maintain a Defence Force clearance
• Have a standard of fitness to enable them to obtain a full Antarctic medical clearance and carry out all duties required.

If you;

• Understand the importance of health & safety
• Have proven skills in host responsibility, retail / merchandising & display.
• Have exceptional time management
• Have a flair for design, as you will play an integral part in designing some merchandise for the season
• Computer savvy (MS Office suite - excel, outlook, word, internet)
• Can demonstrate the ability to work in a sole charge position and co-ordinate volunteers
• Are innovative and prepared to share ideas, learnings, and failings
• Are a dynamic people person capable of winning over associates and customers
• Able to keep motivated in this challenging environment.
• Are looking for that next big opportunity

Then you could be exactly what we are looking for!

Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive remuneration.
• Training & Development Programs
• Career Development Opportunities
• Discounts on Medical insurance, and banks, to hotels, insurance, and more!
• Rewards and recognition.
• EAP Services

About Compass:

• We are New Zealand's leading and largest provider of food and support services across multiple industries.
• These industry sectors are managed by our sub brands Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, and ESS.
• We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT.
• Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen!
• Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.
• We are an equal opportunity employer; we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.

Successful candidates will be able to satisfactorily pass a police clearance.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Please think carefully about what living and working in this environment will be like before you apply. For more information about travelling to Antarctica you may want to check out Antarctica NZ's website

http://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/scott-base/travelling-to-antarctica/

If this sounds like you, click 'Apply' Now!

For any recruitment queries please contact the Compass Group Recruitment team

on recruitment@compass-group.co.nz

Great People, Real Opportunities