ASSISTANT VENUE MANAGER FULL TIME - DISH & SPOON CAMBERWELL

Dish and Spoon; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff development opportunities

Close collaboration with owners

Daytime trading with occasional events

Job summary

Dish & Spoon Camberwell is seeking an experienced Assistant Venue Manager for full-time day-to-day leadership of a busy cafe-restaurant. You will oversee front-of-house operations, manage staff rosters and recruitment, and train team members while maintaining high service standards and compliance with safety regulations.

You will work closely with the owners to drive operational efficiency, mentor supervisors, and ensure a positive, collaborative environment across dining areas and events.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a high-volume cafe/restaurant operation.
• Proven ability to roster, recruit, train and performance-manage staff.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily front of house operations across all dining areas and lead busy breakfast, brunch and lunch services.
• Manage staff recruitment, onboarding, rostering, training and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, liquor licensing and WHS regulations; manage opening/closing, cash handling and daily reconciliations.
• Coordinate private functions and events, including staffing and service execution.

Skills

Staff management

Roster planning

Recruitment

Training

Compliance

RSA cert

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Job description

ASSISTANT VENUE MANAGER FULL TIME - DISH & SPOON CAMBERWELL

Experienced Venue Manager wanted for a busy high volume cafe restaurant in Camberwell Lead daily operations manage staff and deliver exceptional service while working closely with the owners

ASSISTANT VENUE MANAGER – FULL TIME

DISH & SPOON CAMBERWELL

Established High Volume Venue

Leadership and Operational Responsibility

ABOUT US

Established in 2016, Dish & Spoon is a busy, family owned café and restaurant in Camberwell, known for specialty coffee, seasonal food and genuine hospitality.

With approximately 120 seats across multiple indoor and outdoor dining areas, we operate 7 days a week, delivering high volume breakfast, brunch and lunch services alongside occasional private functions.

We are looking for an experienced, confident and hands on Assistant Venue Manager to oversee daily operations, lead our team and maintain the high standards we have built our reputation on.

THE ROLE

This is a hands on leadership position, working closely with the owners to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the venue.

You will be responsible for managing key aspects of daily operations, including leading busy services, staff management, recruitment, rostering, training, compliance, maintenance and operational efficiency.

We are looking for someone who can confidently manage the venue independently when required, while maintaining strong communication with the owners.

The successful candidate will take initiative, lead by example and make sound operational decisions while maintaining a positive and professional environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

• Oversee daily front of house operations across all dining areas.
• Confidently lead busy breakfast, brunch and lunch services, particularly during peak weekend periods.
• Remain calm under pressure, providing clear delegation, encouragement and direction.
• Lead by example and confidently step into any front of house position when required.
• Maintain effective communication between kitchen, coffee, bar and floor teams.
• Deliver consistently high standards of customer service and resolve issues professionally.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Prepare and manage weekly rosters in line with business requirements and labour budgets.
• Oversee recruitment, interviews, onboarding and induction of new staff.
• Conduct ongoing staff training, coaching and performance management.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications, including RSA, food safety and allergen awareness.
• Develop supervisors and senior team members.
• Set clear expectations around punctuality, presentation, productivity and accountability.
• Foster a positive, respectful and supportive workplace culture.

VENUE OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

• Maintain high standards of venue cleanliness, appearance and presentation.
• Identify maintenance issues, coordinate repairs and ensure timely follow up.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, liquor licensing and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Oversee opening and closing procedures, cash handling and daily reconciliations.
• Manage reservations, customer flow and table turnover.
• Monitor stock wastage, labour costs and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, service standards and business performance.

PRIVATE FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS

• Assist with planning and coordinating private functions.
• Manage staffing, venue setup and service requirements.
• Ensure functions are delivered professionally and efficiently.
• Be available for occasional evening events outside regular trading hours.

ABOUT YOU

• We are looking for an experienced hospitality professional who understands what it takes to run a busy, high volume café or restaurant.
• You will bring proven management experience in a high volume hospitality environment.
• The confidence and ability to independently manage a large, busy venue when required.
• Strong experience in rostering, recruitment, staff training and performance management.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem solving skills.
• A thorough understanding of hospitality compliance and operational standards.
• A calm, composed and decisive approach during demanding services.
• Strong delegation skills and an encouraging, supportive leadership style.
• A hands on attitude with excellent attention to detail.
• A genuine sense of ownership, accountability and pride in your work.
• Availability to work weekends, including Saturday and Sunday services, as rostered.

OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

At Dish & Spoon, we believe a great manager sets the tone for the entire team.

We value leaders who are approachable, fair and supportive, while also being confident in setting expectations and maintaining accountability.

We want someone who brings calm to a busy service, not chaos.

Someone who can delegate clearly, encourage their team, make confident decisions and maintain high standards without intimidation or unnecessary pressure.

The right person will take genuine pride in the venue, its people and its reputation, while working collaboratively with the owners to maintain and improve operations.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Full time, ongoing employment.
• Predominantly daytime trading, with occasional evening private functions.
• An established, high volume venue with a loyal customer base.
• Meaningful responsibility across daily operations.
• The opportunity to work closely with experienced, hands on owners.
• An established team with opportunities for staff development and leadership.
• The opportunity to improve systems, service standards and operational efficiency.
• Competitive remuneration, negotiable based on experience and capabilities.