Front of House Manager

Oakvale Wildlife Park; Salt Ash; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible employment options

Be part of a growing business

Family & friends perks

Employee wellbeing support

A wildlife workplace

Job summary

Oakvale Wildlife Park in Salt Ash, Port Stephens, NSW, is seeking a hands-on Front of House Manager to lead the Café and Front of House operations. You’ll manage a team, oversee stock, guest services and daily operations in a unique wildlife park setting.

This role offers flexibility with full-time or part-time options, and the chance to contribute to guest experiences in a family-owned park known for care and conservation.

Qualifications

• Previous hospitality, retail, customer service or leadership experience
• A natural leader who enjoys bringing out the best in people
• Someone who genuinely enjoys helping people and creating great experiences
• Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills
• Confidence handling customers, complaints and busy service periods
• Experience with POS, cash handling, stock control and ordering
• A hands-on attitude - you're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
• Strong attention to detail and a practical approach to problem solving
• Pride in presentation, cleanliness and professionalism
• The ability to work independently while being a strong team player
• Flexibility to work weekends, school holidays and busy periods
• A genuine passion for what Oakvale stands for and the experience we create for our guests

Responsibilities

• Lead, roster, mentor and support the Front of House team, including recruitment and performance reviews
• Keep the café running smoothly, efficiently and to an exceptional standard
• Deliver outstanding customer service across admissions, enquiries, complaints, catering and birthday bookings
• Oversee food preparation, coffee service, presentation and food safety
• Manage the gift shop, including sales, merchandising, stocktakes and ordering
• Handle POS, cash, refunds and account reconciliation
• Manage purchasing, stock and incoming deliveries across the café, gift shop and amenities
• Work closely with management and the team to deliver daily goals, events, school holidays and busy periods
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation across the café, gift shop, office and designated park areas
• Identify ways to improve systems and processes and help turn good ideas into practical solutions
• Maintain a safe workplace and ensure NSW food safety and WHS standards are followed
• Be a positive role model who leads by example every day

Job description

Oakvale Wildlife Park is a family-run, 100% Australian-owned wildlife park set on 25 acres in Salt Ash, Port Stephens. For over 47 years we've cared for native and exotic animals, from koalas and kangaroos to red pandas. Animal welfare, conservation and unforgettable guest experiences are at the heart of everything we do.

Love leading people, creating great guest experiences and working somewhere a little wild?

We're looking for an energetic, hands-onFront of House Managerto lead our Café and Front of House operations.

This isn't your typical management role. You'll lead a team, keep the café and gift shop running smoothly, look after guests, manage stock and suppliers, solve problems and jump in wherever you're needed – all while working in one of the most unique workplaces in Port Stephens.

What you'll do:

• Lead, roster, mentor and support the Front of House team, including recruitment and performance reviews
• Keep the café running smoothly, efficiently and to an exceptional standard
• Deliver outstanding customer service across admissions, enquiries, complaints, catering and birthday bookings
• Oversee food preparation, coffee service, presentation and food safety
• Manage the gift shop, including sales, merchandising, stocktakes and ordering
• Handle POS, cash, refunds and account reconciliation
• Manage purchasing, stock and incoming deliveries across the café, gift shop and amenities
• Work closely with management and the team to deliver daily goals, events, school holidays and busy periods
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation across the café, gift shop, office and designated park areas
• Identify ways to improve systems and processes and help turn good ideas into practical solutions
• Maintain a safe workplace and ensure NSW food safety and WHS standards are followed
• Be a positive role model who leads by example every day

What’s in it for you:

• Flexible employment options - full-time or part-time, depending on the right applicant
• Be part of a growing business - join an energetic, passionate team in one of Port Stephens' most unique workplaces
• Family & friends perks - enjoy admission tickets to Oakvale Wildlife Park
• Employee wellbeing support - access to the Acacia Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A workplace like no other - swap the traditional office for a wildlife park and spend your days surrounded by animals, families and unforgettable experiences

What we're looking for:

• Previous hospitality, retail, customer service or leadership experience
• A natural leader who enjoys bringing out the best in people
• Someone who genuinely enjoys helping people and creating great experiences
• Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills
• Confidence handling customers, complaints and busy service periods
• Experience with POS, cash handling, stock control and ordering
• A hands-on attitude - you're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
• Strong attention to detail and a practical approach to problem solving
• Pride in presentation, cleanliness and professionalism
• The ability to work independently while being a strong team player
• Flexibility to work weekends, school holidays and busy periods
• A genuine passion for what Oakvale stands for and the experience we create for our guests

Due to an expected high volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.

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