Operations Manager

Officers Mess; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Officers Mess in Brisbane's New Farm is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of a busy riverside venue, delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, and driving commercial success.

Reporting directly to the Venue Manager, you will balance guest service, team leadership, financial performance, and compliance across all departments, while building strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a senior hospitality management role.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Experience managing large and diverse hospitality teams.
• Excellent financial acumen, including labour and cost control.
• RSA certification.
• A proactive, hands-on management style.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all day-to-day venue operations.
• Develop, mentor, and inspire front and back-of-house leadership teams.
• Ensure exceptional customer service standards are consistently delivered.
• Drive revenue growth and profitability through effective labour, stock, and cost management.
• Monitor and improve operational systems, procedures, and efficiencies.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Manage venue compliance including food safety, liquor licensing, WHS, and company policies.
• Collaborate with chefs and department managers to achieve business objectives.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, clients, and key stakeholders.
• Analyse business performance and implement strategies to improve results.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Financial acumen

Operational management

Budgeting

Customer service

RSA certification

Education

RSA certification

Job description

Lead One of Brisbane's Premier Hospitality Venues

Officers Mess is seeking an experienced and driven Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of our iconic riverside venue. This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, and driving commercial success.

About Us

Located at New Farm, Officers Mess is a unique hospitality destination featuring a bustling café, restaurant, events, weddings, corporate functions, and premium hospitality experiences. We pride ourselves on exceptional service standards, quality food and beverage offerings, and creating memorable experiences for every guest.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Venue Manager, the Operations Manager will be responsible for the overall performance of the venue, ensuring operational excellence across all departments.

This role requires a hands‑on leader who can effectively balance guest experience, team leadership, financial performance, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all day‑to‑day venue operations.

Develop, mentor, and inspire front and back‑of‑house leadership teams.

Ensure exceptional customer service standards are consistently delivered.

Drive revenue growth and profitability through effective labour, stock, and cost management.

Monitor and improve operational systems, procedures, and efficiencies.

Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.

Manage venue compliance including food safety, liquor licensing, workplace health and safety, and company policies.

Collaborate with chefs and department managers to achieve business objectives.

Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, clients, and key stakeholders.

Analyse business performance and implement strategies to improve results.

About You

You are a proven hospitality leader with a passion for people and operations.

You will bring:

Minimum 3 years' experience in a senior hospitality management role.

Strong leadership and team development skills.

Experience managing large and diverse hospitality teams.

Excellent financial acumen, including labour and cost control.

Strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience in events, restaurant, café, or multi‑outlet venue operations.

Current RSA certification.

A proactive, hands‑on management style.

What We Offer

Competitive salary package.

Opportunity to lead a well‑established and growing hospitality business.

Supportive ownership and leadership team.

Career development and advancement opportunities.

A dynamic and rewarding work environment.

Staff discounts across the venue.

Equal Opportunity

Officers Mess is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity within our team.