Operations Manager

Customs House Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Customs House Hotel in Newcastle is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the venue alongside the General Manager. You will direct bar, restaurant and function operations, manage supervisors and staff, and drive budgets and efficiency while upholding licensing and safety standards.

Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll oversee day-to-day operations, labour costs, and guest satisfaction, ensuring quality service and seamless coordination with kitchen and events teams.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a hotel, pub, bar or restaurant management role, or a relevant hospitality management qualification
• Proven experience leading supervisors and teams in a high-volume venue
• Strong budgeting, cost control and rostering skills
• Current NSW RSA (RCG an advantage)
• Availability across nights, weekends and public holidays
• Calm, hands-on leadership and a guest-first attitude

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and oversee bar, restaurant and function operations
• Recruit, train, roster and manage the performance of supervisors and staff
• Manage labour costs, budgets, revenue and expenses, including wage and GP targets
• Prepare operational and financial reports for the General Manager
• Ensure compliance with liquor licensing, RSA, food safety and WHS requirements
• Oversee venue security arrangements and property maintenance
• Monitor service quality and guest satisfaction, and resolve escalated issues
• Work closely with the kitchen and functions teams on menus, events and service standards
• Act as Duty Licensee and deputise for the General Manager when needed

Skills

Staff leadership

Budgeting

Rostering

Guest service focus

Education

Hospitality management qualification

Tools

RSA certification

Job description

Operations Manager – Customs House Hotel, Newcastle

$90,000 + superannuation | Full-time, permanent

Customs House Hotel is one of Newcastle’s best-known heritage venues, right on the harbour. We’re heading into our busy summer season and moving to six-day trading with longer hours. To support that growth, we’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the venue alongside our General Manager.

About the role

Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll manage day-to-day operations across our bar, restaurant and function spaces, and lead our Bar, Restaurant and Functions Supervisors.

What you’ll do

• Plan, direct and oversee bar, restaurant and function operations
• Recruit, train, roster and manage the performance of supervisors and staff
• Manage labour costs, budgets, revenue and expenses, including wage and GP targets
• Prepare operational and financial reports for the General Manager
• Ensure compliance with liquor licensing, RSA, food safety and WHS requirements
• Oversee venue security arrangements and property maintenance
• Monitor service quality and guest satisfaction, and resolve escalated issues
• Work closely with the kitchen and functions teams on menus, events and service standards
• Act as Duty Licensee and deputise for the General Manager when needed

What we’re looking for

• At least 3 years’ experience in a hotel, pub, bar or restaurant management role, or a relevant hospitality management qualification
• Proven experience leading supervisors and teams in a high-volume venue
• Strong budgeting, cost control and rostering skills
• Current NSW RSA (RCG an advantage)
• Availability across nights, weekends and public holidays
• Calm, hands-on leadership and a guest-first attitude