Premium Restaurant Manager - Lead Guest Experience & Team

Lucas Collective; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Maison Bâtard in Melbourne's CBD is seeking a Restaurant Manager to lead the front-of-house team and shape guest experiences at a premium, a-la-carte venue. You will develop talent, drive service excellence, and collaborate with senior management on operations and financial tasks.

Joining Lucas Collective, known for Chin Chin, Society and more, you will contribute to a dynamic, high-profile hospitality group that values growth, inclusivity and on-floor experience with our digital training

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a premium a-la-carte venue.
• Strong leadership with a focus on team engagement.
• Exceptional service skills and guest focus.
• Highly adaptable, able to perform under pressure.
• Strong organisational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Time & Attendance and stock management systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the delivery of exceptional guest service at all times.
• Coach and mentor FOH staff, Supervisors & Assistant Managers.
• Drive training & development programs across the team.
• Assist senior management with operational and financial tasks.
• Manage people, performance, and compliance processes.

Skills

Leadership

Team engagement

Guest focus

Organisation skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

People management

Tools

Time & Attendance systems

Stock management systems

Job description

• Awarded Best New Restaurant by Gourmet Traveller

About Maison Bâtard:
Maison Bâtard is a celebration of modern French culture, uniquely imagined for Melbourne. Housed in a meticulously restored heritage building at 23 Bourke Street, this four-level venue features a showpiece restaurant, a late-night supper club in the basement, and an elegant rooftop terrace — delivering immersive French-accented dining and memorable guest experiences.

About Lucas Collective:
Formerly known as Lucas Restaurants, Lucas Collective is a founder-owned hospitality group led by restaurateur Chris Lucas. The collective is home to some of Australia’s most iconic dining, bar, and event destinations, including Chin Chin, Society, Grill Americano, Yakimono, Hawker Hall, Kisume and more.

About the Opportunity:
We’re seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager to lead the team at Maison Bâtard. This is your chance to shape exceptional guest experiences, develop a talented team, and be part of a dynamic, high-profile venue in Melbourne’s CBD.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the delivery of exceptional guest service at all times
• Coach and mentor FOH staff, Supervisors & Assistant Managers
• Drive training & development programs across the team
• Assist senior management with operational and financial tasks
• Manage people, performance, and compliance processes

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a premium a-la-carte venue
• Strong leadership with a focus on team engagement
• Exceptional service skills and guest focus
• Highly adaptable, able to perform under pressure
• Strong organisational, communication, and presentation skills
• Experience with Time & Attendance and stock management systems

Working with Lucas Collective:
At Lucas Collective, we champion growth. We recognise talent, celebrate success and create space for individuals to thrive, proudly offering a culture that’s inclusive, inspiring and grounded in respect. Our tailored training approach marries on-the-floor experience with our own digital education platform and we offer access to an array of career-changing opportunities.

Interested?
If you’re ready to be part of a team that is redefining Melbourne’s dining scene, submit your CV and cover letter today. Visit lucascollective.com/careers/ for more information.