Restaurant Duty Manager / Host (Maître d')

Ironbar Saloon; Port Douglas; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Supportive workplace culture

Work-life balance

Safe, inclusive workplace

Job summary

Ironbar Saloon in Port Douglas, QLD, seeks an experienced Restaurant Duty Manager / Host (Maître d') to lead the front-of-house team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. This full-time role oversees reservations, guest relations, and day-to-day operations across service periods.

You will train staff, coordinate with the kitchen, manage capacity, and maintain high standards of service, presentation and safety, including health and licensing compliance. RSA is desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as Maître d', Host or Duty Manager in a high-volume venue.
• Proven front-of-house management and guest relations experience.
• Strong leadership with ability to mentor a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and professional demeanor.
• Organisational and multitasking abilities under pressure.
• Knowledge of hospitality systems and POS.
• RSA certification current or willingness to obtain.
• Customer-focused mindset delivering exceptional experiences.
• Desirable: experience in Australian hospitality venues or tourist destinations.

Responsibilities

• Greeting and welcoming guests, managing reservations and walk-ins.
• Overseeing dining room during service; manage tables and guest satisfaction.
• Training and mentoring front-of-house staff.
• Managing restaurant capacity, turnover times to optimise revenue.
• Handling guest inquiries and complaints with diplomacy.
• Maintaining presentation and cleanliness of dining area.
• Coordinating with kitchen and management for smooth service.
• Managing reservations systems and guest records.
• Conducting pre-service briefings on specials and objectives.
• Assisting with staff scheduling and rostering.
• Supporting promotional activities and ensuring health, safety, and licensing compliance.

Skills

Guest relations

FOH management

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Reservation software

POS systems

RSA certification

Tools

Reservation software

Point-of-sale (POS)

Job description

Ironbar Saloon is seeking an experienced Restaurant Duty Manager / Host (Maître d') to join our team in Port Douglas, QLD. This is a full-time position based at our vibrant hospitality venue. In this role, you will be the face of our restaurant, responsible for creating an exceptional dining experience whilst managing the day-to-day operations of our front-of-house team. You will oversee guest relations, staff coordination, and the seamless delivery of service across service periods. This position is pivotal to maintaining Ironbar Saloon's reputation for outstanding hospitality and ensuring every guest leaves with a memorable experience.

Key responsibilities

Greeting and welcoming guests upon arrival, managing reservations and walk-ins with professionalism and warmth

Overseeing the dining room during service, ensuring tables are managed efficiently and guest satisfaction is maintained throughout their visit

Training, supervising and mentoring front-of-house staff, including hosts, servers and support staff, to deliver consistent, high-quality service

Managing restaurant capacity, table allocation and turnover times to optimise revenue and guest experience

Handling guest enquiries, complaints and special requests with diplomacy and a solution-focused approach

Maintaining standards of presentation, cleanliness and organisation throughout the dining area

Coordinating with the kitchen and management team to ensure smooth service operations

Managing reservations systems and maintaining accurate records of bookings and guest preferences

Conducting pre-service briefings with the team to communicate specials, operational updates and service objectives

Assisting with staff scheduling, rostering and performance management as required

Supporting promotional activities and ensuring compliance with health, safety and licensing regulations

What we're looking for

Minimum 3-5 years' experience as a Maître d', Host or Restaurant Duty Manager in a high-volume hospitality establishment

Proven expertise in front-of-house management and exceptional guest relations skills

Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate, train and manage a diverse team effectively

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a professional, polished demeanour

Outstanding organisational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to remain calm under pressure during busy service periods

Knowledge of hospitality systems, reservation software and point-of-sale platforms

Comprehensive understanding of food and beverage service standards and dining etiquette

Flexibility to work variable hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays

Current or willingness to obtain Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification

A customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences

Desirable: Experience in Australian hospitality venues or tourist destinations

What we offer

Ironbar Saloon is committed to creating a positive workplace where our team members thrive. We offer competitive remuneration, and a dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued. Our team enjoys a supportive workplace culture that celebrates excellence and recognises hard work. We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for all employees. Work-life balance is important to us, and we endeavour to create a schedule that works for our team members where possible.

About us

Ironbar Saloon is a premier hospitality destination located in the heart of Port Douglas, Queensland. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional dining and entertainment experiences in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Our venue is known for its quality service, premium steaks and commitment to creating memorable moments for our guests. We are passionate about hospitality and dedicated to being a valued part of the Port Douglas community.