Restaurant Manager

Work Initiatives; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Work Initiatives is seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager for Stratford, Cairns. The role requires leadership of the food and beverage team, maintaining service standards, and managing dining operations across breakfast, lunch, and busy dinner services.

You will oversee reservations, train staff, and ensure guest satisfaction with attention to detail. RSA certification and a passion for hospitality are essential for success in this fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
• RSA certification.
• Solid knowledge of Australian and international wines.
• Strong leadership and guest-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Ensure every guest experience is professional, memorable, and exceeds expectations
• Lead, train, and coordinate the food and beverage team
• Maintain up-to-date service manuals, wine lists, and daily specials
• Oversee restaurant presentation and floor operations
• Monitor team performance and provide clear communication during service
• Manage reservations, greet and seat guests
• Handle guest requests and resolve complaints with care and efficiency

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Communication

RSA certification

Wine knowledge

Job description

Location: Stratford, Cairns, QLD 4870
Salary: $77,500–$82,500 p.a. | Full-Time

Palooka is on the lookout for an experienced Restaurant Manager to join our passionate team and help lead our evening operations.

An established modern dining institution with a loyal local following, Palooka is known for delivering warm, professional service and elevated food and beverage offerings. We operate five days a week for breakfast and lunch, with four busy dinner services.

We’re seeking someone with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role, who brings energy, professionalism, and a genuine love for hospitality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure every guest experience is professional, memorable, and exceeds expectations

• Lead, train, and coordinate the food and beverage team

• Maintain up-to-date service manuals, wine lists, and daily specials

• Oversee restaurant presentation and floor operations

• Monitor team performance and provide clear communication during service

• Manage reservations, greet and seat guests

• Handle guest requests and resolve complaints with care and efficiency

What We’re Looking For:

• Availability for evening, weekend, and public holiday shifts

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong leadership qualities with a hands-on, guest-focused approach

• RSA certification

• A solid knowledge of Australian and international wines

• A genuine passion for hospitality and customer service

You’ll be joining a supportive, close-knit team in a fast-paced but rewarding environment. Attention to detail, a cool head under pressure, and a collaborative spirit are key to thriving in this role.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.