Restaurant Manager

Gishi Pty Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Employee benefits

Career development

Professional working environment

Job summary

ÉN, a premium Japanese restaurant located in Melbourne CBD, is seeking a Restaurant Manager to lead a dynamic team and oversee all daily operations. This full-time role focuses on delivering exceptional hospitality, maintaining standards, and driving guest satisfaction.

You will manage staffing, budgeting, and cost controls while promoting premium sake and beverages. A strong leadership mindset and passion for hospitality are essential for success in this busy Melbourne venue.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in a Restaurant Manager or senior hospitality leadership role.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• Proven experience managing labour, stock and operational costs.
• Passion for premium hospitality and guest service.
• Experience using reservation and POS systems.
• Knowledge of Japanese cuisine and beverages is highly regarded but not essential.
• Current Victorian RSA certificate and Food Safety Supervisor certification are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and inspire front-of-house team; recruit, onboard and train staff.
• Manage weekly staff rosters and ensure staffing aligns with business needs.
• Oversee all daily restaurant operations; ensure lunch and dinner service runs smoothly.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation.
• Monitor labour costs and productivity; manage inventory and stock ordering.
• Deliver exceptional hospitality and personalised guest service.
• Handle guest feedback professionally and manage reservations and service flow.
• Drive guest retention, promotions and community engagement; support sales and profitability.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Organisational skills

Labour management

Reservations systems

POS systems

Cost control

Restaurant management

Education

Victorian RSA certificate

Food Safety Supervisor certification

Tools

POS systems

Reservation systems

Job description

ÉN is seeking a Restaurant Manager to join our team in Melbourne VIC 3000. A full-time position that offers a unique opportunity to lead and manage a dynamic Japanese dining establishment. As Restaurant Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily operations, ensuring exceptional service standards, and maintaining the authentic dining experience. This role is pivotal to the success of our restaurant and requires someone with a passion for Japanese cuisine, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to excellence in hospitality.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor and inspire the front-of-house team.
• Recruit, onboard and train new employees.
• Conduct regular team briefings and performance reviews.
• Foster a positive, respectful and accountable workplace culture.
• Prepare and manage weekly staff rosters.
• Ensure staffing levels align with business requirements.
• Oversee all daily restaurant operations.
• Ensure smooth service during lunch and dinner periods.
• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation.
• Monitor labour costs and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, RSA and Workplace Health & Safety requirements.
• Manage opening and closing procedures.

Guest Experience

• Deliver exceptional hospitality and personalised service.
• Build strong relationships with regular guests.
• Handle guest feedback professionally and effectively.
• Manage reservations, seating and service flow.
• Ensure every guest receives a memorable dining experience.
• Monitor daily sales and operational performance.
• Assist with budgeting and cost control.
• Manage inventory and stock ordering.
• Complete stocktakes and minimise waste.
• Review daily reports and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Work towards achieving financial and operational KPIs.

Beverage & Product Knowledge

• Maintain a strong understanding of the food and beverage programme.
• Promote premium sake, Japanese whisky, wine and cocktails.
• Train staff on menu knowledge and beverage recommendations.
• Support seasonal menu launches and special events.

Business Development

• Drive guest retention and repeat visitation.
• Assist with promotional campaigns and community engagement.
• Collaborate with management to improve sales and profitability.
• Continuously identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 2 years experience in a Restaurant Manager or senior hospitality leadership role.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• Proven experience managing labour, stock and operational costs.
• Passion for premium hospitality and guest service.
• Experience using reservation and POS systems.
• Knowledge of Japanese cuisine and beverages is highly regarded but not essential.
• Current Victorian RSA certificate.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification is advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package plus superannuation.
• A supportive and professional working environment.
• Ongoing training and career development.
• Opportunity to work with a passionate and experienced team.
• Staff meals and employee benefits.
• The opportunity to contribute to one of Melbourne's exciting Japanese dining concepts.

About us

ÉN operates as a premium Japanese restaurant located in Melbourne CBD, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine and exceptional Dining & Listening Bar experiences. Diners enjoy an intimate connection with the culinary arts. We are dedicated to sourcing the finest ingredients, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and creating memorable experiences for our guests. The venue will be built on a foundation of respect for Japanese culinary traditions, a passion for hospitality, and a commitment to excellence. Our team shares a common goal: to deliver outstanding service and authentic flavours that transport our guests to Japan with every visit.