Venue Manager

The Kent Hotel; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Supportive environment

Impactful role

Work-life balance

Job summary

The Kent Hotel in Carlton North is seeking an experienced Venue Manager to lead our busy pub operations. You will oversee day-to-day venues performance, drive service standards, and maximise profitability while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

We are looking for a hands-on leader with at least 3 years in venue management, strong knowledge of F&B, events, and cost control. Join a team that values collaboration and high standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a Venue Manager in a high-volume pub.
• Strong knowledge of hospitality operations, including food and beverage service and event coordination.
• Solid product knowledge across food, wine, beer and spirits.
• Financial acumen with budgeting, P&L, and revenue optimisation.
• Excellent leadership and people management with hands-on style.
• Outstanding customer service orientation and high standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with customers, staff, and suppliers.
• Knowledge of hospitality compliance regulations, licensing, and safety standards.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with hospitality management systems and POS software.

Responsibilities

• Manage all operational aspects of the venue, front-of-house and back-of-house.
• Recruit, train, develop, and performance-manage staff to high standards.
• Manage budgets and enforce cost controls across departments.
• Ensure compliance with hospitality regulations, health and safety standards, and licensing.
• Develop strategies to increase revenue and profitability.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and partners.
• Oversee facilities and equipment maintenance.
• Lead and foster a collaborative workplace culture.

Skills

Venue management

Hospitality operations

People management

Budgeting

P&L management

Revenue optimisation

Leadership

Customer service

Communication skills

Compliance knowledge

Problem solving

Tools

Hospitality management systems

Point-of-sale software

Job description

About the role

The Kent Hotel is seeking an experienced Venue Manager to lead our operations in Carlton North. This is a full-time position where you will be responsible for the strategic management and day-to-day operations of our venue. As Venue Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the hotel's performance, ensuring exceptional service delivery, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This role is central to maintaining The Kent Hotel's reputation as a premier hospitality destination and directly impacts our success in a competitive market.

Key responsibilities

Managing all operational aspects of the venue, including front-of-house and back-of-house activities

Overseeing staff recruitment, training, development, and performance management to maintain high service standards

Managing budgets, and ensuring cost controls across all departments

Maintaining compliance with all relevant hospitality regulations, health and safety standards, and licensing requirements

Developing and implementing strategies to increase revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance venue profitability

Managing relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers, and partners

Overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the venue's facilities and equipment

Leading team members and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture

What we're looking for

Minimum 3 years' experience as a Venue Manager of a high volume pub

Strong knowledge of hospitality operations, including food and beverage service, and event coordination

Strong product knowledge across food, wine, beer and spirits

Demonstrated financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, P&L management, and revenue optimisation

Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams

A hands on leadership style, with a willingness to lead from the floor

Outstanding customer service orientation and the ability to maintain high standards consistently

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with customers, staff, and suppliers

Knowledge of hospitality compliance regulations, licensing requirements, and health and safety standards

Problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment

Proficiency with hospitality management systems and point-of-sale software

What we offer

The Kent Hotel is committed to creating a rewarding workplace for our team. We offer a:

opportunities for professional development

supportive work environment where your contributions are valued

We provide a dynamic role where you can make a real impact on our venue's success

We believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and foster a collaborative team culture where excellence is recognised and rewarded.

About us

The Kent Hotel is a well renowned pub in Carlton North that has been operating as a pub since 1873. Now known for our high-quality dining, excellent beverage selection, and commitment to exceptional service. Following a recent refurbishment that honours our original roots while offering an elevated experience, we are now seeking an Assistant Venue Manager to join our team.

In this role, you will contribute to the ongoing success of our iconic venue and help drive the growth of our food and beverage operations.