Venue Operations Manager

CDM Sydney Pty Ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Café del Mar Sydney is seeking an experienced Venue Operations Manager to lead a premium casual dining, rooftop bar and live entertainment operation in Sydney CBD. You will own the operation in the General Manager's absence, drive guest experience, financial performance and team development in a fast-paced setting.

Reporting to the leadership team, you will shape the guest journey, uphold brand standards, manage events and cultivate a high-performing hospitality workforce with a proactive,

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years in a Venue Operations Manager or equivalent senior leadership role in a high-performing hospitality operation.
• Strong experience in premium casual dining, restaurant or high-volume beverage operations.
• Proven ability to lead a busy, multifaceted hospitality venue.
• Excellent food and beverage knowledge with strong service standards.
• Experience in financial management, labour control, payroll, stock management and cost control.
• Strong leadership with ability to motivate, develop and hold teams accountable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of restaurant, bar and events ensuring a seamless guest experience.
• Lead venue in the absence of General Manager, taking full accountability for operational performance.
• Maintain high standards of service, presentation, cleanliness, safety and brand execution.
• Drive a hands-on, lead-by-example approach across all areas of operation.
• Ensure effective communication between front of house, beverage, kitchen and events teams.
• Analyze revenue, labour productivity and expenses to identify profitability opportunities.

Skills

Venue leadership

Financial management

Team development

Guest service

Job description

Venue Operations Manager

Premium Casual Restaurant | Rooftop Bar | Music & Events

Café del Mar Sydney | Sydney CBD

Lead an iconic hospitality experience. Own the operation. Make an impact.

Café del Mar is a globally recognised lifestyle hospitality brand, renowned for delivering exceptional dining, bar and entertainment experiences inspired by the Mediterranean coastline.

Café del Mar Sydney is a premium casual restaurant and rooftop bar overlooking Darling Harbour, combining contemporary casual dining, sophisticated beverage experiences and an exciting calendar of corporate, social and music events.

Music is at the heart of our brand, and our people are at the heart of our success.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Venue Operations Manager to join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in the continued success of our Sydney operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished hospitality leader from a restaurant or beverage background who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes genuine ownership of their operation and is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences.

Reporting directly to the Venue General Manager, you will be the operational leader of the venue in the GM's absence, overseeing the restaurant, bar, events and broader day-to-day operations.

You will bring a strong understanding of premium casual dining, beverage operations, financial performance and team leadership, together with the energy and initiative to drive standards, develop people and deliver results.

The Opportunity

This is more than a traditional restaurant & bar management position.

You will have the opportunity to lead a multifaceted hospitality operation encompassing premium casual dining, rooftop bar experiences, corporate functions, social celebrations and live entertainment.

Working closely with the General Manager, you will help shape the guest experience, strengthen operational performance and build a high-performing team that reflects the Café del Mar brand.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the restaurant, bar and events, ensuring a seamless and consistently exceptional guest experience.
• Lead the venue in the absence of the General Manager, taking full accountability for operational performance.
• Maintain the highest standards of service, presentation, cleanliness, safety and brand execution.
• Drive a hands-on, lead-by-example approach across all areas of the operation.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between front of house, beverage, kitchen and events teams.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Take ownership of key financial and operational performance indicators.
• Monitor and control food and beverage costs, labour costs, payroll, stock and inventory.
• Assist with managing purchasing, ordering, stocktaking and supplier relationships.
• Analyse revenue, labour productivity and operating expenses to identify opportunities for improved profitability.
• Prepare and review daily, weekly and monthly operational and financial reports.
• Support the General Manager in achieving budget targets and driving sustainable business growth.

People & Culture

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing hospitality team.
• Provide effective supervision, coaching and performance management.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism and genuine hospitality.
• Manage recruitment, training, onboarding and team development.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and effective workforce planning.
• Develop future leaders and support succession planning across the operation.

Guest Experience & Events

• Champion exceptional customer service and consistently high guest satisfaction.
• Proactively manage guest feedback and resolve issues professionally.
• Ensure the successful execution of corporate functions, social events and entertainment experiences.
• Maintain a strong understanding of current food, beverage, lifestyle and hospitality trends.

About You

You are an accomplished hospitality professional who combines strong operational capability with commercial awareness, exceptional people skills and a genuine passion for the industry.

You understand that successful hospitality is about more than delivering great service. It requires strong financial discipline, effective leadership, attention to detail and the ability to create an environment where both guests and team members thrive.

You will ideally bring:

• Minimum 1–2 years' experience in a Venue Operations Manager or equivalent senior leadership position within a high-performing hospitality operation.
• Strong experience in premium casual dining, restaurant or high-volume beverage operations.
• Proven ability to lead a busy, multifaceted hospitality venue.
• Excellent food and beverage knowledge, with a strong understanding of service standards and guest expectations.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, labour control, payroll, stock management and cost control.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and hold teams accountable.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to make sound decisions, solve problems quickly and remain composed under pressure.
• A proactive, commercially minded approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• A positive attitude, creative flair and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Experience within the music, entertainment, nightlife or events industry will be highly regarded.

Why Join Café del Mar?

• Be part of a globally recognised lifestyle hospitality brand.
• Lead a premium casual restaurant, rooftop bar and entertainment operation.
• Work within an exciting and dynamic hospitality environment.
• Take on a genuine leadership role with significant operational responsibility.
• Work closely with an experienced General Manager and leadership team.
• Contribute to the ongoing success and development of an iconic hospitality destination.

Role Requirements

• Current NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate – essential.
• Unrestricted working rights in Australia – essential.
• Australian Food Safety Certificate – preferred.
• First Aid Certificate – preferred.
• Flexibility to work across days, evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are an experienced hospitality leader looking for an opportunity to make a genuine impact, we would love to hear from you.

Join Café del Mar Sydney and bring your passion, leadership and commercial expertise to one of Sydney's most exciting hospitality environments.