Assistant Manager

Wai Hospitality Group; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay 33–36 NZD/hour

Performance Incentive Program

Rostered shifts across Mon–Sun

Staff meal and drink

40% staff discount across Wai venues

Development opportunities

Accommodation assistance may be broker

Job summary

Wai Hospitality Group seeks an Assistant Manager to oversee Queenstown's Public Italian Kitchen, Finz Seafood & Grill, and Bella Cucina. You will lead front-of-house operations, mentor a high-performing team, and ensure exceptional hospitality across venues.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in hospitality with leadership, a current Manager's Certificate, and experience with POS and rostering systems. You will drive reservations, guest inquiries, and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in hospitality with leadership experience.
• Current Manager's Certificate.
• Experience using hospitality POS and rostering systems.
• Understanding of health and safety, food safety and host responsibility.
• Passion for food and hospitality.
• Customer service orientation and teamwork.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Organise and manage FOH shift operations with guest focus.
• Train and develop quality staff.
• Handle reservations and function inquiries professionally.
• Respond to guest complaints promptly and efficiently.
• Cashiering and daily takings balancing.
• Monitor KPI's and implement improvement strategies.
• Ensure liquor licensing, H&S, food safety compliance.
• Manage stock orders through CRM system.
• Oversee staff performance and conduct when needed.

Skills

Leadership experience

Customer service

Communication

Team leadership

POS systems

Roster management

Health & safety knowledge

Host responsibility

Education

Manager's Certificate

Tools

Loaded

BambooHR

Job description

Public Italian Kitchen | Finz Seafood & Grill | Bella Cucina

Assistant Manager | Queenstown | Full-time | Permanent

Passionate about hospitality? So are we.

Wai Hospitality Group operates three of Queenstown's most established restaurants – Public Italian Kitchen, Finz Seafood & Grill, and Bella Cucina. Each venue has its own style and identity, but we all share the same philosophy - exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a positive team culture.

We're looking for an Assistant Manager who takes pride in delivering exceptional hospitality, enjoys leading and developing a high-performing team, and wants to be part of a professional restaurant where service, leadership, and operational excellence matter.

If you are ambitious and looking for a long-term opportunity in one of New Zealand's leading hospitality destinations, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Organise and manage FOH shift operations ensuring excellent service and guest satisfaction.
• Training quality staff
• Taking reservations and inquiries professionally, respond to emails for functions and events
• Dealing with guest complaints in a prompt and efficient manner
• Cashiering and balancing of the daily takings.
• Monitor KPI's such as spend per head, cost control and online reviews - and implement strategies for improvement.
• Maintain compliance with key legislation including liquor licensing, H&S, food safety, and employment law.
• Place and receive stock orders through the CRM system
• Manage staff performance, disciplinary matters and resolve conflicts as required

What we're looking for

• Minimum 3 years' experience in hospitality with some time in a leadership role.
• Current Manager's Certificate.
• Experience using hospitality POS and rostering systems (e.g. Loaded, BambooHR etc).
• Understanding of health and safety, food safety and host responsibility systems.
• A genuine passion for food and hospitality.
• Passionate about customer service and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

What we offer

• Competitive pay of $33–$36.00 per hour, depending on experience.
• Performance Incentive Programe
• Rostered shifts across Monday to Sunday, minimum 30 hours per week.
• Staff meal and drink.
• 40% staff discount across all Wai Hospitality Group venues.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive, stable and experienced management team.
• Accommodation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Right to work

We welcome applications from New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and holders of valid New Zealand work visas. Wai Hospitality Group is an Accredited Employer, and for exceptional overseas candidates who meet our requirements, Accredited Employer Work Visa support may be available.

If you're looking for more than just another kitchen job and want to build your career with a respected hospitality group, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us:

www.publickitchen.co.nz | www.finzseafoodandgrill.co.nz | www.bellacucina.co.nz