Restaurant Manager

AS Food Co.; Cambridge; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Autonomy to lead FOH

Creative freedom for beverage program

Direct support from owners

Professional development

Stable leadership

People‑focused workplace

Job summary

Alpha Street Kitchen & Bar in Cambridge, NZ is seeking an hands‑on Front‑of‑House Leader to own the guest experience and front‑of‑house operation. You’ll be on the floor during service, setting the tone and leading by example, not directing from the sidelines.

You will recruit, train and roster a professional team, manage reservations and table flow, and collaborate closely with the owner and kitchen leadership to deliver a cohesive food and beverage experience.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years' hospitality management experience.
• NZ Manager's Certificate.
• Natural on‑floor presence with hosting enjoyment.
• Ability to lead calmly during busy services.
• Strong instincts for service, atmosphere and timing.
• Experience developing people and building a strong team culture.
• Solid understanding of rostering, wage costs, margins, stock control.
• Genuine interest in wine and beverages with willingness to learn.
• Emotional intelligence, good judgement and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead front‑of‑house services with warmth, confidence, and attention to detail.
• Create an authentic, welcoming guest experience for every guest.
• Build relationships with regulars and the Cambridge community.
• Read the room, manage reservations, pacing and guest expectations.
• Recruit, train, mentor and roster a professional front‑of‑house team.
• Establish standards while fostering a supportive, accountable workplace.
• Collaborate with owner and kitchen leadership to deliver cohesive beverage experiences.
• Own the beverage programme with freedom to develop wine, beer, cocktails, and non‑alcoholic offerings.
• Manage wage costs, beverage margins, stock control, ordering and waste.
• Maintain high standards of liquor licensing, food safety and health and safety.

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

This is a hands‑on leadership role with real ownership of the guest experience and front‑of‑house operation. You'll be present during service, setting the tone and leading by example rather than managing from the sidelines.

Key responsibilities

• Lead services with warmth, confidence, and attention to detail
• Create an authentic, generous, and genuinely welcoming experience for every guest
• Build lasting relationships with our regulars and the wider Cambridge community
• Read the room and manage reservations, pacing, table flow, and guest expectations
• Recruit, train, mentor, and roster a professional and engaged front‑of‑house team
• Establish clear standards while creating a supportive, accountable, and enjoyable workplace
• Work closely with the owner and kitchen leadership team to deliver a cohesive food and beverage experience
• Take ownership of the beverage programme, with considerable freedom to develop our wine, beer, cocktail, and non‑alcoholic offerings
• Manage wage costs, beverage margins, stock control, ordering, and waste
• Maintain high standards of liquor licensing, food safety, and health and safety compliance

About you

• At least two to three years' hospitality management experience, either as a Restaurant Manager or a strong Assistant Manager ready to take the next step
• A current New Zealand Manager's Certificate
• A natural presence on the floor and a genuine enjoyment of hosting
• The ability to lead calmly and decisively during busy services
• Strong instincts for service, atmosphere, timing, and the small details guests remember
• Experience developing people and building a strong team culture
• A sound understanding of rostering, wage costs, cost of goods, margins, stock control, and commercial performance
• A genuine interest in wine and beverages, along with the curiosity to continue learning
• Emotional intelligence, good judgement, and the ability to communicate clearly

About us

• Alpha Street Kitchen & Bar is an independently owned modern New Zealand bistro in the heart of Cambridge. We believe great hospitality is personal. It's remembering a regular's favourite drink, reading a table, supporting the team before they need to ask, and making every guest feel genuinely pleased they chose to dine with us.
• A competitive salary reflecting your experience and contribution and performance incentives
• The trust and autonomy to lead the front‑of‑house operation
• Genuine creative freedom to shape and develop the beverage programme
• Direct support from engaged, hands‑on owners
• Meaningful input into our service style, team development, systems, and future direction
• Professional development opportunities and room to grow with the business
• A stable leadership role in an established, locally owned restaurant
• A people‑focused workplace that values its team, guests, and community