Restaurant Manager

Distinction Hotels; Te Anau; On-site; NZD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Seasonal accommodation

Subsidized staff meal

Staff rates nationwide

Job summary

Distinction Hotels Group in Te Anau seeks an experienced Restaurant Manager to run Mackinnon Restaurant and Explorer Bar, overseeing front-of-house operations, guest experiences, and revenue growth.

The role is full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) with an hourly rate NZD 33–38, requiring strong leadership and at least 2 years of team management. NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa is required; accommodation may be available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience managing teams and leading by example.
• Strong leadership and guest service focus.
• Experience in front-of-house operations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-of-house operations for Mackinnon Restaurant and Explorer Bar.
• Drive engagement, performance, and growth across the team.
• Manage daily restaurant and bar operations, including stock and financial transactions.
• Recruit, train, and onboard staff to maintain service standards.
• Explore opportunities to grow conference and events business in the region.

Skills

Leadership

Front-of-house management

People skills

Communication

Team management

Stock management

Recruitment & training

Operational knowledge

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.

Distinction Hotels Group is a 100% New Zealand owned & operated, and its premium 112 room hotel, nestled in beautiful Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sounds and a great base to explore Fiordland.

We are on the look out for an experienced Restaurant Manager. This is a hands on role running Mackinnon Restaurant and Explorer Bar. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on that customer interaction and finding the ways to both, drive revenue, and create great customer experiences.
You’ll play a pivotal role in leading our front-of-house, driving engagement, performance, and growth across the team.
This is a full-time position with minimum 30 hours per week, with an hourly rate between $33 to $38, depending on experiance

The Hotel has good bookings for the coming season and the covers for dinner can range from 70 to 150, dinning on both a la carte menu's and TDH. Operating a breakfast buffet which will have 150 to 200 covers in the height of the season.

What you will bring to the role

• You will have strong leadership skills in a front of house position, with developed people skills, to drive excellence for guests and with staff alike.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and influence staff positively
• Minimum 2 years experience managing teams of people and the ability to lead by example
• Managing the daily operation of the restaurant and bar
• Management of stock levels and financial transactions
• Recruitment, training and onboarding staff
• Strong operational knowledge

What's in it for you?

• Growth and development within an ever growing brand
• Seasonal accommodation may be available
• Subsidized staff meal whilst on shift
• Staff rates for any of the 15 Distinctions nationwide

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa

The role also has the possibility to add the dynamic of conference and events, as we have the facilities and would like to grow that area, and attract more clients to the region.