Restaurant Manager

Talisman Restaurant | Katikati, Western Bay of Plenty

We have a Restaurant Manager position available immediately for a full-time, permanent role at Talisman Restaurant.

This is a genuine management-level position responsible for the full oversight of restaurant operations, including staff leadership, service delivery, compliance, and operational performance.

🔹 About the Role

Your primary responsibility will be to manage the restaurant operations at our establishment, taking full ownership of front-of-house performance and ensuring all operational and service standards are achieved.

You will work a variety of shifts including daytime, evenings, and weekends, with shifts scheduled between:

10:00am – 11:30pm, Monday to Sunday

• Minimum guaranteed hours: 30 hours per week
• Pay rate: $30.00 – $31.50 per hour, depending on experience

You will lead a team of approximately 5–10 staff per shift, with staff reporting directly to you during service.

This role requires someone who can exercise control over service operations, ensure all tasks are completed by staff, and maintain accountability across the team, rather than simply participating in service delivery.

🔹 Position in the Business Structure

This role sits at a management level within the organisation, working directly under the business owners.

The Restaurant Manager is responsible for direct supervision, coordination, and oversight of front-of-house staff, including senior waitstaff, bar staff, and junior team members.

The role requires the ability to direct staff, make operational decisions on shift, and ensure all team members perform their roles to the required standard.

🔹 Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all front-of-house operations on shift
• Lead, supervise, and coordinate a team of 5–10 staff
• Ensure all staff duties are completed and all service standards are consistently achieved
• Exercise responsibility for the performance and conduct of staff on shift
• Train, mentor, and develop staff to maintain high performance and service quality
• Manage staff performance, including addressing issues and implementing improvements
• Operate as the Duty Manager on shift, ensuring compliance with licensing laws and host responsibility requirements
• Take responsibility for ensuring all legal and operational compliance obligations are met
• Coordinate bookings, service flow, and execution of large group functions
• Work closely with kitchen and bar teams to ensure seamless and efficient service
• Assist with rostering and staffing requirements based on operational needs
• Monitor and manage stock levels and ordering for bar/front-of-house operations
• Maintain health and safety standards across all service areas
• Handle customer concerns and resolve issues professionally and effectively
• Contribute to overall business performance, reporting, and continuous improvement

🔹 Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 2 years’ proven experience in the same or similar Restaurant Manager role
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising hospitality teams
• Strong ability to manage staff and ensure operational standards are achieved by the team
• Proven experience in exercising responsibility over staff performance and service delivery
• Experience working in a busy, high-volume hospitality environment
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations, service standards, and compliance requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and make decisions that impact service and operations

🔹 Mandatory Requirements

• Must hold a current New Zealand Duty Manager’s Certificate
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Must be reliable and capable of managing a team environment

🔹 About Us

Standing proud on State Highway 2 in Katikati for more than 130 years, The Talisman Hotel Garden Bar and Bistro is a well-known and established hospitality venue in the Western Bay of Plenty.

We offer a high-quality dining experience with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, alongside an extensive range of beverages.

Open 7 days a week, our venue includes both a warm and inviting indoor bistro with a gas fire for winter, and a relaxed outdoor Garden Bar for summer.

🔹 What We’re Looking For

• Do you want to work for an iconic restaurant/bar?
• Do you have strong leadership and management skills?
• Are you passionate about delivering excellent customer service through leading a team?
• Do you have proven experience managing hospitality operations?

🔒 Important Note

This is a genuine Restaurant Manager position, involving responsibility for:

• Staff leadership and supervision
• Operational control of the restaurant
• Ensuring all service standards and business requirements are achieved by the team

This role requires the ability to lead, manage, and ensure performance outcomes, and is not a service-only or senior waiter position.