Vani’s Kitchen is seeking a proactive and experienced Duty Manager to oversee restaurant operations during assigned shifts. The successful candidate will lead the front-of-house team, maintain premium service standards, manage customer experiences, and ensure smooth coordination between front and back of house. The role requires strong leadership, sound judgement, and the ability to confidently manage busy service periods while maintaining Vani’s Kitchen’s standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day restaurant operations during assigned shifts.
  • Lead, supervise, and support front-of-house staff to ensure efficient service.
  • Maintain Vani’s Kitchen’s premium dining and customer service standards.
  • Coordinate effectively with the kitchen team to ensure smooth and timely service.
  • Manage customer enquiries, feedback, complaints, and service issues professionally.
  • Monitor restaurant presentation, cleanliness, table service, and staff performance.
  • Allocate staff duties and manage workflow according to business requirements.
  • Assist with staff training, onboarding, and ongoing development.
  • Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering and inventory management.
  • Ensure accurate cash handling, POS procedures, opening and closing procedures, and shift reconciliations.
  • Monitor food and beverage service standards and communicate issues to management.
  • Support restaurant promotions, events, group bookings, and catering operations.
  • Act as the senior person on duty and make appropriate operational decisions when management is unavailable.

Health, Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure staff comply with workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
  • Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and safe food handling.
  • Ensure responsible service of alcohol and compliance with applicable liquor licensing requirements.
  • Follow emergency, fire safety, incident reporting, and workplace safety procedures.
  • Report hazards, incidents, maintenance issues, and operational concerns to management promptly.
  • Ensure restaurant operations comply with applicable New Zealand legislation and company policies.

Customer Experience

  • Create a welcoming, professional, and memorable dining experience for guests.
  • Proactively identify and resolve service issues before they affect the customer experience.
  • Handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
  • Maintain strong knowledge of Vani’s Kitchen’s menu, beverages, promotions, and service procedures.
  • Encourage the team to deliver attentive and personalised hospitality.

Requirements

  • Previous experience in a Duty Manager, Supervisor, Assistant Manager, or senior hospitality role.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Ability to confidently manage busy restaurant service periods.
  • Excellent customer service and problem-solving abilities.
  • Good understanding of restaurant operations, POS systems, cash handling, and staff management.
  • Knowledge of food safety, workplace health and safety, and responsible alcohol service requirements.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, public holidays, and flexible shifts as required.
  • Valid New Zealand working rights.
  • Reliable transport is preferred.

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to work within a premium dining restaurant specialising in authentic Hyderabadi cuisine.
  • Minimum work of 30 hours per week.
  • Supportive and professional working environment.
  • Opportunity to develop leadership and hospitality management skills.
  • Career progression within Vani’s Kitchen.
  • Minimum guaranteed hours as specified in the employment agreement.
  • Staff meals and other employee benefits as applicable.
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