About Us:
+81 is a modern kappo-style Japanese restaurant located in Brisbane. More than a dining venue, +81 is a sanctuary for the senses — an experience of precision, intimacy, and intentionality. Blending Japanese tradition and modern innovation, the space invites guests to slow down, disconnect, and savour craft in all its forms: cuisine, beverage, service, design, and music.
Our kitchen is led by our Head Chef from Japan, with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, ensuring authenticity, discipline, and world-class technique at the heart of our culinary vision. Complementing this, our award-winning Aizome Bar, led by our Bar Manager, a co-pioneer of the global neo-cocktail movement, has already established +81 as a destination for beverage innovation. With these foundations in place, we are now seeking equally exceptional leaders in service and operations to complete the team and help shape +81 into one of Brisbane's most distinctive dining experiences.
We are a small, talented, and action driven team where every contribution matters. At +81, we value people who are accountable, proactive, collaborative, eager to grow and raise the standard for themselves and the team. As an owner-led restaurant, we move with focus and agility and look for talent who enjoy being close to the craft, the guests, and the daily impact of their work.
Our leaders and team members are expected to contribute to and strengthen our unique culture: embodying humility, practising omotenashi, and striving for continuous improvement in every service and interaction, both with our guests and within our team. Success at +81 means being both a cultural ambassador of Japanese hospitality and a builder of disciplined, modern restaurant systems.
About the Role:
The Assistant Sommelier & Assistant Floor Manager is a hybrid role supporting both front-of-house operations and the wine and sake program at +81. This position plays a critical role in delivering a refined, seamless guest experience grounded in Japanese hospitality (omotenashi), while ensuring service standards, beverage execution, and operational discipline are upheld at all times.
This is a hands-on role ideal for an experienced fine dining professional who is passionate about beverage, guest experience, and leadership, and who is ready to step into duty management responsibilities when required.
Key Responsibilities:
Guest Experience & Service
· Provide guidance to guests on wine and sake selection based on preferences, menu choices, and budget, ensuring a memorable and personalised dining experience.
· Deliver exceptional table-side service with precision, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity in line with +81 standards.
· Act as a calm and supportive team player on the floor during service, supporting guest flow and managing high-touch interactions.
· Assist with guest feedback, special requests, and service recovery with professionalism and care.
Beverage Program Support
· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of wine and sake offerings, regions, vintages, and production techniques.
· Assist in maintaining accuracy of wine and sake descriptions across menus and training materials.
· Support beverage pairings in collaboration with the kitchen and bar teams.
Cellar & Inventory Management
· Assist with wine and sake inventory organisation, storage, and rotation.
· Complete and support monthly stocktakes and inventory controls.
· Assist with monitoring wastage and maintaining accurate stock records.
Floor Operations & Duty Management
· Support the Head Sommelier during service and daily operations.
· Act as Duty Manager in the absence of the Head Sommelier & Floor Manager, maintaining service standards, team discipline, and guest experience.
· Assist with reservations, seating plans, and coordination between FOH, BOH, and bar teams.
· Support completion of opening, service, and close-down procedures.
Standards, Compliance & Culture
· Ensure responsible service of alcohol in line with RSA requirements.
· Support compliance with workplace health and safety standards.
· Uphold +81 policies, procedures, and cultural expectations at all times.
About You:
· Full working rights in Australia.
· Demonstrated experience as a Sommelier and/or senior FOH professional in a fine dining restaurant or luxury hotel environment.
· WSET Level 2 or above (or similar) preferred.
· Experience in Japanese omakase or Japanese-inspired restaurants is highly regarded.
· Strong knowledge of wine regions, vintages, and production methods.
· Basic knowledge of sake and/or willingness to obtain Sake WSET Level 2 (highly advantageous).
· Strong understanding of food and beverage pairing principles.
· RSA certificate (mandatory).
Qualities That Will Help You Thrive:
· Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
· Calm, organised, and professional under pressure.
· Deep understanding and appreciation for Japanese hospitality, culture, and aesthetics.
· Detail-oriented, structured, and proactive.
· Strong communicator who builds trust across teams and guests.
· Motivated by the opportunity to be hands on with all aspects.
About the Process:
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter telling us a little bit about yourself and why you are the perfect fit to join +81.