General Manager - Hospitality Operations (multi-venue)
About Us
The Searoad Ferries group of companies employs over 250 dedicated staff and our mission is to connect people and places through exceptional experiences across the tourism, hospitality, passenger transport, and maritime sectors. Since 1987, we have proudly operated the iconic Queenscliff-Sorrento car and passenger ferry service. Our Explore Australia / Naturaliste Tours company offers unforgettable tourism and wildlife experiences across Victoria, connecting travellers with the region's most stunning natural highlights. We also operate the Western Port Ferry Service, linking Crib Point to French Island and Phillip Island in Western Port Bay, as well as Wanderer Adventures—Wilson's Promontory Cruises—based in the pristine Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Within this dynamic landscape, the Searoad Hospitality team is dedicated to providing customer experiences through premium onboard and onshore dining options that enhance our ferry operations. Our state-of-the-art Ferry Terminals include multiple hospitality spaces—restaurants (TARRA Queenscliff and ONDA Sorrento), passenger lounges, bars and function spaces—offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, grab-and-go food options, retail, conferences, private functions, and external catering.
About the opportunity:
This could be your opportunity to forget the city commute and join our award-winning company, based in regional Victoria in a unique coastal setting on Port Phillip Bay.
We're seeking an experienced senior hospitality leader to own and elevate all hospitality operations across our fleet and venues. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the General Manager - Hospitality Operations will lead a multi-disciplinary team of chefs, kitchen staff, front of house, and events professionals to deliver safe, compliant, commercially successful and customer-focussed hospitality experiences.
This is a high impact role combining strategic leadership, P&L accountability, and hands-on operational improvement across multiple sites.
What you'll do:
* lead and develop a diverse hospitality team across vessel and shore operations — building a strong safety-first culture
* own the P&L — budget setting, revenue targets, cost control and financial performance reporting
* deliver operational excellence and compliance (food safety, licensing, RSA, workplace health and safety)
* drive commercial growth through menu, activations, retail and events strategy in partnership with Marketing
* implement technology and systems to improve efficiency (POS, rostering, inventory management, KPIs)
* manage supplier and contract relationships to drive quality and value
* lead continuous improvement projects that enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency
* represent Hospitality in Leadership Team forums; translate strategy into operational plans and outcomes.
What we're looking for:
* proven senior hospitality leadership in multi-site environments (minimum 5-7 years in leadership roles)
* strong commercial acumen and P&L ownership with demonstrable results (revenue growth, cost control)
* deep knowledge of food safety frameworks and regulatory compliance
* experience managing mixed teams (kitchen, FOH, events) and shift/roster operations
* track record of successful change and project management, including system rollouts
* excellent stakeholder and supplier management skills with a collaborative leadership style
* passion for creating excellent customer experiences and improving operational performance.
What we offer:
* senior leadership role with significant scope and visibility
* competitive salary and benefits
* variety - work across vessels, events, and onshore venues in a dynamic operational setting
* a supportive leadership team committed to safety, growth, and people development.
Some of the perks you'll enjoy while working at Searoad Ferries:
* staff discounts: retail, dining, hospitality, and free ferry travel
* uniform provided
* support for your wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
* engaging workplace culture: regular social events, team gatherings, and a few surprises cooked up throughout the year.
How to apply:
* you must have unrestricted Australian work rights
* you must submit a cover letter and resume with your application to be considered
For more details and a copy of the Position Description, visit searoad.com.au/careers. Please submit your application via SEEK, including a cover letter introducing yourself and your resume.
Due to the expected high volume of applicants, we may only contact shortlisted candidates.
No agencies please.