Job Title: Venue Manager
Location: Geelong
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: Competitive
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and hands-on Venue Manager to oversee the full operations of our vibrant venue, which features a high-volume authentic Italian restaurant and versatile function spaces for events of 20–200+ guests. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who excels at balancing daily restaurant service with event execution, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, profitability, and seamless coordination across all areas.
The Venue Manager will be responsible for the overall management of front-of-house (FOH) and coordinating with (BOH) team, event bookings and delivery, revenue optimization, vendor relationships, compliance, and facility maintenance. This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can multitask between ongoing restaurant service and large-scale events, and is passionate about hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
Restaurant Operations
* Oversee daily restaurant operations, including service standards, menu execution, inventory control, and customer satisfaction.
* Manage FOH and BOH staff: scheduling, training, performance management, and coaching.
* Monitor food and beverage costs, labor costs, and overall profitability; implement controls to meet or exceed budgeted targets.
* Ensure compliance with health, safety, liquor licensing, and food handling regulations.
Event & Function Space Management
* Lead the sales and booking process for private events, functions, weddings, corporate events, and parties in collaboration with sales/event coordinator (if applicable).
* Develop competitive pricing packages, proposals, contracts, and menus tailored to client needs.
* Coordinate all event logistics from initial client inquiry through to post-event follow-up, including room setup, AV/lighting, staffing, catering, and vendor coordination.
* Serve as the primary on-site point of contact during events, ensuring flawless execution and handling any issues in real time.
* Maximize function space utilization and revenue through creative programming and upselling opportunities.
Leadership & Team Management
* Recruit, hire, train, and develop a high-performing team across restaurant and event operations.
* Foster a positive, guest-focused culture with strong emphasis on teamwork and service excellence.
* Conduct regular staff meetings, performance reviews, and training sessions.
Financial & Administrative Oversight
* Prepare and manage the venue's operating budget, P&L statements, and forecasting.
* Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue per cover, event conversion rates, labor percentage, and guest feedback scores.
* Negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers (e.g., linen, AV, florists, entertainment).
* Oversee facility maintenance, cleanliness, and equipment upkeep to ensure the venue remains in top condition.
Marketing & Guest Experience
* Collaborate on marketing initiatives to promote the restaurant and function spaces (social media, website, local partnerships).
* Drive repeat business and positive reviews through exceptional service and client relationship management.
* Analyze guest feedback and implement improvements to elevate the overall experience.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Minimum 4–6 years of progressive management experience in hospitality, preferably in a venue that combines restaurant and event/function spaces (e.g., restaurant with private dining/banquet rooms, hotel F&B, or dedicated event venue).
* Proven track record of managing both daily dining operations and private events/banquets.
* Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, P&L, and cost controls.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills; calm under pressure.
* Knowledge of POS systems, event management software (e.g., Tripleseat, Event Temple), and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.
* Certification in food safety (ServSafe or equivalent) and alcohol service preferred.
* Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
* Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays (as events often occur outside standard business hours).
Preferred Skills & Attributes
* Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences in both casual dining and upscale events.
* Creative thinker with the ability to upsell and customize events.
* Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
* Strong interpersonal skills and a customer-first mindset.
* Ability to lead by example and build motivated, cohesive teams.
If you're a proactive leader who can seamlessly run a busy restaurant while delivering standout events, we want to hear from you
To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to [].