MRG ENTERPRISES PTY LTD T / A Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar and associated entity Smalltime Enterprises Pty Ltd T / A KC’s Bar & Grill are currently looking for a Venue & Hospitality Operations Manager.
About KC’s Bar & Grill and Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar
KC’s Bar & Grill is an Airlie Beach institution — famous for juicy, flame‑grilled steaks, fresh local seafood, ice‑cold drinks, and an atmosphere like no other. We serve up classic pub and grill favorites alongside legendary live music in a relaxed, fun, and welcoming setting.
Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar located just steps away, offers a more modern, coastal vibe with a focus on creative cocktails, premium wine and spirits, and vibrant social energy. Both venues combine hospitality, entertainment, and retail elements to deliver a unique guest experience that goes beyond traditional food and beverage service.
These venues are not standard restaurants — they are dynamic, multi‑service environments where food, drink, live entertainment, community engagement, and merchandise sales come together to create two of the most recognisable and vibrant social hubs in the Whitsundays. Managing them requires a versatile leader who can navigate a diverse range of responsibilities from event coordination and supplier management to FOH leadership, bar operations, retail oversight, and venue presentation.
The Venue & Hospitality Operations Manager (formerly Licensed Venue Manager) serves as the 2IC to the General Manager and is responsible for the day‑to‑day oversight of both locations, ensuring a seamless, high‑energy, and memorable guest experience.
Vacancy address
Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar - Whisper Bay, 11 Altmann Ave, Cannonvale QLD 4802
KC’s Bar & Grill - 382 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Occupation: Venue & Hospitality Operations Manager
Tenancy: Position is available full time 38 / h per week
Position Description
Salary: $76,600 plus superannuation
Qualifications & Experience
- AQF Diploma in Leadership Management (or overseas equivalent) + 1 year of experience
- Or at least three years of relevant experience to substitute the formal qualification.
Position Summary
The Venue & Hospitality Operations Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for assisting in the daily operation and supervision of all front of house, bar services, entertainment activities, merchandise sales, facility upkeep, and contract management. This includes managing staff, bar operations, venue presentation, licensing compliance, supplier and entertainer contracts, stock control, and customer experience across both KC's Bar & Grill and Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar.
As the second‑in‑charge to the General Manager, this position acts as the venue leader in the absence of the GM and plays a key role in maintaining operational consistency, customer satisfaction, and team performance. This is a senior award‑free position under the Fair Work Act 2009, with employment governed by an individual employment agreement.
Task and Duties include (but not limited to)
Key Responsibilities
Front of House & Bar Operations
- Oversee daily FOH and bar operations, ensuring smooth, efficient service and guest satisfaction.
- Lead and supervise the FOH team during service, providing explicit direction and hands‑on support.
- Manage venue opening, closing, and cash‑up procedures.
- Maintain a clean, welcoming, and brand‑aligned venue presentation.
- Hold a Responsible Management of Licensed Venues (RMLV) certificate and uphold the accountabilities of the certificate.
Bar Management & Beverage Oversight
- Manage all aspects of bar operations, including staffing, service standards, and cleanliness.
- Develop and maintain seasonal beverage menus, rotating specials, and promotions.
- Conduct regular inventory checks, manage orders, and control beverage costs.
- Train bar staff in product knowledge, cocktail preparation, and customer engagement.
- Ensure compliance with RSA, safety regulations, and licensing standards.
Events & Live Music Coordination
- Plan and execute live music and entertainment schedules across KC's Bar & Grill and Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar.
- Liaise with performers, DJs, and entertainment providers to coordinate bookings and stage logistics.
- Collaborate with the Events & Media Manager to promote events via digital and local channels.
- Oversee event setup, staffing, and guest experience.
- Ensure events comply with safety and noise regulations.
Merchandise Sales
- Manage sales and promotion of branded merchandise.
- Maintain inventory levels, pricing, and in‑store merchandising displays.
- Collaborate with marketing to promote merchandise through social media and events.
- Monitor sales performance and suggest new promotional initiatives.
Customer Service Management
- Lead the FOH team in delivering outstanding guest experiences.
- Develop and implement customer service standards and training procedures.
- Address and resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
- Monitor customer feedback channels and identify service improvement opportunities.
- Coach staff in professionalism, communication, and hospitality.
Facility Management
- Oversee maintenance, safety, cleanliness, and functionality of both venues.
- Conduct regular inspections and liaise with contractors for repairs or services.
- Maintain compliance with WHS, fire safety, and emergency procedures.
- Ensure venue presentation reflects brand standards and is event‑ready at all times.
Contract Administration (Suppliers & Events)
- Manage contracts with suppliers, live performers, equipment providers, and event contractors.
- Draft and administer agreements for entertainment and supplier services.
- Negotiate terms and ensure delivery aligns with quality and budget expectations.
- Maintain accurate records of all contracts and related correspondence.
- Coordinate invoice approvals and ensure timely payments in collaboration with accounts.
Collaboration with Restaurant Managers
- Align FOH, kitchen, and bar operations with Head Chef and Restaurant Managers.
- Coordinate service during peak hours, events, and joint promotional campaigns.
- Support integrated planning for functions and holiday periods.
Licensing & Compliance
- Ensure strict adherence to RSA legislation, venue licensing, and safety requirements.
- Act as the primary licensee on duty when the General Manager is unavailable.
- Manage incident reporting, patron behaviour, and licensing documentation.
- Conduct regular safety and compliance checks across both venues.
Staff Leadership & Training
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and training of FOH and bar staff.
- Supervise staff performance and provide feedback, coaching, and support.
- Manage rostering using Deputy, ensuring alignment with business needs.
- Uphold service standards and oversee customer interaction quality.
Stock Control & Ordering
- Oversee bar stock levels, stocktakes, and supplier ordering.
- Monitor inventory usage and wastage.
- Record deliveries, track stock movement, and manage cash handling.
Financial & Operational Reporting
- Support daily trade reporting, reconciliation, and financial summaries.
- Assist in monitoring budgets, wage costs, and operational profitability.
- Provide feedback to General Manager and owners on performance and improvements.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
- Leadership experience in a high‑volume hospitality venue.
- Strong operational skills across FOH, bar, and events.
- Excellent customer service and conflict resolution ability.
- High attention to detail in compliance, reporting, and standards.
- Strong communication, presentation, and time management skills.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Desirable
- Experience with hospitality systems (Bepoz, Deputy).
- Experience managing live music or entertainment events.
- Local industry knowledge and supplier relationships.
Working Environment
- Fast‑paced hospitality environment requiring physical stamina.
- Hands‑on leadership with both administrative and operational duties.
- Evening and weekend availability is essential.
- Team‑oriented culture with close collaboration between owners, chefs, and FOH.
- Dynamic venue setting where entertainment, dining, retail, and community intersect.
We will contact only qualified candidates.
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