Restaurant Manager

Public Italian Kitchen | Finz Seafood & Grill | Bella Cucina

Restaurant Manager | Queenstown | Full-time | Permanent

Passionate about hospitality? So are we.

Wai Hospitality Group operates three of Queenstown's most established restaurants - Public Italian Kitchen, Finz Seafood & Grill, and Bella Cucina. Each venue has its own style and identity, but we all share the same philosophy - exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a positive team culture.

We're looking for an experienced Restaurant Manager who takes pride in delivering exceptional hospitality, enjoys leading and developing a high-performing team, and wants to be part of a professional restaurant where service, leadership, and operational excellence matter.

If you are ambitious and looking for a long-term opportunity in one of New Zealand's leading hospitality destinations, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Lead and oversee daily FOH operations, ensuring excellent service and guest satisfaction.
• Provide clear leadership to Assistant Managers and Supervisors.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, training and performance of FOH staff.
• Maintain compliance with key legislation including liquor licensing, H&S, food safety, and employment law.
• Handle escalated guest concerns and ensure issues are resolved promptly.
• Coordinate bookings, events and set menu functions.
• Oversee ordering, monthly stocktake's and cash handling procedures.
• Monitor KPI's such as spend per head, cost control and online reviews - and implement strategies for improvement.

What we're looking for

• Minimum 3 years' experience in hospitality with at least 1.5 year in a leadership role.
• Current Manager's Certificate.
• Experience using hospitality POS and rostering systems (e.g. Loaded, BambooHR etc).
  
• Experience implementing health and safety, food safety and host responsibility systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse financial reports and implement initiatives to improve profitability.
  
• A genuine passion for food and hospitality.
• Passionate about customer service and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

What we offer

• Competitive pay of $35-$38.00 per hour, depending on experience.
• Performance Incentive Programe
• Rostered shifts across Monday to Sunday.
• Staff meal and drink.
• 40% staff discount across all Wai Hospitality Group venues.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive, stable and experienced management team.
• Accommodation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Right to work

We welcome applications from New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and holders of valid New Zealand work visas. Wai Hospitality Group is an Accredited Employer, and for exceptional overseas candidates who meet our requirements, Accredited Employer Work Visa support may be available.

If you're looking for more than just another kitchen job and want to build your career with a respected hospitality group, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us:

www.publickitchen.co.nz | www.finzseafoodandgrill.co.nz | www.bellacucina.co.nz