Job Summary:
As Restaurant Manager you will be the heart of the guest experience at Moonah Estate.
You will lead the front of house team across our restaurant, cellar door, and bakery, setting the tone for every interaction from the first hello to the last goodbye.
Job Description
● Position Title: Restaurant Manager
● Location: Moonah Estate, San Remo, Victoria
● Reporting To: Ops Manager
● Employment Type: Full time, Permanent
● Salary: $100,000 base + performance bonus
● Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
Position Summary:
The Restaurant Manager is responsible for the overall guest experience, front of house operations, and team leadership across Moonah Estate's restaurant, cellar door, and bakery.
As a founding appointment, this role carries significant responsibility for establishing the culture, standards, and reputation of the venue from the ground up.
The Restaurant Manager works in close partnership with the Head Chef.
The role requires a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable on the floor with guests as they are managing a team, reading a P&L;, and building systems for a growing operation.
Responsibilities:
Guest Experience
● Set and maintain the standard of warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service across all guest touchpoints
● Be present on the floor during service, leading by example and ensuring every guest feels genuinely welcomed
● Handle guest feedback, complaints, and special requests with professionalism and care
● Build relationships with returning guests and local community members
● Oversee the cellar door tasting experience, supporting guests in exploring and purchasing estate wines
Team Leadership:
● Recruit, induct, train, and develop a high-performing front of house team
● Foster a team culture that is warm, professional, and proud of what they deliver
● Conduct regular one-on-ones,



team briefings, and performance reviews
● Manage rostering and labour costs in line with business targets
● Address performance issues promptly and constructively, in line with company policy
Operations:
● Manage daily opening and closing procedures across the restaurant and cellar door
● Oversee reservation management, floor planning, and event coordination
● Maintain venue presentation to the highest standard at all times
● Manage stock, glassware, linen, and consumables ordering
● Ensure compliance with food safety, RSA, and all relevant licensing requirements
● Produce daily operational reports and communicate key information to the management team
Commercial:
● Monitor and manage labour costs against budget
● Drive revenue through upselling, wine sales, events, and private dining bookings
● Identify opportunities to improve covers, average spend, and guest retention
● Contribute to menu planning conversations, seasonal changes, and special event programming
Wine & Product Knowledge:
● Develop a confident working knowledge of Moonah Estate wines and the broader Victorian wine landscape
● Train the team on wine service, food and wine pairing, and estate produce storytelling
● Support cellar door sales with enthusiasm and genuine knowledge
● Engage with the bakery and roastery product offering as part of the holistic guest experience
Key Performance Indicators:
● Guest satisfaction scores and repeat visitation rates




● Labour cost as a percentage of revenue — target to be set at commencement
● Team retention and staff satisfaction
● Cellar door wine sales conversion
● Venue cleanliness, presentation, and compliance audit results
● Revenue against covers and average spend targets
● Timely and accurate completion of operational reporting
Selection Criteria:
Essential:
● Minimum 3 years' experience in a Restaurant Manager or equivalent senior front of house leadership role
● Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a hospitality team
● Genuine passion for food and the ability to communicate that passion to guests and team members
● Strong interpersonal skills — warm, confident, and naturally hospitable
● Sound knowledge of restaurant operations including rostering, stock, and compliance
● RSA certification or willingness to obtain prior to commencement
● Willingness to relocate to the San Remo / Phillip Island region
Desirable:
● Experience in a winery, cellar door, or regional destination dining environment
● Working knowledge of wine — formal qualification not required
● Experience with reservation systems.
Eg Open table, Reservation diary
● Experience with POS Systems.
Eg Square
● Understanding of the Bass Coast / Gippsland region
Growth & Development:
Moonah Estate is a venue in its opening phase, with plans to expand its offering, guest capacity, and product range in the coming year.
The Restaurant Manager will be central to that growth.
Beyond Moonah Estate, Create Catering operates across four states with multiple venues and contracts.
For the right person, this role is the beginning of a long-term career pathway within a group that promotes from within and recognises talent early.
All qualified applicant encouraged to apply.

📌 Restaurant & Cellar Door Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Create Catering
📍 Melbourne