ARU is one of Melbourne's most acclaimed restaurants, renowned for its refined service and exceptional dining experience. Celebrated as The Age Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year ****, ARU currently holds Two Hats and Three Glasses, reflecting our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, innovation and outstanding guest experiences.
At the heart of our success is a passion for developing exceptional people and creating a workplace where talent can thrive. ARU is part of The Windsor Group, a Melbourne-based hospitality collective that also includes The Windsor and Saadi, with exciting new hospitality concepts currently in development.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced, passionate and proactive hospitality professional to take the next step in their career as
General Manager
of
ARU
, our award-winning modern Australian restaurantinspired by the diverse flavours of South-East Asia.
This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Venue Manager ready to step up into a General Manager role, or an operational General Manager who thrives in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
Working closely with the Head Chef, Beverage Team and key stakeholders across The Group, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the venue while contributing to broader business initiatives that support the continued growth of our hospitality portfolio.
Combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational management, this role is ideal for someone who enjoys developing high-performing teams, driving commercial success and maintaining exceptional service standards. You will take ownership of one of Melbourne's most respected dining destinations, shaping its continued success while fostering a positive workplace culture and leading from the front.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing management team across all departments
Foster a positive, accountable and inclusive workplace culture built on collaboration and excellence.




Take full ownership of the venue's financial performance, including revenue, profitability, labour, COGS and operating expenses.
Prepare budgets, forecasts and business plans while leading monthly P&L; reviews and implementing performance improvement strategies.
Drive operational excellence by ensuring exceptional service standards, venue presentation and compliance across all areas of the business.
Build and develop future leaders through coaching, mentoring and structured performance management.
Work collaboratively with the Head Chef and Beverage Team to maintain ARU's culinary identity while supporting commercial decision making.
Champion outstanding guest experiences, building strong relationships with VIPs, regular guests and corporate clients.
Drive revenue growth through strategic sales initiatives, premium guest experiences, marketing campaigns and business development opportunities.
Analyse operational performance and identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiencies and profitability.
Ensure compliance with Workplace Health & Safety, Food Safety, Responsible Service of Alcohol and company policies.
Lead the venue with professionalism, integrity and a genuine passion for hospitality.
What You Will Bring
Genuine passion for creating and delivering exceptional guest experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Demonstrated experience as a General Manager or senior hospitality leader within premium restaurant or hospitality environments.
Proven leadership and team management capability, with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, motivate,



and retain high-performing teams.
Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, labour cost management, profitability, and financial reporting.
Exceptional leadership, communication and people management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of an organisation.
Strategic thinker with a hands-on leadership style and the ability to drive operational excellence.
Exceptional attention to detail, highly organsised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced setting.
Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with culinary, beverage, and operational teams to deliver outstanding outcomes.
Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for innovation and enhancing operational performance.
Flexible and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Why Join Us?
Lead one of Melbourne's most respected and award-winning restaurants.
Work alongside some of the industry's most talented hospitality professionals.
Be part of an ambitious and growing hospitality group with exciting future projects.
Competitive salary package.
Generous staff dining discounts across the group.
Central CBD location close to public transport.
If you're an inspiring hospitality leader with a passion for developing people, driving business performance and creating exceptional guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and become part of the next chapter of ARU's continued success.
Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Full Australian working rights are required.
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📌 General Manager, Aru (Melbourne)
🏢 ARU
📍 Melbourne