Lead a Landmark Venue in One of Melbourne’s Most Iconic Settings

Darling Group is seeking a proven, hands-on Venue Manager to lead operations at The Terrace, a revitalised Melbourne icon set within the breathtaking surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

This is more than a management role. It’s an opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile, multi-faceted venue that blends café culture, lakeside hospitality and premium events within one of Australia’s most celebrated public precincts.

About The Terrace

A conservatory overlooking an ornamental lake.
Equal parts romance, Australiana, cool botanica and modern grandeur.

The Terrace operates across:

- An all-day café

- Lakeside food & beverage service

- Takeaway kiosk

- Pop-up experiences

- Premium private events and weddings

It is a destination venue where casual dining meets world-class event execution.

About the Role

As Venue Manager, you will have full operational ownership of the venue, leading from the front and setting the standard for service, culture and commercial performance.

You will be responsible for:

- End-to-end venue operations

- Leading, mentoring and developing a large FOH team

- Driving revenue, COGS and labour performance

- Ensuring exceptional guest experiences across daily trade and events

- Managing compliance, licensing and operational standards

- Working collaboratively with central leadership and support teams

- Oversight over event execution alongside café operations

This role requires strong commercial acumen balanced with genuine hospitality leadership.

What We’re Looking For





- Previous experience in a senior café or restaurant management role

- Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams

- Proven track record achieving revenue and labour targets

- Strong financial literacy and operational discipline

- Exceptional service standards and attention to detail

- Ability to manage high-volume service and large events

- Confident communicator with strong presence on the floor

- Experience in functions and events highly regarded

- Availability to work a rotating roster including weekends, evenings and public holidays

You are calm under pressure, commercially sharp, and genuinely passionate about hospitality.

What We Offer

- Competitive remuneration package

- Structured leadership development pathways

- Company-wide career progression opportunities

- A respectful, high-performance culture

- The chance to lead one of Melbourne’s most unique venues

About Darling Group

Darling Group is a Melbourne-based hospitality company that develops, owns and operates some of Australia’s most recognised venues including:

- Higher Ground

- Top Paddock

- The Kettle Black

- Darling Cafe

- Bambu Asian Eating House

- Stringers Sorrento

- Token Restaurant & Bar

- Dundas & Faussett

- Cheri

- The Observatory

Our philosophy is centred on service, design, innovation and experience, creating world-class hospitality brands that shape Melbourne’s dining landscape.

Apply Now

If you are a driven hospitality leader ready to take ownership of a landmark venue and elevate it to the next level, we want to hear from you.

Join us at The Terrace and be part of something truly exceptional.

📌 Venue Manager | The Terrace | Darling Group (South Yarra)
🏢 Darling Group
📍 South Yarra