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 solid 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 opportunity 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.
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📌 Venue Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Darling Group
📍 Melbourne
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