Experienced Venue Manager wanted for a busy high volume cafe restaurant in Camberwell Lead daily operations manage staff and deliver exceptional service while working closely with the owners

ASSISTANT VENUE MANAGER – FULL TIME

DISH & SPOON CAMBERWELL

Established High Volume Venue

Leadership and Operational Responsibility

ABOUT US

Established in 2016, Dish & Spoon is a busy, family owned café and restaurant in Camberwell, known for specialty coffee, seasonal food and genuine hospitality.

With approximately 120 seats across multiple indoor and outdoor dining areas, we operate 7 days a week, delivering high volume breakfast, brunch and lunch services alongside occasional private functions.

We are looking for an experienced, confident and hands on Assistant Venue Manager to oversee daily operations, lead our team and maintain the high standards we have built our reputation on.

THE ROLE

This is a hands on leadership position, working closely with the owners to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the venue.

You will be responsible for managing key aspects of daily operations, including leading busy services, staff management, recruitment, rostering, training, compliance, maintenance and operational efficiency.

We are looking for someone who can confidently manage the venue independently when required, while maintaining strong communication with the owners.

The successful candidate will take initiative, lead by example and make sound operational decisions while maintaining a positive and professional environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

Oversee daily front of house operations across all dining areas.

Confidently lead busy breakfast, brunch and lunch services, particularly during peak weekend periods.

Remain calm under pressure, providing clear delegation, encouragement and direction.

Lead by example and confidently step into any front of house position when required.

Maintain effective communication between kitchen, coffee, bar and floor teams.

Deliver consistently high standards of customer service and resolve issues professionally.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT





Prepare and manage weekly rosters in line with business requirements and labour budgets.

Oversee recruitment, interviews, onboarding and induction of new staff.

Conduct ongoing staff training, coaching and performance management.

Ensure staff maintain required certifications, including RSA, food safety and allergen awareness.

Develop supervisors and senior team members.

Set clear expectations around punctuality, presentation, productivity and accountability.

Foster a positive, respectful and supportive workplace culture.

VENUE OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

Maintain high standards of venue cleanliness, appearance and presentation.

Identify maintenance issues, coordinate repairs and ensure timely follow up.

Ensure compliance with food safety, liquor licensing and workplace health and safety requirements.

Oversee opening and closing procedures, cash handling and daily reconciliations.

Manage reservations, customer flow and table turnover.

Monitor stock wastage, labour costs and operational efficiency.

Identify opportunities to improve systems, service standards and business performance.

PRIVATE FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS

Assist with planning and coordinating private functions.

Manage staffing, venue setup and service requirements.

Ensure functions are delivered professionally and efficiently.

Be available for occasional evening events outside regular trading hours.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for an experienced hospitality professional who understands what it takes to run a busy, high volume café or restaurant.

You will bring proven management experience in a high volume hospitality environment.

The confidence and ability to independently manage a large, busy venue when required.

Strong experience in rostering, recruitment,



staff training and performance management.

Excellent organisational, communication and problem solving skills.

A thorough understanding of hospitality compliance and operational standards.

A calm, composed and decisive approach during demanding services.

Strong delegation skills and an encouraging, supportive leadership style.

A hands on attitude with excellent attention to detail.

A genuine sense of ownership, accountability and pride in your work.

Availability to work weekends, including Saturday and Sunday services, as rostered.

OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

At Dish & Spoon, we believe a great manager sets the tone for the entire team.

We value leaders who are approachable, fair and supportive, while also being confident in setting expectations and maintaining accountability.

We want someone who brings calm to a busy service, not chaos.

Someone who can delegate clearly, encourage their team, make confident decisions and maintain high standards without intimidation or unnecessary pressure.

The right person will take genuine pride in the venue, its people and its reputation, while working collaboratively with the owners to maintain and improve operations.

WHAT WE OFFER

Full time, ongoing employment.

Predominantly daytime trading, with occasional evening private functions.

An established, high volume venue with a loyal customer base.

Meaningful responsibility across daily operations.

The opportunity to work closely with experienced, hands on owners.

An established team with opportunities for staff development and leadership.

The opportunity to improve systems, service standards and operational efficiency.

Competitive remuneration, negotiable based on experience and capabilities.

APPLY NOW

If you are an experienced hospitality manager who thrives in a busy workplace, leads by example and takes genuine ownership of their work, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction outlining your management experience and why you would be a great fit for Dish & Spoon.

📌 ASSISTANT VENUE MANAGER FULL TIME - DISH & SPOON CAMBERWELL (Melbourne)
🏢 Dish & Spoon
📍 Melbourne