Client Profile

Our client operates a welcoming and well-established country hotel in the heart of the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Known for its genuine hospitality, relaxed atmosphere and solid connection to the local community, the venue offers a warm, family-friendly environment where locals and visitors come together. With quality pub dining, inviting bar spaces and a range of hospitality offerings, the business has a solid foundation and an opportunity for a passionate leader to make a lasting impact.

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on General Manager to take ownership of this much-loved regional hotel. This is an opportunity for a hospitality professional who understands the importance of community connection, team culture and consistent operational standards. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the business, balancing commercial performance with the welcoming, personable hospitality that makes a great country pub.

Key responsibilities include:

- Lead and develop a motivated team, fostering a positive culture built around service, accountability and teamwork.
- Manage day-to-day operations across food and beverage, gaming, entertainment and retail, ensuring a consistently high standard of guest experience.
- Drive financial performance through effective cost management, labour planning, revenue development and operational efficiencies.
- Build solid relationships with local patrons, suppliers and community stakeholders to maintain the venue's reputation as a genuine local favourite.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant licensing, workplace health and safety, responsible service and regulatory requirements.

Candidate Profile





The ideal candidate will be an experienced hotel or pub operator who thrives in a community-focused environment. They will bring a practical, approachable leadership style and the ability to balance sound commercial decisions with genuine hospitality. This role will suit someone who enjoys being visible in the venue, knows how to build meaningful relationships with regular patrons and takes pride in creating a place where both guests and employees feel welcome.

To be successful, you will demonstrate:

- Proven management experience within a multi-faceted pub, hotel or similar hospitality environment.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets, labour, costs and overall venue profitability.
- A hands-on leadership approach, with the ability to recruit, develop and retain a high-performing team.
- Sound knowledge of hospitality operations, licensing obligations and gaming compliance.
- A genuine appreciation for regional hospitality, community engagement and the lifestyle that comes with living and working in the Northern Rivers.

Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to take the reins of a well-regarded community hotel and play a key role in its ongoing success. The position offers the chance to enjoy a rewarding leadership role in a relaxed regional setting, with the autonomy to make a meaningful contribution to both the business and the local community. To learn more about this role, submit your CV or contact Phil Cooke via [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

By applying to this role, you are agreeing to the terms set out in Hastings People's privacy policy available at the Hastings People website.

📌 General Manager, Renovated Community Pub, Northern Rivers, NSW (Ballina)
🏢 Hastings People
📍 Ballina