Operations & Business Development Manager

Lead the operation. Grow the business. Create experiences worth talking about.

About Earp Distilling Co.

Earp Distilling Co. is a family-owned business with Newcastle roots dating back to 1883.

We are passionate about crafting premium spirits and creating memorable experiences.

From our on-site distillery, bar and restaurant to our functions and events space, we offer much more than just great spirits. We host weddings, corporate functions, social gatherings, distillery experiences and events throughout the region.

We are an ambitious and growing business, and we're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to help take us to the next level.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded hospitality leader who can balance the demands of running a busy hospitality operation. Weekend work is required.

Reporting directly to the Director, you will take responsibility for the overall management and performance of our hospitality operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, strong team engagement and sound financial results.

You will lead and support departmental managers across our bar, restaurant, functions, events and distillery experiences, ensuring the business operates efficiently, professionally and profitably.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring someone who can think strategically, lead and mentor team members, while holding a high level of service, and be able to roll up their sleeves to get things done.

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality Operations & Leadership

Oversee the day-to-day operations of all hospitality areas, ensuring consistent service standards and operational efficiency.

Lead, develop and support departmental managers and their teams.

Drive recruitment, training, staff development, performance management and team engagement.

Establish clear operational procedures, accountability and performance expectations.

Manage operational budgets, labour costs, expenses and revenue against agreed targets.





Monitor sales performance and profit margins, identifying opportunities to improve profitability.

Review financial and operational reporting and implement strategies to improve business performance.

Work with marketing resources to maximise sales, brand exposure.

Guest Experience, Functions & Events

Ensure exceptional customer experiences across the bar, restaurant, functions, events and distillery experiences.

Oversee the successful planning and delivery of functions, weddings, corporate events and special experiences.

Monitor customer feedback and online reviews, continually looking for ways to improve the guest experience.

Build Earp Distilling Co.'s reputation as a leading hospitality and tourism destination in Newcastle.

Business Development & Growth

Build solid relationships across hospitality, tourism, government and industry networks.

Explore opportunities for collaborations, events, tourism initiatives and new experiences.

Work with the production team to develop commercially viable products and experiences that strengthen the Earp brand.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Ensure compliance with liquor licensing, RSA, workplace health and safety and all relevant regulatory requirements.

Oversee liquor licence obligations and maintain appropriate compliance systems and documentation.

Identify operational improvements and implement practical solutions to increase efficiency and profitability.

Work closely with the Director to contribute to the strategic direction and future growth of the business.

About You

We are looking for someone who is an experienced hospitality leader with strong commercial instincts,



excellent people skills and the drive to make things happen.

You will ideally have:

At least 10 years' experience in a senior hospitality management role.

Proven experience managing multi-department hospitality operations.

Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.

Strong financial and commercial management skills, including budgeting, labour control and profit management.

Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.

Experience identifying and developing new business opportunities, partnerships or revenue streams.

Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

A proactive mindset, strong work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile.

Qualifications & Requirements

A formal management qualification, diploma or degree is preferred.

Current Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification.

Current Liquor Approved Manager Licence.

A sound understanding of liquor licensing obligations and hospitality compliance requirements.

What We Offer

An opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within an established, family-owned Newcastle business. We are wanting to pull professionals through the business to other opportunities.

The ability to genuinely influence the direction, development and future growth of the business.

A varied role combining hospitality, events, tourism and distilling.

The opportunity to work closely with the Director and make a real commercial impact.

A dynamic and growing business where new ideas and initiative are encouraged.

Is This You?

We're looking for someone who doesn't just want to manage a venue — we want someone who wants to grow a business.

If you're commercially driven, passionate about hospitality, confident leading people and excited by the opportunity to build something bigger, we'd love to hear from you.

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📌 Operations & Business Development Manager (Carrington)
🏢 Earp Distilling
📍 Carrington