Venue Manager

About the role

As Venue Manager, you will play a central role in the day-to-day success of Paloma Restaurant. You will be responsible for leading the front-of-house operation, developing and supporting the team, maintaining exceptional service standards, and ensuring the venue operates efficiently and profitably. You will lead from the front, set clear expectations, coach and develop your team, and create an environment where staff feel supported, accountable, and proud of the work they do.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Guest Experience: Ensure every guest receives warm, professional, and memorable hospitality. Maintain consistently high service standards throughout every stage of the dining experience. Handle guest feedback and concerns confidently, professionally, and with a solutions-focused approach. Build genuine relationships with regular guests and contribute to growing customer loyalty.

• Lead & Develop the Team: Inspire, motivate, and lead the front-of-house team by example. Oversee onboarding, training, coaching, and ongoing development of team members. Identify opportunities for staff to develop their skills and progress into greater responsibilities. Create clear expectations around performance, presentation, service, and professionalism. Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performing team culture.

• Drive Operational Excellence: Take ownership of the day-to-day operation of the venue. Ensure smooth coordination between front-of-house, kitchen, bar, and management. Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, service, and compliance. Manage service effectively during busy periods while remaining calm and solutions-focused. Assist with rostering, staff allocation, shift planning, and daily operational requirements. Ensure venue procedures and standards are consistently followed.

• Commercial & Business Performance: Work closely with the leadership team to achieve revenue, labour, cost, and profitability targets. Monitor service performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability. Support effective stock control, wastage management, and cost awareness. Contribute ideas and initiatives that improve the guest experience and overall performance of the venue.

• Communication & Leadership: Maintain strong communication between management, kitchen, bar, and front-of-house teams. Lead pre-service briefings and ensure the team is prepared for each service. Provide clear and constructive feedback. Take ownership of challenges and proactively find solutions. Be a reliable and positive point of leadership for the team.

• Oversee daily operations across all areas of the venue, including dining room, bar and event spaces.

• Hire, train, lead, and manage both FOH and BOH team members in collaboration with the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager.

• Manage schedules/rostering, labour costs, and staff productivity to meet business targets.

• Monitor quality of food, drink, cleanliness, and service standards across the venue.

• Coordinate private events and group bookings, working closely with guests and staff to ensure smooth execution.

About you

• 3-4 years' experience in a restaurant or hospitality senior management role.

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

• The ability to remain calm, organised, and solutions-focused under pressure.

• Strong operational awareness and attention to detail.

• A proactive approach and willingness to take ownership.

• A positive attitude and a genuine desire to develop yourself and those around you.

• The ability to build trust, accountability, and respect within a team.

• An RSA certificate or the ability to legally obtain and maintain one.

About us

Paloma is a restaurant where we believe in more than just serving great food; we believe in creating a great experience for our customers and for our staff. We foster a culture where great leadership is recognised, ideas are encouraged, and everyone is treated with respect. We are an established venue with a growing profile, easily accessible on two major tram lines, with plenty of convenient car parking options nearby.