Manager

Reporting directly to the owners, the Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tuki property across its restaurant, accommodation, and guest experience functions. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires someone equally comfortable managing a premium dining service, coordinating cottage accommodation, leading a small team, and contributing to the overall guest experience strategy of the property.

The successful candidate will bring genuine hospitality experience, strong operational and people management skills, and a personal alignment with Tuki's values of quality, authenticity, and exceptional country hospitality.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $75,000 – $95,000 per annum + Superannuation, commensurate with experience
• Full-time, permanent employment at one of Victoria's most celebrated regional hospitality destinations
• A unique and genuinely rewarding role combining restaurant, accommodation, and guest experience management in a stunning natural setting
• The opportunity to work closely with passionate owners and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing growth and development of a distinctive regional property
• A warm, supportive team environment with a genuine commitment to quality and authentic country hospitality

Task & responsibilities

Restaurant & Food and Beverage Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Tuki's restaurant, ensuring consistently high standards of food presentation, service delivery, and guest satisfaction across all dining services
• Manage front-of-house service operations including floor management, table service coordination, and supervision of dining room staff during service periods
• Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure seamless coordination between front-of-house and back-of-house operations
• Manage the restaurant's beverage program including wine, craft beverages, and cellar management, ensuring appropriate stock levels and correct service standards
• Oversee and manage reservations, group bookings, and special dining events including Tuki's signature Pond to Table experiences
• Monitor and maintain food safety, hygiene, and responsible service of alcohol (RSA) compliance across all food and beverage operations

Accommodation & Guest Experience

• Manage the booking, coordination, and presentation of Tuki's self-contained cottage accommodation, ensuring properties are immaculately presented and guest-ready at all times
• Oversee the end-to-end guest journey from pre-arrival communication through to check-out, ensuring every touchpoint reflects Tuki's premium country hospitality standards
• Coordinate and manage nature-based guest experiences including trout fishing, farm walks, and other property activities
• Handle guest enquiries, feedback, and complaints promptly and professionally, working to resolve issues and exceed guest expectations
• Manage accommodation reservations across booking platforms and direct channels, ensuring accurate availability, pricing, and communication

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead, roster, train, and develop a team of hospitality staff across restaurant and accommodation functions, fostering a positive, professional, and guest-focused team culture
• Conduct regular staff briefings, performance check-ins, and training sessions to maintain and improve service standards
• Manage staff scheduling, rostering, and HR administration in accordance with the applicable modern award and Fair Work Act obligations
• Support the recruitment and onboarding of new team members as required

Business Operations & Financial Management

• Monitor and manage operational costs, supplier relationships, and purchasing to ensure the property operates efficiently and within budget
• Manage stock control and ordering across restaurant, cellar, and accommodation supplies
• Prepare and present regular operational reports to the owners covering revenue, occupancy, guest feedback, and staffing
• Contribute to the development and implementation of business improvement initiatives, seasonal offerings, and promotional activities
• Ensure all business operations comply with relevant Victorian licensing, food safety, accommodation, and workplace health and safety regulations

Other Duties

• Act as the primary point of contact for the property in the absence of the owners
• Perform other reasonable duties as directed by the owners from time to time

Qualification & experience

• Diploma of Hospitality Management and/or any other AQF Level 5 or above qualification in hospitality, tourism, accommodation, or business management
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in a management or senior supervisory role within a restaurant, boutique hotel, farm stay, eco-lodge, or premium regional hospitality property
• Demonstrated experience managing both food and beverage operations and accommodation functions simultaneously
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with proven ability to build, develop, and motivate a hospitality team
• Genuine passion for regional food and wine, farm-to-table dining, and authentic country hospitality experiences
• Excellent guest relations skills with a natural warmth, professionalism, and commitment to delivering outstanding visitor experiences
• Sound financial acumen including experience with budgeting, cost control, stock management, and operational reporting
• Proficiency with booking and property management systems, point-of-sale software, and general business administration tools
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across a diverse property operation
• Current Victorian driver's licence — essential given the property's regional location