Restaurant Manager

A.C.J. HOLDINGS PTY LTD T/A GRAPPA RISTORANTE AND BAR

Full time (38 Hours/week)

About the business

ACJ Holding Pty Ltd trading as Grappa Ristorante and Bar is a well-established award-winning Italian fine-dining restaurant in Leichhardt, Sydney, operating continuously since 2000 and known for authentic Italian cuisine, quality service, and a loyal customer base.

Due to growth within our business, we are seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager to start immediately.

About the Role:

This position is to oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, ensuring efficient service, customer satisfaction, financial control, and a positive team culture.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Oversee daily operations of an award-winning Italian fine-dining restaurant, ensuring all food and service standards reflect Grappa’s fine-dining reputation.
• Develop and maintain service procedures aligned with authentic Italian fine-dining, premium wine service and polished guest interaction.
• Recruit, train and manage front-of-house staff, ensuring they understand menu items such as handmade pastas, meat and refined seafood dishes.
• Monitor staff performance, provide feedback and manage rostering based on booking patterns and peak service hours.
• Oversee reservations, table allocations and pacing of service in coordination with the kitchen.
• Build strong customer relationships—welcome guests, resolve feedback promptly, and ensure an unhurried, premium dining experience.
• Manage purchasing of Italian wines, specialty ingredients and service supplies; maintain inventory and cost control within budget.
• Prepare sales reports, stock summaries, wastage logs and performance data to support operational decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all liquor licensing, food-safety and workplace-safety requirements.
• Manage opening and closing procedures, cash reconciliation and oversight of POS systems.
• Liaise with suppliers of Italian wines, deli products and seafood to negotiate pricing and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate special events, wine evenings and promotional activities to attract and retain clientele.
• Communicate closely with owners and chefs on menu changes, seasonal offerings and overall service flow.
• Maintain the aesthetic and cleanliness of the dining room, ensuring décor, lighting and table presentation reflect Grappa’s premium brand.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications required:

• Diploma in hospitality management with at least 1 year of experience OR at least 3 years of experience in professional kitchens, progressively taking on more responsibility.
• Minimum one year of supervisory or management experience in a full-service restaurant.
• In-depth knowledge of restaurant operations, including staffing, budgeting, and compliance.
• Excellent leadership and customer-service skills.
• Sound organisational and problem-solving abilities.