Front of House

About the role

Exceptional hospitality begins with exceptional people.

Birdwoods isn't just another café.

For more than 20 years, Birdwoods has become one of Hawke's Bay's favourite destinations, combining beautiful gardens, art, great food and genuine hospitality into an experience our guests remember long after they've left.

We're looking for two experienced Senior Front of House team members who love people, thrive in a busy environment, and understand that outstanding service is about creating memorable experiences, not simply taking orders.

If you take pride in your work, enjoy leading by example and naturally make people feel welcome, we'd love to hear from you.

• Working alongside our management team, you'll play a key role in delivering the warm, professional service Birdwoods is known for. You'll lead service on busy café days with confidence and calm, welcome and engage with guests from New Zealand and around the world, support, coach and encourage junior team members, ensure exceptional customer service from arrival to farewell, maintain high standards of presentation and attention to detail, and help create the relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes Birdwoods special.

Key responsibilities

• Lead service on busy café days with confidence and calm
• Welcome and engage with guests from New Zealand and around the world
• Support, coach and encourage our junior team members
• Ensure exceptional customer service from arrival to farewell
• Maintain high standards of presentation and attention to detail
• Help create the relaxed, friendly atmosphere that makes Birdwoods special

About you

• Has previous experience in a busy café or restaurant
• Is a natural people person with excellent communication skills
• Leads with kindness, positivity and professionalism
• Can remain calm under pressure and enjoys a fast-paced service
• Has strong organisational skills and a great eye for detail
• Takes pride in delivering consistently high standards
• Is reliable, well presented and enjoys being part of a supportive team
• Has barista experience (preferred but not essential)

About us

For more than 20 years, Birdwoods has become one of Hawke's Bay's favourite destinations, combining beautiful gardens, art, great food and genuine hospitality into an experience our guests remember long after they've left. We're a respected, award-winning workplace with an outstanding reputation and a supportive family-owned business that genuinely values its team.

Benefits

• Daytime hours only – no late-night hospitality
• A supportive family-owned business that genuinely values its team
• Beautiful surroundings where no two days are the same
• Opportunities to develop your leadership skills
• Staff discounts and a positive team culture built on respect, humour and teamwork