Restaurant Manager

Ouzo is a brand-new Greek-inspired restaurant opening in Takapuna this October, brought to you by the team behind Mama in Newmarket.

We’re looking for passionate Restaurant Manager to join us and help bring Ouzo to life. Expect great food, Mediterranean wines, cocktails, beachside summer energy and a team that loves what they do.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced and energetic Restaurant Manager to take the lead on the day-to-day running of Ouzo. This is an exciting opportunity to join us in the final stages of setting up the restaurant and be part of bringing Ouzo to life from the ground up.

You’ll be involved in the final weeks leading up to opening, helping prepare the restaurant, build the team, establish systems and set the standards and culture from day one. You’ll play a key role in recruiting and training the FOH team before opening, then lead them through our launch and into what we hope will be a very busy summer.

Once we’re open, this is a hands-on role where you’ll be on the floor, setting the standard for service, supporting your team and making sure every shift runs smoothly. You’ll work closely with the owners and wider management team to help establish Ouzo’s culture, systems and standards as the business grows.

What you’ll be doing:

• Being part of the final weeks of restaurant set-up and preparation before opening

• Helping recruit, interview and build the FOH team

• Leading the onboarding and training of the team ahead of opening

• Helping establish Ouzo’s service standards, systems and culture from day one

• Leading the FOH team and creating a positive, fun and high-performing culture

• Running smooth and efficient services while maintaining a strong focus on guest experience

• Managing rosters, labour costs and day-to-day staffing requirements

• Maintaining high standards of service, presentation and hospitality

• Managing reservations, guest feedback

• Working closely with the kitchen team to ensure great communication between FOH and BOH

• Managing stock, ordering and day-to-day operational requirements

• Being a positive and visible leader who sets the tone for the whole team

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience in a Restaurant Manager or senior FOH role

• A genuine passion for hospitality and looking after people

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Excellent attention to detail and a strong work ethic

• A natural ability to build relationships with both guests and staff

• Someone who enjoys training and developing people

• Good understanding of restaurant operations, including rostering, labour and stock control

• A current LCQ and Manager’s Certificate, or willingness to obtain them

• Most importantly, someone who brings great energy and wants to be part of building something from the ground up

What’s in it for you?

• The opportunity to be part of launching a brand-new restaurant

• A key leadership role with plenty of opportunity to make your mark

• A great team and supportive management

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Opportunities for development and progression as the business grows

• Staff benefits across Alo Hospitality venues

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.