An Operations Manager is responsible for turning the venue’s concept, standards, and service goals into consistent daily execution. In a restaurant, club, or lounge, this role sits at the centre of service delivery, coordinating people, processes, and performance to ensure every shift runs smoothly, profitably, and to brand standard.
Position Overview
The Operations Manager typically sits within the Management & Leadership function and acts as a key link between senior leadership and the front-line team. Depending on the structure of the business, the role may report to the General Manager, Venue Director, or Owner/Operator. They often work closely with department heads such as Bar Managers, Floor Managers, Kitchen leaders, and Guest Experience teams to align operations across the venue.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day venue operations to ensure seamless service, strong teamwork, and a high-quality guest experience.
- Implement and monitor SOPs, service standards, opening/closing procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Manage staffing levels, shift planning, and labour efficiency to support both service quality and cost control.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management to build a reliable, accountable team.
- Monitor guest satisfaction, resolve operational issues quickly, and maintain a polished, professional atmosphere.
- Track key performance indicators such as sales, labour, waste, productivity, and service consistency.
- Work with finance, purchasing, and other leaders to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
- Ensure health, safety, licensing, and regulatory standards are consistently met.
The Ideal Person
- Calm, organised, and confident under pressure, especially in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
- Strong in leadership, communication, and cross-team coordination.
- Highly detail-oriented, with a practical mindset and a focus on standards and accountability.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance guest experience, team performance, and business results.
- Adaptable, hands-on, and proactive, with the judgement to solve problems quickly and the presence to lead by example.
An effective Operations Manager combines structure, energy, and service focus to keep the venue running at its best every day.