Restaurant Manager - Start Immediately

Black Barn Bistro sits on the sunny North facing slopes of the Te Mata hills just outside Havelock North in Hawke’s Bay. We’ve at last re-opened our doors after a devastating fire in February 2022. But we haven’t just replaced what was there – we’ve changed everything. As a result we’re determined to be like no other dining experience in Hawke’s Bay. And that includes how we treat our guests. A brand new kitchen with a state of the art new wood-fired grill sets the tone for the menu – which is all hand-made on the premises and sourced locally wherever possible. The contemporary new interiors are cool, fresh and welcoming. And our people are the same. We don't mind if guests want to drop in for a seat at the bar for a late afternoon catchup with bites and bubbles or linger all day or evening over one of the most exciting menus in the country. Our front of house team needs to match those expectations. Totally professional but with a fresh, friendly relaxed tone to the way our guests are looked after. We’d love to hear from you about a position with us.  We believe you’ll quickly get a sense of whether we’re right for you or not – and we’ll probably do the same.  What we can promise if you’re successful is a magic bunch of people to work with in an equally magic location. What’s not to love?
 

Who is Black Barn?

Black Barn Vineyards is a small New Zealand family owned winery Estate. It was established in 2003 and from the outset always had a focus on attracting visitors to its door rather than simply wholesaling or exporting wine. As part of this plan Black Barn now has 17 luxury retreats under its management, a 2,000-seat amphitheatre in the heart of the vineyard, a summer growers' market, a busy   cellar door – and of course the Bistro. Black Barn Bistro is a critical anchor to the whole Black Barn philosophy.  It’s where guests can experience Hawke’s Bay at its best, where they get the chance to hear our stories, sample our wines and select from one of the most exciting menus in the country. As a result of all this, Black Barn isn’t known just as a winery or a restaurant or a place to stay – it’s known as a place to go and have a memorable experience and thanks to our team -  a really good time.

About the role

We are looking for a professional, high energy Restaurant Manager, someone with a great personality, excellent communication skills and an ability to work under pressure. They should have a neat appearance and engaging, friendly personality. The right candidate should be efficient, observant, knowledgeable and personable.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven 2 years work experience as a Restaurant Manager, Maître D, Hospitality Manager or similar role.
• Excellent spoken English
• Strong leadership, motivational and people skills
• Customer engagement and creating a unique customer experience
• Be presentable, well organised and time efficient
• Have a keenness to broaden your knowledge and expertise within the hospitality and winery space
• NZ citizen or approved working visa
• Extensive food and beverage (F&B) knowledge, with ability to remember and recall ingredients and dishes to inform customers and wait staff
• Familiarity with restaurant management software
• Strong leadership, motivational and people skills
• Acute financial management skills
• NZ Bar Managers Certificate
  
  Tasks & Responsibilities
   
• Coordinate Front of House and Back of House restaurant operations including the organisation of front of house rosters and supervision of staff accordingly
• In charge of recruitment for all front of house employees and involve the COO and Executive chef in the hiring dismissal of any senior team members.
• Work closely with the executive chef to ensure the restaurant operates in a cohesive and effective manner
• Offer onsite training to newcomers prior to their shift commencement and ongoing training for current staff and conduct frequent performance reviews
• Control operational costs and identify measures to cut waste. Create detailed reports on weekly, monthly and annual revenues and expenses
• Conduct regular stocktake of front of house and bar equipment and estimate future needs for goods as well as looking for ways to cut costs whilst retaining a high quality offering
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and sanitation regulations as well as ensuring all operating licences are current
• Ensure the restaurant operates within the framework of the ‘Black Barn experience’ so that the customer transitions seamlessly from the cellar door and into the Bistro with a continuous high level of service.
• Implement policies and protocols that will maintain future restaurant operations
• Respond efficiently, timely and fairly to customer complaints. Promote the brand in the local community through word-of-mouth and restaurant events

Benefits

• Ongoing Team support from Black Barn directors, Executive Chef and Black Barn COO
• Office space with desk and shared computer as well as a landline
• Salary to be discussed with candidate directly
• Staff discounts on purchases of Black Barn Wine
• Black Barn petrol card for work related usage
• Black Barn cell phone contract with our company telecommunications package
• Black Barn branded email signature