Assistant Manager

Salary: $81,000 + super, tips & 40% staff discounts — Join a top restaurant Group with a rewarding pay package. The San Telmo Group is one of Melbourne's premier hospitality groups, renowned for fire-driven cooking and bold, produce-led menus. Since 2011, our venues include San Telmo, Asado, Palermo, Pastuso and Robata, each with its own identity but all united by fire.

• Competitive salary and tips — Work in a top restaurant group with a rewarding pay package.
• Incredible staff discounts — Exclusive staff discounts across all five venues of the group (Argentinian San Telmo, Asado, Palermo; Peruvian Pastuso; Japanese Robata) for you and your family.
• Work-life balance — You'll be part of a workplace that respects your time and wellbeing.
• Career growth — Opportunities for internal progression; example: Head Chef of San Telmo started as Kitchen Hand.
• Collaborative team culture — Supportive, fun, and enthusiastic team where your ideas are valued.

As our teams expand, we're seeking Assistant Manager candidates for multiple opportunities within the Group. In the Assistant Manager - FOH role, you'll lead the FOH team in one of our restaurants, through responsibilities including:

• FOH leadership & service quality — Act as MOD; make on-shift operational decisions; handle escalated complaints; set, review and evolve FOH standards; analyse guest feedback to drive continuous improvement and model a culture of excellence.
• People management & development — Own end-to-end FOH recruitment and onboarding quality; measure training effectiveness; run monthly Supervisor appraisals with quarterly reviews of development plans; ensure line staff appraisals and development plans are maintained; lead performance management where needed.
• Presentation, maintenance & safety — Hold accountability for FOH presentation to brand standards; monitor grooming/cleaning/maintenance; escalate and resolve issues; ensure OHS, RSA and food-safety compliance; lead FOH in emergencies; oversee safety training and incident follow-up.
• Sales excellence & guest experience — Ensure upselling; analyse sales metrics; coach Supervisors/Trainers; collaborate with Restaurant Manager, Bar, Marketing on promotions; recognise high performers; build VIP/regular loyalty on the floor.
• Financial & inventory control — Deliver costed rosters to budget; monitor labour in real time; enforce cash/POS controls; oversee stocktakes; investigate variances; reduce wastage/theft/damage; maintain wages, stock integrity and asset protection.
• Reservations & capacity planning — Oversee reservations accuracy and best practice; optimise seating and covers using booking data; ensure VIP notes; track cancellations; align bookings with staffing and menu; cover Reservations Coordinator role when required.
• Stakeholder engagement & cross-functional alignment — Work closely with the Restaurant Manager, kitchen, bar and Reservations to meet guest and business goals; liaise with HR, Marketing and Directors; maintain supplier/contractor relationships; provide FOH insights for leadership meetings and cover Director meetings for the Restaurant Manager as needed.
• Culture, productivity & morale — Set expectations for performance, conduct and reliability; embed recognition systems into the team; communicate change clearly to sustain morale; steward FOH culture for retention and succession; resolve grievances via the proper chain of command and avoid third-party gossip.

• Core requirements — Fluent English (verbal/written); valid ongoing Australian work rights (Citizen or PR candidates only); full time availability for 38-42 hours per week in evenings & weekends; high standard of presentation.
• Education & experience — Completed Year 12 (or equivalent), plus 2–3 years as a FOH Supervisor or Assistant Manager in a premium, high-volume restaurant.
• Technical capability — POS/reservations troubleshooting & training; financial control (wages, cost of sales, variance); stock control; OHS/RSA/food safety compliance; rostering; management reporting; developing FOH staff & Supervisors.
• Soft skills — Strong leadership and accountability; excellent communication; conflict resolution and clear decisions under pressure; highly organized and adaptable; culturally inclusive; collaborative across departments; proactive continuous improvement.
• Cuisine & operations exposure (desirable) — Experience relevant to the venue cuisines (Argentinian for Asado, Peruvian for Pastuso, Japanese for Robata) and experience across both floor and bar operations.
• Mindset (desirable) — Genuine interest in food, wine and dining; self-motivated; proven ability to work with diverse teams and guests.

Ready to make your mark? If you're passionate, driven, and ready for the next step in your career, we want to hear from you. Apply now

The San Telmo Group is an equal opportunity employer and all applications are welcome.