Restaurant / Event Manager – Exciting Social Enterprise Opportunity

Are you passionate about food, community, and creating meaningful opportunities for others?

An exciting opportunity has arisen at National Joblink to help drive the growth and development of our innovative Social Enterprise Training Restaurant.

We're looking for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Restaurant / Event Manager to lead the next phase of our restaurant's journey. This is more than just a hospitality role – it's a chance to shape a space that empowers people and builds careers in the industry.

At National Joblink, we're not just running a restaurant – we're changing lives through hands-on training and inclusive employment pathways. If you're ready to bring your ideas, energy, and leadership to a place that values social impact, we want to hear from you

About Us:National Joblink (NJL) is a not-for-profit organisation serving local communities for over 30 years throughout TAS, QLD & the Northern Territory.  Today we provide a suite of services under the framework of Workforce Australia, are a specialised RTO, have a successful training restaurant in Cairns, provide outdoor activities at our Tarkine Wilderness Lodge and a Driving School.

About the Role

In this dynamic and rewarding position, you'll:

· Lead business development initiatives – drive event growth, build partnerships, and expand business opportunities

· Help develop and grow the catering arm of our social enterprise

· Support and manage restaurant-based events, helping bring community-focused ideas to life

· Play a key role in establishing and operating a training restaurant, designed to support individuals entering the hospitality industry

· Collaborate with students and participants, many of whom may experience disability or disadvantage, to build real-world skills and confidence

Must Have:

· A growth-focused mindset with a passion for innovation

· Genuine enthusiasm for creating and developing community-led initiatives

· Understanding of the restaurant, event, and catering industry

· Ability to build business opportunities and connect with clients

· Marketing skills and the ability to meet KPIs

· The drive to build a supportive and inclusive training environment

Desirable:

· Experience in staff training and professional development

· A strong desire to support and work with a wide range of students, including those with disabilities

· Ability to work effectively with low LLN (Language, Literacy, and Numeracy) students

· A community-focused approach, ideally with experience working with DES (Disability Employment Services) clients

· A passion for hospitality and making a real difference in people's lives

Why Join Us?

Our Employee Package:

As an employee of NJL you will receive:

· A workplace that always puts 'Friends and Family First'

· Above award wages and generous remuneration package

· Salary packaging

· Access to free 24/7 support services through our Employee Assistance Program

· Discounts on Health Insurance and wellness support

At NJL we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment which values and respects diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage women, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent and people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Right to work in Australia document will be required to be provided at the Interview stage.(Australian or New Zealand Passport, Australian Birth Certificate, Citizenship Certificate or Visa-with working rights in Australia).

A current driver's licence and car is required and as a Child Safe Organisation you will currently hold (or willing to obtain) a valid Working with Children Check and ability to pass a Criminal History Check.

Applicants must include a Resume and Cover Letter explaining why you would be the best fit for us at National Joblink.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

For more information, please contact Kim at 

Applications Close: Sunday 28 September 2025

We may proceed with interviewing prior to this date and the advertisement will be removed if the positions are filled.  Applicants are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.