Food & Beverage Operations Manager

About Us:

Oscars Group is a passionate, creative, and dynamic privately owned hospitality group founded by the Gravanis family in 1986 with the acquisition of a single pub in Sydney's Inner West. Today, Oscars Group is one of Australia's largest privately owned hospitality groups, boasting an ever-expanding portfolio of over 45 venues across NSW, QLD and VIC. Our portfolio includes accommodation hotels, award-winning pubs and gaming venues, conference and event centres, premium restaurants, chartered vessels, and both commercial and residential developments.

About the Venue:

Crowne Plaza Shell Cove, the perfect blend of coastal opulence and upscale comfort set to open soon in one of New South Wales' most exciting waterfront destinations, Shell Cove Marina. Ideally located just south of Wollongong, this premium property offers a relaxed seaside escape with world-class amenities and modern design.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Food and Beverage Operations Manager to join our team on a full-time basis at Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina, currently nearing construction completion. This role will lead the setup, launch and ongoing management of all food and beverage operations, including restaurants, bars, in-room dining and events. Reporting to the General Manager, you will ensure service excellence, strong financial performance and operational readiness prior to opening. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a pre-opening team and deliver a world-class hospitality experience from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Opening

• Collaborate with designers, chefs, and consultants on layout, equipment, and concept development for all F&B outlets.
• Assist with the selection and procurement of furniture, fixtures, equipment, and uniforms.
• Develop all service-related SOPs, checklists, and guest interaction standards.
• Partner with Talent & Culture to recruit, interview, and onboard all front-of-house F&B staff.
• Design and implement training programs focusing on service excellence, product knowledge, and operational procedures.
• Coordinate with the culinary team on menu design, costing, and training for service teams.
• Set up POS systems, inventory controls, reservation platforms, and supplier accounts.
• Establish workplace health & safety practices and food safety procedures to ensure compliance and readiness prior to opening.
• Conduct mock service trials, soft openings, and refinement sessions before launch.

Operational

• Lead daily operations of restaurants, bars, in-room dining and event spaces, ensuring quality service, cleanliness and guest satisfaction.
• Supervise and motivate team members while fostering a positive team culture and high performance.
• Monitor budgets, labour costs, stock control, and profitability.
• Oversee beverage inventory, supplier relationships, and cocktail/wine program development.
• Respond to guest feedback and resolve service issues promptly and professionally.
• Maintain workplace health & safety standards and food safety compliance across all F&B operations.
• Ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations and licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to create promotions, events, and brand-aligned guest experiences.

About You:

• Minimum two years' experience as Venue Manager, Bar and Restaurant Manager or F&B Operations Manager with pre-opening experience desirable.
• A passion for hospitality and a commitment to delivering memorable experiences with consistently high service standards.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with experience in managing large teams.
• Proven success in achieving sales targets, KPIs and maximising profits.
• Knowledge of private events, booking systems and large group bookings.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Familiar with point-of-sale systems and other relevant technology.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Current NSW RSA qualifications.

Benefits:

• Access to IHG discounts.
• Internal and external training and development opportunities including an online training platform.
• Career development opportunities within Oscars Group across 45+ amazing venues.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Mentoring from a strong team of hospitality professionals.
• Reward and recognition programs.