Floor Manager

About +81

+81 is a modern kappo-style Japanese restaurant located in Brisbane. More than a dining venue, +81 is a sanctuary for the senses — an experience of precision, intimacy, and intentionality. Blending Japanese tradition and modern innovation, the space invites guests to slow down, disconnect, and savour craft in all its forms: cuisine, beverage, service, design, and music.

Our kitchen is led by our Head Chef from Japan, with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, ensuring authenticity, discipline, and world-class technique at the heart of our culinary vision. Complementing this, our award-winning Aizome Bar, led by our Bar Manager, a co-pioneer of the global neo-cocktail movement, has already established +81 as a destination for beverage innovation. With these foundations in place, we are now seeking equally exceptional leaders in service and operations to complete the team and help shape +81 into one of Brisbane's most distinctive dining experiences.

We are a small, talented, and action driven team where every contribution matters. At +81, we value people who are accountable, proactive, collaborative, eager to grow and raise the standard for themselves and the team. As an owner-led restaurant, we move with focus and agility and look for talent who enjoy being close to the craft, the guests, and the daily impact of their work.

Our leaders and team members are expected to contribute to and strengthen our unique culture: embodying humility, practising omotenashi, and striving for continuous improvement in every service and interaction, both with our guests and within our team. Success at +81 means being both a cultural ambassador of Japanese hospitality and a builder of disciplined, modern restaurant systems.

About the Role:

Position Overview

The Floor Manager & Head Sommelier is the operational leader of +81's guest-facing experience. This role owns the delivery of service excellence, FOH culture, and the wine/sake program, ensuring every guest touchpoint reflects Japanese fine dining traditions balanced with authentic yet contemporary execution. Working closely with the Head Chef, Bar Manager and Business & Operations Manager, this role is accountable for the success of daily service, beverage performance, and cultural alignment across the team.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening & Launch Execution

• Co-lead pre-opening readiness with Business & Operations Manager and Head Chef.

• Design and execute the FOH guest journey, including SOPs/SOSs for service and beverage delivery.

• Lead FOH recruitment, onboarding, and training, with the support of HR Lead.

• Build and run service launch schedule and readiness milestones (dry runs, tastings, pre-service rituals).

Guest Experience & Cultural Leadership

• Act as visible steward of +81's omotenashi-inspired service philosophy.

• Lead service delivery across FOH, ensuring precision, authenticity, and cultural alignment.

• Manage high-touch guest interactions, feedback, and recoveries with professionalism.

• Take ownership of reservations and manage the booking systems to ensure seamless guest experiences.

• Model, enforce, and hold team members accountable to cultural and behavioural expectations.

Beverage Program Management

• Curate and maintain the wine and sake list, with innovative beverage pairings.

• Build supplier relationships and manage pricing/COGS within budget.

• Keep vintage details and descriptions accurate across all menus and training materials.

• Anticipate guest needs by staying ahead of trends and innovations.

• Oversee cellar management, stock rotation, monthly stocktakes, and wastage controls.

• Input and maintain stock records—ensuring correct pricing, adding new stock, and verifying existing stock.

• Collaborate with Bar Manager to ensure bar program aligns with the overall beverage strategy.

• Ensure distribution of alcohol and serving of drinks including pouring and presentation adhere to the standards of both +81 and the law.

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, roster, and performance-manage FOH team within budget guardrails.

• Define clear service standards and provide continuous coaching.

• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performance FOH culture.

• Ensure training logs and certifications (RSA, beverage) are current and documented.

• Lead tastings and workshops to build FOH beverage expertise.

Operations & Financial Performance

• Own beverage revenue performance and beverage COGS %.

• Own FOH labour cost % and rostering in partnership with Business & Operations Manager.

• Provide variance commentary for weekly/monthly P&L.

• Maintain FOH systems, checklists, and service procedures.

• Collaborate with Head Chef to align menu, pairings, and pacing.

• Add invoices to the OrderMate (POS) system promptly and accurately.

Marketing & Reputation

• Partner with Business & Operations Manager to actively promote +81 in industry circles and guest interactions.

• Contribute to storytelling for social and PR initiatives.

• Manage guest feedback loops, online reputation, and reviews.

About You:

• 4+ years' leadership experience in fine dining, ideally in Japanese or Japanese-inspired venues.

• Recognised wine/sake qualifications (WSET 3+, CMS, SSA, or equivalent).

• Bilingual: Fluent in English; Japanese language or deep Japanese cultural fluency highly valued.

• Proven ability to lead FOH operations and deliver P&L accountabilities (beverage revenue, COGS, labour).

• Experience designing and enforcing FOH SOPs/SOSs.

• Hands-on floor leadership with a guest-first mindset.

• Valid RSA/RMLV certification (or ability to obtain).

Qualities that will help you thrive:

• Deep understanding and appreciation for Japanese hospitality, culture, and aesthetics.

• Calm, composed, and emotionally intelligent leader.

• Detail-oriented, structured, and proactive.

• Strong communicator who builds trust across teams and guests.

• Motivated by the opportunity to be hands on with all aspects including launch readiness, execution, and grow something meaningful.