Business & Operations 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 Business & Operations Manager is the operational and financial anchor of +81. This role ensures the stability and efficiency of all back-of-house functions, including finance, HR, rostering, compliance, supplier management, and marketing planning and execution. The Business & Operations Manager provides structure and discipline so that the Floor Manager & Head Sommelier, Head Chef, and Bar Manager can focus on guest experience, culinary and beverage excellence. This role is accountable for the restaurant's P&L delivery, launch execution, and the ongoing refinement of systems and processes that underpin sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening & Launch Execution

• Co-lead pre-opening readiness with ownership, Floor Manager & Head Sommelier, Head Chef, and Bar Manager.

• Develop and implement operating procedures, SOPs/SOSs, checklists, reservation workflows, and service standards.

• Build and manage the launch workback plan, ensuring all critical tasks are tracked, owners are assigned, and deadlines are met.

• Identify and escalate risks, blockers, and cross-team coordination requirements that could impact launch readiness.

• Oversee compliance training across FOH and BOH.

Operations & Financial Performance

• Own the P&L: forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and variance commentary.

• Set and monitor labour and COGS guardrails; review weekly flash reports and monthly accounts.

• Lead rostering frameworks and payroll accuracy in partnership with team leads.

• Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and compliance protocols (WHS, food safety, liquor licensing).

• Manage the restaurant's insurance portfolio, including renewals, claims handling, and ensuring adequate coverage for all operational risks.

• Schedule and oversee mandatory inspections (e.g. food safety audits, fire safety checks, equipment maintenance inspections) to maintain compliance and reduce risk exposure.

• Oversee procurement and supplier contracts, ensuring cost efficiency and risk management.

• Lead WHS activities, ensuring proactive risk assessments, incident management, and compliance with all workplace health and safety obligations.

• Implement stock control systems and oversee monthly stocktakes with variance analysis.

• Support the Floor Manager with guest service operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and exceptional guest experiences.

Team & Culture

• Partner with Floor Manager & Head Sommelier, Head Chef, and Bar Manager to build a respectful, inclusive, and performance-oriented workplace.

• Provide administrative support for performance reviews, contracts, and HR documentation.

• Model, enforce, and hold others accountable to cultural and behavioural alignment standards.

• Hold accountability for recruitment, onboarding, rostering, and overall staffing cost management across the team, working in close partnership with specific department heads (Floor Manager & Head Sommelier, Head Chef, and Bar Manager).

Marketing, PR & Reputation Management

• Own the planning, coordination and tracking of PR, marketing, and social media campaigns with the support of external agencies.

• Track and report marketing ROI, guest feedback, and online reputation.

• Lead the development and execution of revenue-growth strategies in collaboration with marketing agencies.

Stakeholder Communication & Strategic Alignment

• Provide structured communication and reporting to ownership and advisors.

• Deliver weekly flash reports, monthly P&L, and quarterly forward-planning packs.

• Serve as custodian of governance cadence (weekly leadership sync, decision log, risk escalation).

About You:

• 5+ years' experience in hospitality operations, finance, or senior administration within fine dining or premium venues.

• Demonstrated experience with P&L ownership, budgeting, and financial reporting.

• Strong knowledge of rostering, payroll, compliance, and licensing in QLD.

• Proven ability to build and optimise systems, SOPs/SOSs, and service standards.

• Familiarity with luxury service protocols and fine dining expectations, particularly in Japanese venues.

• Proficiency in POS, rostering, and stock management systems.

• Fluent in English; Japanese language proficiency or cultural fluency highly valued.

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

• Experience in creating, executing, and supporting membership or loyalty program initiatives would be desirable.