Restaurant Duty Manager / Host (Maître d')

About the role

Ironbar Saloon is seeking an experienced Restaurant Duty Manager / Host (Maître d') to join our team in Port Douglas, QLD. This is a full-time position based at our vibrant hospitality venue. In this role, you will be the face of our restaurant, responsible for creating an exceptional dining experience whilst managing the day-to-day operations of our front-of-house team. You will oversee guest relations, staff coordination, and the seamless delivery of service across service periods. This position is pivotal to maintaining Ironbar Saloon's reputation for outstanding hospitality and ensuring every guest leaves with a memorable experience.

Key responsibilities

• Greeting and welcoming guests upon arrival, managing reservations and walk-ins with professionalism and warmth

• Overseeing the dining room during service, ensuring tables are managed efficiently and guest satisfaction is maintained throughout their visit

• Training, supervising and mentoring front-of-house staff, including hosts, servers and support staff, to deliver consistent, high-quality service

• Managing restaurant capacity, table allocation and turnover times to optimise revenue and guest experience

• Handling guest enquiries, complaints and special requests with diplomacy and a solution-focused approach

• Maintaining standards of presentation, cleanliness and organisation throughout the dining area

• Coordinating with the kitchen and management team to ensure smooth service operations

• Managing reservations systems and maintaining accurate records of bookings and guest preferences

• Conducting pre-service briefings with the team to communicate specials, operational updates and service objectives

• Assisting with staff scheduling, rostering and performance management as required

• Supporting promotional activities and ensuring compliance with health, safety and licensing regulations

What we're looking for

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience as a Maître d', Host or Restaurant Duty Manager in a high-volume hospitality establishment

• Proven expertise in front-of-house management and exceptional guest relations skills

• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate, train and manage a diverse team effectively

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a professional, polished demeanour

• Outstanding organisational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to remain calm under pressure during busy service periods

• Knowledge of hospitality systems, reservation software and point-of-sale platforms

• Comprehensive understanding of food and beverage service standards and dining etiquette

• Flexibility to work variable hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays

• Current or willingness to obtain Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification

• A customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences

• Desirable: Experience in Australian hospitality venues or tourist destinations

What we offer

Ironbar Saloon is committed to creating a positive workplace where our team members thrive. We offer competitive remuneration, and a dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued. Our team enjoys a supportive workplace culture that celebrates excellence and recognises hard work. We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for all employees. Work-life balance is important to us, and we endeavour to create a schedule that works for our team members where possible.

About us

Ironbar Saloon is a premier hospitality destination located in the heart of Port Douglas, Queensland. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional dining and entertainment experiences in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Our venue is known for its quality service, premium steaks and commitment to creating memorable moments for our guests. We are passionate about hospitality and dedicated to being a valued part of the Port Douglas community.

Apply now

If you are an experienced Restaurant Duty Manager or Maître d' with a passion for hospitality and guest service, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any references to join our team at Ironbar Saloon in Port Douglas.