Reservations Manager

Gimlet at Cavendish House is a dynamic restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, with a sophisticated menu, three goblet wine list, and world-class signature drinks that reflect seasonality. It is an ageless and classic 1920’s-era dining room that evokes nostalgia and decadence and commands a good time. 

Apollo Inn is the latest addition to the Trader House family. A few doors down from Cavendish House and hidden behind leather doors within the 1920s neo-renaissance-style building, Apollo Inn is an intimate space that takes its cues from the timeless cocktail bars of Europe.

About the Role:

Gimlet and Apollo Inn are evolving, and this key position will see you drive revenue generation and back-end operations in one of Melbourne’s most-beloved restaurants and newest cocktail bars. You will work with the Guest Services Manager alongside the Venue Manager, Head Chef and some of the industry’s best minds to drive the success of the cocktail bar and restaurant.

 What you’ll bring:

• Passion and desire to be immersed in a venue that is synonymous with the rich food culture of Melbourne.
• Drive to work in a venue and with a product of which you are extremely proud.
• Ambition and motivation to deliver a top tier guest experience.
• The ability to cement yourself firmly as a leader amongst a team of hospitality professionals.
• Provide solid input in the daily operation of a leading Melbourne restaurant and cocktail bar.

What you can expect:

• An exciting and challenging role with one of Melbourne’s most experienced operators.
• Strategic planning to drive growth in one of Australia’s favourite restaurants.
• Aid in establishing the newest addition to the Melbourne bar scene.
• Master the reservations strategy of one of Melbourne’s most in-demand dining rooms.
• Work with top tier reservation and event systems such as SevenRooms and Tripleseat.
• Deliver meaningful events at both Gimlet and Apollo Inn.
• Work alongside a team that is dedicated to delivering high quality dining experiences.
• Apply your logical and strategic mindset to a range of internal activities including media and PR exercises, exciting external events, marketing and communication plans.
• Be proud of a product that is produced by a skilful and passionate team.
• Professional development via accredited external training.
• Friendly and fast-paced working environment that offers a constant hub of activity.
• Great CBD location in the vibrant Flinders Lane.
• Staff discount at your favourite Andrew McConnell venues.
• Flexible office hours in the hospitality industry – 5 day roster with evenings off.

This position is a long-term engagement. We offer internal management training to help you cope with the demands of an extremely busy restaurant, whilst continuing to develop our people. The ever-expanding Trader House group looks within for talent to help build new opportunities - there is always something to work towards on the horizon. You will stay inspired and motivated to keep one of Australia’s favourite restaurants at the forefront of interesting, modern dining for years to come. 

This could be the career opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

About us:

Trader House is a collective of restaurants, bars, specialty retail stores and tailored events by Melbourne-based chef, cookbook author and columnist Andrew McConnell and photographer Jo McGann. They are Gimlet at Cavendish House (#84 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022, two hats), Apollo Inn, Cutler & Co. (two hats), Supernormal (one hat), Cumulus Inc. (one hat), Marion (one hat), Builders Arms Hotel, Meatsmith Heritage Butcher, Morning Market and Handmade Parties & Events. In 2024, Supernormal will also open a river-side sister venue in Brisbane.