Chief Operating Officer

Overview

Add expected salary to your profile for insights We are a family-owned Brisbane hospitality group built around one iconic venue — the Norman Hotel — and we’re expanding north with a second large-format steak venue, Norman Northside in Enoggera, opening in early 2027. We specialise in premium steaks, busy bars and relaxed indoor/outdoor hospitality, with a loyal customer base and strong repeat trade. We are not a chain, we don’t want to be one but we are expanding. Quality, consistency and culture matter here. The role

Reporting directly to the Owner, the Chief Operating Officer will take full ownership of day-to-day operations across both venues as we double the size of the business. This is a genuinely hands-on leadership role, overseeing a team of 60+ staff initially, growing to 120+ as the second venue opens. You will be accountable for operational performance, people leadership, compliance and profitability, while playing a key role in the successful delivery and launch of Norman Northside. Key responsibilities

Lead and oversee venue performance across labour, food and beverage COGS, stock control, waste reduction and margin management Work closely with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting and weekly operational performance reviews Lead the expansion of Norman Northside, including fit-out input, staffing ramp-up, supplier agreements, and all licensing and approvals (liquor, food safety, noise, council) Develop, refine and implement operating manuals and procedures across both venues, including the new on-site butchery Ensure all standard operating procedures are consistently implemented and upheld by management and staff Build, lead and retain high-performing teams — recruitment, training, rostering, performance management and succession planning Work with the Head Chef and Bar Managers to optimise menus and pricing, test specials and monitor sell-through Drive revenue growth through events, private functions, partnerships and loyalty initiatives Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to develop, implement and measure marketing activity across social, EDMs, outdoor and other cost-effective channels Oversee compliance and risk management including OH&S, RSA, food safety, hygiene audits and insurance Lead systems and process improvements, including POS, inventory, reporting and operational dashboards The right person

7+ years’ experience in hospitality, ideally including time as a General Manager or Area Manager Proven experience opening venues and/or significantly improving profitability and performance Strong working knowledge of QLD liquor licensing, OLGR requirements and council approvals Commercially minded and data-driven, but people-focused and intuitive on the floor Calm under pressure, decisive and respected by teams Experience in food-driven venues, ideally steakhouses or high-volume pubs/restaurants Demonstrates an “owner mindset” with strong leadership and accountability Hands-on and flexible — prepared to work weekends and be present across both venues (this is not a strictly Monday–Friday 9 to 5 office role) What we offer

Attractive, market-competitive salary commensurate with experience Performance-based bonus linked to agreed profitability and operational outcomes A rare opportunity to grow with a respected, independent hospitality group during a major expansion phase Applications

Applications close: Friday 27th February. No recruiters — direct applications only. Unlock job insights

Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years\' experience do you have as a Chief Operating Officer? How many years\' experience do you have in the hospitality & tourism industry? Do you have experience working for a start-up? How many years of business management experience do you have? Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting? What\'s your expected annual base salary? What can I earn as a Chief Operating Officer

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