Assistant Restaurant Manager Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown has a way of pulling people in. The mountains, the lake, the endless stream of visitors looking for their next great meal – it all creates this electric atmosphere where restaurants become more than just places to eat. They turn into the heart of the night, the spot where stories start and memories get made. At Flame Bar & Grill, they have been doing exactly that for over 18 years. High-energy service, legendary ribs and steaks, a crowd that keeps coming back – it is the kind of venue that only stays on top when the team running it truly cares.

Right now, Flame Bar & Grill is searching for an Assistant Restaurant Manager to step in and help lead the front-of-house crew. This full-time permanent Assistant Restaurant Manager position pays $30 to $32 per hour, plus weekly tips that can really add up in a busy Queenstown spot. You will work closely with the Restaurant Manager, take ownership of daily operations, mentor the team, and keep pushing the standards higher. The role comes with a guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week, staff housing (subject to availability), and even sponsorship for the right candidate. If you thrive in a fast-moving, high-volume restaurant and genuinely enjoy coaching people to be their best, this could be the leadership role that lets you build something lasting in one of New Zealand’s most exciting hospitality towns.

What You Bring to the Assistant Restaurant Manager Role

The team at Flame Bar & Grill knows exactly what they need – someone who has already proven they can handle a packed dining room and still keep the energy positive.

Essential qualities include:

• At least three years of experience as a Duty Manager (or similar leadership role) in a high-volume, full-service restaurant
• Proven track record of training and developing front-of-house teams – you are a natural coach
• Strong leadership presence – you lead from the front, set the tone, and are not afraid of honest conversations
• Excellent organisational skills – rostering, stock checks, function planning, you keep everything on track
• A real passion for hospitality – you get a kick out of making guests’ days better
• Comfortable using software and data to drive decisions (or open to learning fast)
• Understanding that even a 1% improvement can make a huge difference in a busy venue

You do not need to know everything about their specific menu on day one, but you do need to show up ready to roll up your sleeves, hold the team to high standards, and keep the whole operation humming.

What a Typical Week Looks Like

Every day feels different, but the core focus stays the same – deliver exceptional service while building a strong, motivated team.

You will spend your time:

• Running daily operations alongside the Restaurant Manager – making sure service flows smoothly from open to close
• Leading the front-of-house crew – giving feedback, solving problems, and helping everyone improve
• Jumping in on the floor when needed – greeting guests, managing tables, handling any tricky moments with a calm head
• Keeping an eye on guest satisfaction – stepping in quickly if something is not quite right
• Assisting with rostering so the team is always covered without burning anyone out
• Helping plan and organise special functions – making sure every detail is perfect
• Maintaining high hygiene and safety standards across the dining room and bar
• Supporting recruitment, training, and onboarding when new faces join the crew
• Working with the manager to review performance and find ways to keep pushing forward

The pace is fast, especially during peak tourist seasons, but that is what makes the good nights feel electric – and the quieter ones give you space to coach and plan.

What Makes This Assistant Restaurant Manager Role Stand Out

Queenstown is full of hospitality jobs, but not many come with this combination of pay, support, and growth potential.

Here is what you gain:

• Competitive hourly rate of $30–$32 plus generous weekly tips
• Guaranteed minimum 30 hours per week for real income stability
• Staff housing available (subject to availability) – a huge help when settling in Queenstown
• Sponsorship offered for the right candidate
• Clear opportunities to move up within a group that runs two successful venues
• A workplace that genuinely values teamwork, creativity, and doing things properly
• The chance to lead in a venue with a loyal following and a reputation for excellence

People stay at Flame Bar & Grill because the team feels like family, the work is challenging but rewarding, and Queenstown itself makes every day off an adventure.

How to Apply for the Assistant Restaurant Manager Position

The process is straightforward – they want to hear from you directly.

Here is the simple way to get started:

1. Prepare a short cover message explaining your leadership experience and why Queenstown (and Flame Bar & Grill) excites you
2. Update your CV to clearly show your three-plus years in high-volume restaurant management
3. Send both your CV and cover message through the original job advert link
4. Submit before the closing date of 9 March 2026

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, and the team is happy to have an informal chat beforehand if you reach out first. They move quickly when they find the right fit, so do not wait too long.

Stepping into the Assistant Restaurant Manager role at Flame Bar & Grill in Queenstown, New Zealand, gives you the chance to lead a lively front-of-house team in one of the country’s most popular dining spots. You help run daily operations, mentor staff, drive guest satisfaction, and keep the high-energy atmosphere alive while earning $30–$32 per hour plus tips. With a guaranteed minimum of 30 hours, staff housing options, and sponsorship available, the role offers real stability in a stunning location. If you have the experience, the coaching mindset, and the passion to make every service feel special, this Assistant Restaurant Manager position could be the rewarding leadership opportunity you have been ready for.

Take a moment to put together your CV and cover message – Flame Bar & Grill would love to meet someone who shares their commitment to excellence.

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