Black Barn Bistro sits on the sunny North facing slopes of the Te Mata hills just outside Havelock North in Hawke's Bay. We're determined to be like no other dining experience in Hawke's Bay, and that includes how we treat our guests. Our wood-fired grill sets the tone for the menu – which is all hand-made on the premises and sourced locally and organic wherever possible. The contemporary new interiors are cool, fresh and welcoming. And our people are the same. We don't mind if guests want to drop in for a seat at the bar for a late afternoon catchup with bites and bubbles or linger all day or evening over one of the most exciting menus in the country. Our front of house team needs to match those expectations. Totally professional but with a fresh, friendly relaxed tone to the way our guests are looked after. We'd love to hear from you about a position with us. We believe you'll quickly get a sense of whether we're right for you or not – and we'll probably do the same. What we can promise if you're successful is a magic bunch of people to work with in an equally magic location. What's not to love? Who is Black Barn? Black Barn Vineyards is a small New Zealand family owned winery Estate. It was established in 2003 and from the outset always had a focus on attracting visitors to its door rather than simply wholesaling or exporting wine. As part of this plan Black Barn now has 17 luxury retreats under its management, a 2,000-seat amphitheatre in the heart of the vineyard, a summer growers' market, a vibrant kitchen store, a busy cellar door – and of course the Bistro. Black Barn Bistro is a critical anchor to the whole Black Barn philosophy. It's where guests can experience Hawke's Bay at its best, where they get the chance to hear our stories, sample our wines and select from one of the most exciting menus in the country. As a result of all this, Black Barn isn't known just as a winery or a restaurant or a place to stay – it's known as a place to go and have a memorable experience and thanks to our team - a really good time. About the role We are looking for a professional, high-energy Maitre'd / Assistant Restaurant Manager, someone with a great personality, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work under pressure. Food and wine knowledge is paramount in this role, and you will be highly supported by the Restaurant Manager and Executive Chef. Positive and memorable guest interactions are critical, so, to succeed in this role, you should have a neat appearance and an engaging, friendly personality. You should be efficient, observant, knowledgeable and personable. Qualifications & Experience Excellent attention to detail Experience in setting up and closing down a restaurant Strong leadership, motivational and people skills Customer engagement and creating a unique customer experience Be presentable, well organised and time efficient Have a keenness to broaden your knowledge and expertise within the hospitality and winery space The understanding sequence of service NZ citizen or approved working visa Tasks & responsibilities Receive and confirm reservations Supervise wait staff Assist with the training of new staff Hold pre-service briefings with staff Liaise with kitchen staff about specials and menu changes Allocate table sections for service Ensure tables are set correctly Greet and seat guests Offer and serve drinks to guests Deal with any problems that may arise Work closely alongside and under the guidance of the Restaurant Manager and Executive Chef and take direction easily Be proactive about jobs that need doing or assessing where assistance is needed Ensure compliance with health and safety and sanitation regulations as well as ensuring all operating licences are current. Ensure the restaurant operates within the framework of the 'Black Barn experience' so that the customer transitions seamlessly from the kitchen store, through cellar door and into the Bistro with a continuous high level of service. Implement policies and protocols that will maintain future restaurant operations Respond efficiently, timely and fairly to customer complaints. Promote the brand in the local community through word-of-mouth and restaurant events Welcoming customers, reading and listening to people to determine beverage and food preferences, making recommendations, and taking drink and food orders. Genuine opportunities for growth and professional development Opportunity to work within an industry-leading team ready to share their knowledge Competitive pay rates and benefits based on your experience + annual bonuses for long term commitment The chance to take your career forward in one of the very best restaurants in the region Staff discounts on purchases of Black Barn Wine and other Black Barn perks. Complimentary tickets per season to concerts held at the Black Barn Amphitheater Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand? How many years of people management experience do you have? Do you have customer service experience? How many years' experience do you have as a Maitre D'? Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the styles and properties of wine? #J-18808-Ljbffr