Chief Executive Officer - Hospitality Venues

Overview

We present an exceptional leadership opportunity to take the helm as CEO overseeing two of Melbourne's well-established hospitality venues: Welcome to Thornbury and Welcome to Brunswick. Both sites enjoy strong brand recognition and loyal followings, positioned to grow as consumer interest in food-driven and entertainment experiences intensifies.

Role and Responsibilities

As CEO, you will provide visionary leadership to steer the next phase of business evolution. This role encompasses full accountability for business strategy, operations, people management, and financial performance.

• Establish an inspiring vision that motivates both staff and community around a compelling future for both venues.
• Drive business transformation by aligning offerings, team capability, and commercial strategies with the demands of contemporary hospitality.
• Develop and retain a strong leadership team, enhancing leadership capacity where necessary.
• Oversee the commercial and operational plans, ensuring consistent delivery of quality food, guest service, and operational excellence.
• Manage financial objectives including revenue growth, profitability, budgeting, and high-level reporting to stakeholders.
• Lead an ambitious events program targeting private, corporate, and large-scale functions to diversify revenue streams.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven track record in executive leadership roles, preferably as CEO or senior leader within multi-location hospitality or food-centric enterprises.
• A deep passion and expertise in hospitality, food quality, and guest experience.
• Clear strategic thinking with an ability to rapidly execute impactful decisions driving sustainable growth.
• People-oriented leadership approach with demonstrated success in fostering high-performance cultures and engaged teams.
• Demonstrated financial acumen managing P&L, KPIs, forecasting, and reporting to executive stakeholders.
• Commitment to high standards, consistently seeking excellence personally and across the team.
• Preferred tertiary qualifications in Business, Hospitality Management, or related disciplines.

Compensation and Benefits

• Authority to shape organizational culture, strategic direction, and business future.
• Opportunity to grow two iconic venues with strong market positioning and growth potential.
• Competitive executive salary package reflecting the senior role and responsibilities.
• Short-Term Incentive (STI) linked to annual performance outcomes and business improvements.
• Long-Term Incentive (LTI), spanning 2-3 years, designed to reward value creation and strategic milestones.
• The legacy opportunity to lead and define the next successful chapter for these hospitality establishments.

Additional Information

This leadership role involves managing a complex and diverse hospitality operation which includes food and beverage services, events, entertainment, an arcade, and brewing and distilling facilities. The existing team is strong; the CEO will focus on strengthening this foundation and unifying the organization under a clear, ambitious vision.