Whitehart is a Melbourne icon -- a laneway bar built on creativity and community. We're seeking a hands-on Venue Manager to lead operations, inspire the team, and keep the venue's energy alive.
Venue Manager — Whitehart Bar
Whitehart isn’t your typical bar — it’s a Melbourne institution built from steel, soul, and creativity. Hidden in the heart of the CBD, Whitehart is an open-air oasis that brings people together through good drinks, good music, and good energy.
Born from a converted car park and layered with art, greenery, and sound, Whitehart stands as a celebration of Melbourne’s laneway culture — raw, inventive, and always evolving.
As Venue Manager, you’ll take the lead in driving operations, shaping culture, and keeping the heartbeat of Whitehart strong. This role suits someone who thrives in fast-paced, creative environments and understands that hospitality is about more than service — it’s about connection, community, and atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership:
Oversee day-to-day venue operations, ensuring quality, efficiency, and consistency across all aspects of service.
Team Development:
Lead, mentor, and inspire a passionate and diverse team, fostering a culture of professionalism, creativity, and accountability.
Human Resources & People and Culture:
Manage recruitment, onboarding, and training to build a capable and cohesive team.
Champion staff wellbeing, performance appraisals, and professional development.
Ensure compliance with workplace legislation, award conditions, and company policies.
Financial Management:
Work closely with owners to meet revenue and profitability targets through smart rostering, stock control, and planning.
Events & Programming:
Collaborate with artists, promoters, and partners to deliver an exciting calendar of live music, DJ sets, and activations that reflect Whitehart’s spirit.
Marketing & Community Engagement:
Support marketing initiatives and partnerships that build brand presence and deepen Whitehart’s connection with its audience and the wider Melbourne community.
Continuous Improvement:
Identify opportunities to refine systems, elevate guest experience, and drive innovation in drinks, service, and events.
About You
Proven experience in a senior hospitality management role
Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
Sound understanding of venue financials, performance metrics, and forecasting
Passion for music, culture, and creating memorable guest experiences
A hands-on, team-first approach with a genuine love for hospitality
Experience with marketing, events, or creative partnerships
Strong troubleshooting ability
Technological literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel), Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox
What We Offer
A creative, supportive team culture built on collaboration and respect
The opportunity to lead one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneway venues
A chance to play a key role in guiding the next chapter of one of Melbourne’s most distinctive and dynamic venues
Competitive salary package
Work-life balance with reasonable working hours and roster flexibility
At Whitehart, we don’t just serve drinks — we create moments. If you’re a natural leader who’s passionate, motivated, business-minded, and detail-oriented, we’d love to hear from you.
