Swillhouse is seeking a Head of Restaurants to join the Executive Team and lead the operational, commercial and cultural performance of its restaurant portfolio. This role suits an experienced hospitality leader who combines strong commercial acumen with hands-on operational leadership, excels at developing high-performing teams, and is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences at scale.
Swillhouse is an independent hospitality group creating venues with distinct identities and lasting relevance. Across restaurants, bars and late-night music rooms, each space is shaped by craft, atmosphere and a deep attention to detail.
Our venues are only as strong as the people behind them. We care about how the work is done — leadership that’s present, standards that matter, and teams who take pride in their role and the experience they deliver every day.
This is a rare opportunity to join the Swillhouse Executive Team as Head of Restaurants.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the operational, commercial and cultural performance of our restaurant portfolio, partnering closely with venue leadership teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences while developing the next generation of hospitality leaders.
This role combines strategic leadership with a highly visible operational presence. You’ll spend time in our venues, working alongside General Managers, Head Chefs and leadership teams to drive performance, build capability and continually raise the standard across the group.
About the Role
As Head of Restaurants, you will provide operational leadership across multiple premium dining venues, ensuring each venue delivers on its commercial objectives while maintaining the unique identity and hospitality standards that define Swillhouse.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading, mentoring and developing General Managers across the restaurant portfolio
- Driving commercial performance through labour management, budgeting, forecasting and financial accountability
- Building high-performing leadership teams through coaching, succession planning and clear accountability
- Maintaining exceptional guest experience and service standards across all venues
- Overseeing operational planning, venue presentation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensuring compliance across employment, WHS, licensing and operational requirements
- Working closely with the CEO, Executive Team, culinary leadership and venue teams to shape strategy and deliver long-term business growth
About You
You are an accomplished hospitality professional who combines commercial expertise with genuine people leadership, strong operational discipline and a passion for great hospitality.
You will bring:
- 5-7+ years’ experience in senior operational leadership within premium dining, with responsibility for multiple venues or large-scale operations
- Strong commercial capability, including budgeting, forecasting, labour management and financial performance
- A proven ability to develop senior leaders and build high-performing teams
- Strong operational discipline with exceptional attention to detail
- Confidence balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership
- Exceptional communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills
- High emotional intelligence, integrity and sound judgement
Why Join Us
- Be part of a high-performing hospitality group where venues have distinct identities
- Ongoing learning through regular venue trainings, masterclasses and group-wide development sessions
- A strong commitment to physical and psychological safety, with clear pathways to speak up and be supported
- Access to 24/7 confidential wellbeing support through Sonder, including mental health, medical and safety services
- Generous staff discounts across Swillhouse venues for all team members
- Access to lifestyle and wellbeing partnerships, including fitness, recovery, and workwear discounts
Next Steps
If you’re an experienced hospitality leader looking to make a meaningful impact across one of Australia’s most respected hospitality groups, we’d love to hear from you.
