The Position

This is a hands-on leadership role based in Port Campbell, combining restaurant service, team support, customer care, seasonal garden connection and everyday sustainability practices. It may suit someone with hospitality, food service or customer-facing leadership experience who is looking for meaningful work in a values-driven regional business.

Why this role matters

At REAL, food is more than a transaction. We aim to create a welcoming place where locals and visitors can enjoy good food while supporting conscious purchasing, reduced single use, circular organics, thoughtful ingredient use and stronger community connection.

The Place of Wonder, our 3 acre permaculture garden near Newfield, extends this work by growing seasonal produce, demonstrating organic and connected garden practices, and helping link food, land, learning and community. This role helps bring those values into daily hospitality practice.

About the opportunity

We are looking for a Restaurant Team Leader to join us from mid August 2026. The role will begin with a 4 week trial period, with the opportunity to move into an ongoing full-time leadership position once the fit is right for both parties.

You will be part of the daily rhythm of REAL, helping guide a small casual team, supporting calm and consistent service, and contributing to the practical systems that keep the restaurant safe, welcoming and well organised. Seasonal work at The Place of Wonder may also be included, usually up to one day per week when garden tasks, harvests, workshops or food production needs align with the restaurant.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will help create a positive experience for customers, staff and community while keeping the practical realities of a busy hospitality workplace running smoothly.

• Lead by example during restaurant service, supporting a team of approximately 12 casual employees.
• Support smooth service across pizza, pasta, salads, takeaway, bookings, customer service and point of sale.
• Assist with ingredient preparation, food presentation, quality standards, stock rotation and ordering.
• Maintain food hygiene, cleaning systems, safe work practices and end-of-shift close-down procedures.
• Use ingredients thoughtfully, minimise waste and contribute to local sourcing, reduced packaging and circular organics.
• Contribute to seasonal garden tasks such as harvesting, mulching, pruning, planting, weeding, compost work and preparation for workshops or community activities.

About you

• You are reliable, practical and calm under pressure.
• You communicate clearly and respectfully with customers and team members.
• You enjoy food, people, community and environmental responsibility.
• You can stay organised during busy service periods and notice what needs doing.
• You are willing to learn, work outdoors when needed and support the ethos of both REAL and The Place of Wonder.
• You are interested in practical work that supports a more local, less wasteful and more connected food culture.

Kitchen, hospitality, customer service or team leadership experience will be valuable, but we are equally interested in attitude, initiative, willingness to learn and capacity to lead by example.

What we offer

• Meaningful work in a values-led regional hospitality business.
• A role that connects food service with local produce, garden practices and community activity.
• The opportunity to grow into an ongoing leadership position.
• Temporary on-site accommodation options may be available.

Location and working arrangements

REAL Pizza Pasta & Salads is located at 25 Lord Street, Port Campbell, Victoria.

The Place of Wonder is located at 2133 Cobden Port Campbell Road, Newfield, Victoria, approximately 5km from Port Campbell.

Hours and commencement

Commencing mid-August 2026. Average approximately 30 hours per week, with seasonal variation. The role generally involves 4 to 5 afternoons and evenings per week, with regular weekend and holiday availability important.

Salary and conditions

Casual trial period paid at $29.46–$34.89 per hour plus applicable penalty rates. For the ongoing leadership role, transition to an annualised salary package in the range of AUD $62,000–$72,000 plus superannuation, depending on experience, responsibilities and agreed hours. Penalty rates and award entitlements apply where relevant.

next steps

To submit your application, please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

For more information about the role, please contact:

Kylie Treble | Ph: 0417 781 343 | Email: [email protected] using the subject line: Restaurant Team Leader - Food, Community & Sustainability - Port Campbell / Newfield enquiry via EthicalJobs.