TE ĀHEI - THE OPPORTUNITY. We have had a rare opportunity for someone to join our management team here at Manaaki Mgmt. Our management roles do not come up very often, as we are pleased to say, our management team have been with us for a very long duration. That may give you an insight as to the work environment you could potentially become part of, forever evloving and getting better as one team year on year. This position is a hands-on role, leading and managing our team by example, as our “Cafe Manager” for Karaka Cafe & Summer Bar, located on Wellington's beautiful waterfront.

KO WAI KOE- ABOUT YOU First and foremost, you must fit into our business culture and team dynamics. We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, team player and LEADER, who is willing to do what it takes to get the job done.

An understanding of Tikanga Māori and the ability to korero Māori will benefit the applicant. Karaka Café is a showcase of “Tastes, Sights & Sounds” of our indigenous heritage – it is what we call the “Karaka Experience”, your understanding of this kaupapa is important and is key to the vision of the café business. This is an area for growth within our business.

A current General Managers certificate is required or the ability to successfully apply for one. We would expect that you have proven experience in a combination of roles, that will allow you to succeed, in this key position.

KO WAI MATOU - ABOUT US We are a 100% Māori, Pacific & Kiwi Owned & Operated business.

Karaka Cafe is what we call “the face” of our company "Manaaki Mgmt". Manaaki Mgmt owns and operates Karaka Cafe and we have management contracts and partnerships with the venues we manage; Wharewaka Function Centre, Wellington Rowing Club, Pipitea Marae & Function Centre. At these venues we provide all services in these spaces, offering room hire, catering and beverage services. We also have started providing offsite catering to our corporate client base, and post-covid planning.

So in summary, Manaaki Mgmt owns and operates...

• Karaka Cafe - Our 7-day a week café & summer bar
• Wellington Functions - Our conference centres
• KIAorakai Catering - Our catering company

We have a collaborative management team and ask that you bring “yourself and your skills” to contribute to this team. Each manager has specific roles and tasks of course, but each and every one of the management team is willing and able to take on and share tasks across departments as and when needed, for the purpose of business success and workplace satisfaction.

As mentioned above the “Karaka Experience” is the simplicity of what and who our café is. You will be working with a group of full-time kaimahi/staff including our Senior Duty Manager as your 2IC, along with permanent part-time and casual kaimahi/staff. We have a combination of fluent and beginner Te Reo Māori speakers within our café team, and it is something the entire team is proud of. The key to success is your team and how you can keep them motivated, excited, informed and upskilled.

HE AHA TE MEA NUI - WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING? The people, the people, the people.
Our team, our customers, our business partners are the most important thing to us and this whakataukī/saying is the driving force of the directors. Everything we do, everything we plan, everything we strive for is based on this whakataukī/saying. If we do it now or if we plan to do something within the business, the aim is for “our people” (team, customers, partners) to all benefit. Success will come if that is achieved.

HE TIKA TĒNEI MAHI MŌ KOE - IS THIS THE JOB FOR YOU? We are after fresh eyes and great ideas, all whilst keeping with the "kaupapa/vision" of the business, we are not looking for a change, we are looking for someone to focus on and enhance what we have, through better service, greater sales, and exceptional team-building with the aim of keeping our great reputation.

A key part of this role is the ability to consistently maintain and implement systems, processes and standards. Simply - "create the habits". This is a hands-on hospitality role, therefore you will be expected to be on the floor meeting and mixing with our customers as the overall host/manager each and every day, and at the same time leading and directing the team.

*We are looking for someone who will be around for a while. *An eye for detail is a must. *Professionalism and the drive for business success is a key attribute. *Hours of work include weekends and night shifts over the summer season. *Remuneration will be discussed at the interview. *Final interviews will be held with the Directors.

If this sounds like the company you would like to grow with and contribute to, nau mai, haere mai, we would like to welcome you to our team. Please forward your CV and cover letter letting us know a little more about you.

Must have current General Managers Licence