Opening Team Leader - Franchise

Summary
“Lead from the front, create great experiences, and grow with a team that values your contribution.”

About the Role
DOPA Rouse Hill proudly serves Japanese Donburi, bringing quality ingredients, bold flavours, and a modern approach to Japanese cuisine to our customers.

We are currently seeking an energetic and motivated Team Leader to join our new hybrid-style restaurant team.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines shift leadership, customer service, team support, and operational excellence. You will play an important role in creating a welcoming customer experience while ensuring the team delivers fast, efficient, and high-quality service.

We are looking for someone with a strong customer service or hospitality background who enjoys working with people, is confident leading a team, and is comfortable working across both customer-facing and kitchen operations.

People & Culture
At DOPA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We create a supportive, energetic workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and inspired to do their best work.

Our culture is shaped by our DOPA values:

• Dedication – We show up with commitment, consistency, and pride in our craft.
• Ownership – We take responsibility, work proactively, and contribute to a smooth and efficient operation.
• Passion – We love what we do and bring enthusiasm to every customer interaction and every service.
• Authenticity – We stay true to who we are, creating genuine experiences for our customers and supporting our team.

Joining DOPA means being part of a young, ambitious, and close-knit team that cares deeply about great food and great people.

Benefits
· Opportunity to develop your leadership and hospitality skills
· Be part of a new and exciting hybrid-style restaurant concept
· Work in a young, ambitious, and supportive team
· Gain experience across customer service and restaurant operations
· Career progression opportunities within DOPA
· Be part of a growing business with exciting future prospects

Key Responsibilities

Shift Leadership
· Run and supervise shifts to ensure operational readiness, appropriate staff coverage, and team accountability
· Ensure all team members are briefed on shift goals, responsibilities, and service expectations
· Maintain “aces in places” by assigning and confirming all team positions are covered throughout service
· Ensure the kitchen is stocked with the correct par levels of prepared food to meet service demand
· Monitor service flow and adjust team deployment as required during busy periods

Customer Experience & Service
· Deliver friendly, efficient, and welcoming customer service throughout every shift
· Lead by example and ensure team members consistently meet DOPA customer service standards
· Support customers with menu questions, ordering, payments, and food collection where required
· Monitor customer flow and ensure orders are delivered accurately and efficiently
· Respond to customer feedback and concerns calmly and professionally, escalating issues when required
· Maintain high standards of presentation across the service counter, dining area, and customer-facing areas

Food Safety & WHS
· Ensure compliance with food safety and Work Health & Safety (WHS) standards at all times
· Promote and uphold best practices in hygiene, cleanliness, and safe food handling
· Monitor and action any team behaviours or conditions that could create a safety or food safety risk
· Ensure food is stored, prepared, handled, and presented according to DOPA standards

Store & Shift Readiness
· Complete store readiness checklists before and after each shift, including food safety, station setup, cleanliness, and equipment checks
· Ensure all stations are properly stocked and ready for service
· Ensure shift food preparation is completed to standard and sufficient to meet expected demand
· Ensure equipment is operational and promptly escalate any issues to management
· Maintain cleanliness and presentation of the entire store throughout the shift

Team Support & Engagement
· Lead by example in attitude, communication, customer service, and operational standards
· Support onboarding and on-the-job coaching for new team members
· Provide clear direction, feedback, and positive reinforcement to build a high-performing team culture
· Support team members across both kitchen and customer-facing areas
· Encourage teamwork and effective communication between kitchen and front-of-house

Problem Solving & Communication
· Respond to operational, team, and customer issues calmly and efficiently
· Make appropriate decisions during the shift and escalate issues when required
· Maintain open communication with the Assistant Kitchen Manager and Kitchen Manager regarding team performance, service issues, customer feedback, stock, equipment, or support required
· Complete appropriate shift handover and communicate any outstanding issues to the next leader

Qualification & Experience
· Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in hospitality, customer service, retail, or a similar customer-facing environment
· Previous experience as a Team Leader, Supervisor, Senior Team Member, or similar role preferred
· Strong customer service and communication skills
· Confident leading and supporting a team during busy periods
· Comfortable working across both front-of-house and kitchen operations
· Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and workplace safety
· Positive, energetic, and approachable personality
· Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle customer concerns professionally
· Reliable, organised, and proactive with a strong work ethic
· Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
· Passion for great food, hospitality, and creating excellent customer experiences
· Ability to work weekdays, nights, weekends, and public holidays as required

If you think you are the right candidate for this position, apply now by emailing your cover letter and resume to ****@dopa.com.au.