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Retention in hospitality has always been tough. But the numbers right now tell a story that goes beyond the usual seasonal cycle.

It's Not Just the Big Hotels When hospitality professionals picture a six-figure salary, they often think corporate hotel group, head office, or group executive. But the reality in 2025 is broader than that. Venue GMs in high-volume casual dining groups, Executive Chefs in premium independent restaurants, Food and Beverage Directors in regional resorts, and Operations Managers across multi-site operators are all regularly earning at or above the $120k mark. What the Roles Actually Involve At this level, the job is less about running a shift and more about running a business. You're managing P&L, leading and developing teams, setting standards, driving revenue, and being accountable to ownership or a board. The technical skill that got you here matters less than your commercial instinct. The operators paying $120k+ want leaders, not operators. Where the Opportunities Are Auckland carries the largest concentration of roles at this salary level, but Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch all have strong pipelines, particularly in hotels and destination dining. Across the Tasman, Melbourne and Sydney offer more volume at this tier, but competition for the best roles is equally fierce. What Gets You There Candidates who break into the $100k–$150k range typically have a track record of improving venue performance — not just maintaining it. Revenue growth, team retention, and the ability to communicate results to ownership are the differentiators. Your presentation matters too. A CV that doesn't reflect your scope of responsibility and commercial impact won't get a first interview at this level. STAT SNAPSHOT The $120K Market: What We're Seeing Right Now 1. Venue GMs in high-volume groups: $100k–$130k + bonus 2. Executive Chefs in premium independents: $110k–$145k 3. F&B Directors (hotels and resorts): $120k–$160k 4. Multi-site Operations Managers: $130k–$180k 5. Group-level leadership (COO/CEO of hospo group): $150k–$280k+ Figures are indicative for the NZ market. AU salaries are comparable or higher depending on market Thinking about your next move at this level? Talk to a recruiter who works exclusively in permanent hospitality. Visit Find Work to explore current opportunities or register your profile.

You've posted the role. You've waited. You've sifted through applications that mostly miss the mark. Sound familiar?