Business Leader & Hospitality Innovation Lead
Where good vibes meet great careers!
Be the force that blends hospitality excellence with cutting-edge innovation.
Are you a dynamic hospitality leader with a passion for creating standout customer experiences and shaping the future of venue innovation? Tuatara Tap Room, proudly operating as the DB Hospo Lab, is looking for a visionary leader to drive both best-in-class venue performance and next-generation hospitality innovation.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an iconic venue while influencing how new products, technologies, and customer experiences are tested, refined, and scaled.
Why this role is unique
Tuatara Tap Room is not just a venue, it is a live innovation environment and testing ground for DB, Star Group, and HEINEKEN. As the bridge between venue operations and product and digital development teams, you will play a critical role in trialling, shaping, and rolling out the future of hospitality across our national network. You will turn great ideas into practical, scalable solutions.
What you’ll lead
Venue Management & Performance
Lead the day-to-day operations of the Tap Room, ensuring strong financial performance and operational excellence
Oversee staffing, rostering, and the delivery of exceptional customer experiences
Activations & Community Engagement
Drive events, activations, and local partnerships that strengthen brand presence and revenue growth
Innovation Leadership – DB Hospo Lab
Act as the single point of contact between venue operations and product development teams
Champion the testing, implementation, and optimisation of new products and digital solutions, including POS systems, SmartDispense, and the Enzo ecosystem
Lead structured trials, capturing clear insights and feedback to drive continuous improvement
Collaborate closely with development teams to refine innovations and assess scalability across Star Group venues
Ensure Tuatara Tap Room continues to operate as the DB Hospo Lab, a hub for testing new product and digital innovations for DB, Star Group, and HEINEKEN
Strategic Roll-Out & Scaling
Work closely with the Regional Operations Manager to support the national rollout of Enzo’s digital ecosystem
Contribute to tactical planning and execution of future venue enhancements and technology adoption
Support change management at venue level to ensure successful implementation and adoption
Technical & Operational Capability
Familiarity with POS systems, inventory management, and wider digital hospitality solutions
Strong understanding of hospitality operational processes, compliance, and best practice
Ability to translate operational realities into practical insights that inform product and digital development
What success looks like
Revenue and profit targets are consistently delivered
Customers love the experience and return often
Innovation trials run smoothly, insights are high quality, and solutions are successfully scaled nationwide
Strong internal collaboration, partnerships, and activations are in place
What you’ll bring
Five or more years’ experience in hospitality operations or venue management
Proven ability to drive financial performance and lead high-performing teams
A genuine interest in hospitality innovation, with confidence using digital tools, POS systems, and operational technology
Flexibility to support venue operations during peak periods, including evenings and weekends
Who you are
You are a natural leader and relationship builder. Commercially savvy, customer-focused, and energised by testing, learning, and shaping what comes next. You thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy turning ideas into action.
Ready to lead the future of hospitality? Join a team that is redefining how hospitality innovation comes to life, one trial, one activation, and one unforgettable customer experience at a time.
Apply now and lead the evolution of Tuatara Tap Room.
- Types of roles
- Leadership
- Role
- Business Leader
- Locations
- Tuatara Taphouse | Upper Hutt
- Employment Type
- Full-time
Tuatara Taphouse | Upper Hutt
Tell Me The Perks!
Financial
Because Mahi Makes Us Better, we offer groupwide incentives and generous discounts across 40+ unique establishments for permanent staff, rewarding the dedication and hard work that drives our success. And because we care about the well-being of our team, we offer comprehensive parental leave benefits, including top-ups and paid leave for senior staff, so you can focus on what matters most!
Social
We know that Having Fun is key to building strong connections, so we celebrate our people through monthly rewards by recognising those who bring joy and teamwork to every shift. We also know that work is more fun with friends, so we encourage you to bring your mates along for the ride and you’ll receive a generous "Refer a Friend" finder’s fee!
Celebrate & Develop
At Star, we’re all about Being Curious and encouraging growth. Our "Star of the Month" and Rockstar awards highlight your achievements, offering recognition and development opportunities that keep you inspired. Plus, with opportunities to grow and move across our network, your career can reach new heights wherever your journey takes you.
Mental
Loving Our People means looking out for one another, which is why we provide access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), supporting your mental well-being so you can be at your best, both at work and at home.
We're more than just a workplace—we’re a community that supports, celebrates, and grows together. Join us, and let’s make every moment memorable.
Already working at Star Group?
Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.