Duty Manager

About the Organisation

Larnach Castle and Gardens is a historic destination on the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin, cared for by the Barker family since 1967. The business operates every day of the year and combines heritage tourism with boutique accommodation, dining, retail, and private event services. It includes castle and garden tours, guest lodging through Larnach Lodge, Camp Estate, and the Castle Stables, plus a gift shop and function hosting. Its gardens have been awarded the status of a Garden of International Significance, placing them among a very small number in New Zealand.

Role Overview

This is a varied, practical position focused on guest service and smooth daily operations. The successful person will coordinate accommodation and tour reservations, support front-desk activity, and step in as Duty Manager when needed. In this role, you will represent the property to guests and help ensure every stay is delivered to a high standard.

Key Duties

• Oversee accommodation bookings for the Lodge, Camp Estate, and Stables using the property management system and SiteMinder.
• Coordinate castle and garden tour reservations through FareHarbour.
• Manage guest arrivals and departures, ensure billing is correct, and respond to special requests.
• Take charge of frontline and operational staff during a shift when department heads are unavailable.
• Work with the Reservations and/or Castle Manager to improve occupancy and revenue through upselling and direct booking efforts.
• Organise cover with tour staff as required.
• Complete daily banking checks, night audit tasks, and end-of-day cash balancing.
• Prepare accurate invoices for travel agents and wholesalers.
• Provide general team support whenever needed.
• Keep reservation details accurate to reduce the risk of overbookings.
• Respond to guest questions and complaints in a calm, professional way and escalate issues when appropriate.

About You

You should bring prior experience in hotel front office work or tourism reservations. Experience with RoomMaster, RMS, SiteMinder, and FareHarbour is preferred, although training can be provided. You will need, or be willing and able to obtain, an LCQ or Manager’s Certificate. The role suits someone who stays composed under pressure, communicates clearly, pays close attention to detail, and is comfortable managing cash, billing, and end-of-day reconciliation. A warm, polished approach with guests from all backgrounds and strong organisational skills are also important.

Working Environment and Benefits

• Work in a truly distinctive heritage setting with a scenic atmosphere.
• Complimentary entry to the castle and gardens for you, your partner, and immediate family.
• Staff savings on accommodation, dining, the café, and the gift shop.
• Health support, including reimbursement for flu vaccinations.
• Free on-site parking.
• The site is about 20 minutes from Dunedin CBD.
• Supportive, close-knit colleagues who take pride in their work.

Additional Information

This role is based on-site in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. A full driver’s licence and access to a car are required.