Venue Manager - New Kids Entertainment Centre

About Us

IMAGINATIONATION isn’t a play centre. It’s anadventure into imaginationwhere children climb, run, and explore extraordinary worlds while their grown-ups enjoygreat coffee, wholesome food, and a moment to breathe.

We’re about families, kids, fun, adventure, exploration and hospitality done properly. Our flagship opens atChadstone Shopping Centre in November 2025. This is our very first hire. If you’ve ever wanted to be at the start of something truly special, this is it.

The Role

As Venue Manager, you’ll be the beating heart of IMAGINATIONATION. You’ll lead a diverse team of Play Guides, Educators, Café staff, and Duty Managers to deliver seamless, safe, and unforgettable experiences for families.

Your role will be hands-on, energetic, and people-first, from greeting families at the door to supporting your team in the café, to ensuring every play zone is buzzing with energy and magic. You’ll balance operations, safety, financial performance, and team culture with a focus on premium service and play-based learning outcomes.

Leading, coaching, and inspiring a team of 40+ staff across play, café, reception, and education.

Ensuring world-class guest experiences in every corner of the venue.

Maintaining safe, clean, and efficient operations that align with our Play & Learning Framework.

Managing rosters, budgets, labour costs, and financial performance.

Driving staff development, training, and progression pathways.

Collaborating with leadership on events, activations, and partnerships.

Being present and visible on the floor - especially during weekends, holidays, and peak trading times - our busiest and most magical times

About You

We’re not just looking for a manager, we’re looking for a leader who thrives on energy, fun, and purpose. You love kids and you’ll be motivated by creating joy for families, building strong teams, and running a world class operation that balances play, learning, and hospitality.

Proven experience managing large teams in hospitality, attractions, family entertainment, or early learning.

Chat easily with kids, put a smile on their faces, and make parents feel welcome.

Appreciate food and coffee as much as play and adventure.

Strong operational know-how (rostering, budgets, safety, compliance, guest flow).

A genuine passion for delivering premium experiences that families remember forever.

See this as an opportunity to be hire #1 in a business looking to grow.

Ready to work weekends and school holidays (our busiest times).

What We Offer

A competitive salary $90–110k + super, depending on experience.

The opportunity to lead the flagship site of Australia’s most exciting new family brand.

A supportive, collaborative leadership team.

Ongoing professional development, training, and growth opportunities.

Being part of something truly special—from day one.

Lots of FUN!