Join the Team

At ILT we are in the business of people, this is who we are and this is what we do.

With 23 businesses including restaurants, bars and New Zealand’s newest hotel, there’s loads of variety and opportunities for you. From hospo to head office, restaurants to retail (and everything in between) career opportunities abound.

We are focused on building the capabilities of our 650 strong team through on-the-job training support, internship opportunities and educational assistance.

The best part is that the profits generated from all of our diverse parts are returned to the community of Invercargill. That means this is more than just a job; it’s a unique form of social enterprise where everyone plays their part in creating a vibrant Invercargill.

We have a role for you

Start your career with ILT

  • Be part of a supportive and inspiring organisation
  • Training and development pathways forged to create a career
  • Your mahi directly contributes to the wellbeing of our community
  • Work with like-minded, passionate team mates
  • Explore our current vacancies here:

Staff Profiles

Mary Ellen Vercoe

Manager, South City Liquorland

Mary Ellen is known for her lively chat on Facebook, but even she was surprised when one of her posts made national headlines. Her fond farewell to Bernadino a long-standing product, went viral when her followers expressed their sadness about it being discontinued. But it wasn’t just South City customers who were upset about this, it was their friends and their friends’ friends.

Mary Ellen is the manager of South City Liquorland, she’s a familiar face to many as she has been part of the team for over 20 years. Starting out as a casual she worked her way to Assistant Manager and finally taking over as Manager 6 years ago.

Learn more about Mary Ellen here.

Candice Scarlett

Assistant Manager, Meld, The Langlands

Candice Scarlett is one of ILT’s rising hospitality stars, bringing enthusiasm and professionalism to her role as Assistant Manager at Meld. A Bachelor of Hotel Management graduate from SIT, Candice gained hands-on experience across several ILT hotels, starting at the Kelvin Hotel before joining The Langlands team in 2022.

After initially serving as Function Supervisor, Candice stepped into her current management role at the start of 2025. She thrives on the variety Meld offers and enjoys building connections with returning guests a reflection of the restaurant’s growing reputation for quality service and modern dining.

“We’ve got some wonderful regulars now and seeing them come back tells us we’re doing something right,” she says.

Candice credits Meld’s team for the energy behind its success. “We’ve got a young team, but they’re motivated and really work together to deliver top-notch service every single day.”

Earlier this year, Candice received the Scott Richardson Memorial Trust Scholarship, awarded to promising young hospitality professionals. With guidance from mentors Ethan Flack chairman of the trust and Wellington on a Plate founder Sarah Meikle, she seized the opportunity to head abroad, joining Marina Bay Sands in Singapore during the Formula One racing season.

Read more about Candice’s time in Singapore here. 

Make the move South:

Murihiku Southland offers a unique opportunity – fulfilling careers alongside endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and a sense of community. Reimagine your future. Southland offers stunning scenery, vibrant communities, and a strong focus on work-life balance. 

You can enjoy a fantastic lifestyle with plenty of recreational opportunities, top-notch sports facilities, affordable housing, and high-quality educational options. The best part is, you’ll have the time to enjoy it all. Explore why Southland could be the perfect place to launch your next chapter and Get a Life | Get Southland.