Lead Host - CBD Provisions

Compensation Type

Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. 

Location

The Joule Dallas, TX

Built in the 1920s, the neo-Gothic landmark building at 1530 Main Street was originally the Dallas National Bank. It dominated the downtown skyline during a thriving era of Dallas banking and West Texas oil booms. Downtown Dallas flourished through the ’80s, but as the 20th century drew to a close, it was a shadow of its former glory. A decade of development deals and massive renovations transformed the then-vacant bank building into a Forbes four-star boutique hotel. Aptly named after the international unit of energy, The Joule brought a charge to downtown Dallas when it opened in 2008. Through a series of further renovations and expansions as adjacent properties became available, The Joule has become a cultural, shopping, and dining destination—a forerunner in the renaissance of downtown Dallas.

Overview

The Lead Host serves as the opening leader of the restaurant on designated shifts and is responsible for ensuring the restaurant is fully prepared for service prior to management arrival. This role oversees opening procedures, ensuring readiness of the dining room and host stand, communicating with the service teams, and addressing immediate operational needs until a manager assumes responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all opening duties/side work/closing duties are completed accurately and on time.
• Ensure the restaurant is fully prepared for service prior to opening.
• Ensure dining room, host stand, service stations, and restrooms meet hotel standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of the host stand, entryway, and menus. 
• Communicate accurately with servers and managers regarding VIP guests, special occasions, seating preferences, and service notes. 
• Ensure restaurant doors are open on schedule.
• Monitor table maintenance, service timing, and overall guest satisfaction.
• Confirm all staff members arrive on time and are prepared for service.
• Provide shift updates regarding staffing, service challenges, guest feedback, and operational opportunities
• Greet guests warmly and professionally upon arrival, providing an immediate sense of hospitality and welcome. 
• Manage reservations, waitlists, to-go order and seating charts with accuracy and strategic flow. 
• Process payments accurately and follow all POS and cash-handling procedures. 
• Escort guests to tables using refined etiquette and ensure they are comfortably settled. 
• Answer phones using luxury phone etiquette; assist with reservation inquiries, menu questions, and guest requests. 
• Provide menus, offer initial guidance on dining options, and coordinate any pre-arrival guest needs. 
• Assist with coat check, special seating accommodations, and guest accessibility requests. 
• Ensure guests experience a smooth and pleasant departure, thanking them warmly and inviting them to return. 
• Support the service team during peak periods with running tasks such as resetting tables or assisting with service flow. 
• Perform other duties as requested by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience as a Host/Hostess, Restaurant Coordinator, or similar guest-facing role in a restaurant, hotel, or hospitality environment.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or training experience preferred.
• Experience in an upscale, luxury, or high-volume restaurant environment preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide friendly, attentive, and professional customer service
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Capable of standing, walking, and carrying trays for extended periods
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays