Lead Host

Lead Host

The Lead Host plays a key role in creating an exceptional guest experience from arrival through departure. As a senior member of the Host team, you will help oversee the flow of the door, reservations, seating strategy, and guest communication while supporting the Host team in delivering warm, polished, and efficient hospitality.

The ideal candidate combines strong reservation and floor-management skills with a genuine passion for hospitality. You are organized, composed under pressure, attentive to detail, and confident communicating with guests and team members in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting the tone for warm, genuine, and polished hospitality at the door.
• Welcome and acknowledge guests promptly and professionally.
• Recognize VIPs, regular guests, celebrations, and special occasions and communicate relevant information to the service team.
• Anticipate accessibility needs, special requests, and guest preferences.
• Provide accurate wait-time estimates and thoughtful alternatives when immediate seating is unavailable.
• Maintain composure and professionalism during high-volume arrival periods.
• Maintain strong command of the reservation book, floor plan, table availability, and expected business levels.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlists using the restaurant's designated reservation platform.
• Help execute the seating strategy based on reservations, table availability, server rotation, guest needs, and operational pacing.
• Monitor table status and turns throughout service to maximize seating opportunities without compromising the guest experience.
• Coordinate closely with FOH leadership regarding large parties, VIPs, special requests, late arrivals, and reservation challenges.
• Maintain accurate guest profiles, reservation notes, and preferences.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource and point of support for Hosts during service.
• Help ensure the Host team understands daily reservations, VIPs, large parties, events, and service priorities.
• Assist newer Hosts with reservation systems, floor plans, phone etiquette, seating procedures, and JAG hospitality standards.
• Help organize responsibilities at the host stand, including greeting, seating, phones, reservations, and coat check when applicable.
• Maintain continuous awareness of the dining room and communicate table status with Hosts, Servers, Managers, and support teams.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency with the restaurant's reservation and guest-management platform, such as Resy, SevenRooms, TOCK, or equivalent.
• Work collaboratively with Hosts, Servers, Bartenders, Runners, Bussers, Culinary teams, and restaurant leadership.

Requirements include:

• 12+ years of Host, Lead Host, Maitre d', concierge, or comparable guest-facing hospitality experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a high-volume, upscale, or fine dining restaurant strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of reservation management, waitlists, floor plans, table turns, and seating strategy.
• Experience with Resy, SevenRooms, TOCK, OpenTable, or similar reservation platforms preferred.
• Polished verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and make thoughtful decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong guest-recovery and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide direction and support to fellow Hosts while maintaining a collaborative, positive approach.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Reliable attendance and schedule flexibility, including nights, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods.

Working conditions and physical requirements include:

• Stand and walk for extended periods, including shifts of up to 8+ hours.
• Frequent reaching and light lifting up to 2025 lbs.
• Ability to move efficiently between the host stand, entrance, and dining room.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with variable noise and temperature conditions.
• Slip-resistant footwear required.

In return, we offer you:

• Competitive hourly pay plus tips or tip share where applicable
• Opportunities for training, cross-training, and advancement
• Leadership development and opportunities to grow into restaurant management
• Employee dining and partner discounts
• Access to health & wellness benefits where eligible
• Career growth opportunities throughout Jos Andrs Group

Equal Opportunity Employer

• Jos Andrs Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.