Maitre D - fine dining steakhouse

Are you passionate about delivering the most exceptional guest experiences? As Maître d' of 14 Prime, recently rated #1 steakhouse in Jacksonville, Florida, you’ll oversee the Host team and help manage Front of House (FOH) operations, ensuring the very best guest experiences and team culture. Our Maître d’ will be the primary ambassador of hospitality and the leader of the dining room experience. This role oversees guest reception, reservation flow, service pacing, and front‐of‐house coordination to ensure a seamless, elegant, and memorable dining experience. The Maître d’ sets the tone for service excellence, leads the host team, and partners closely with management, servers, and the culinary team.

Responsibilities:

Guest Experience Leadership

• Greet and welcome guests with warmth, professionalism, and fine‐dining etiquette.
• Communicate with excellence in person, via email and on the phone with guests and team.
• Manage VIP recognition, special occasions, and discreet handling of high‐profile guests.
• Resolve guest concerns with diplomacy, confidence, and service recovery best practices.
• Maintain the ambiance of the dining room, including lighting, music, cleanliness, and table presentation.

Reservation & Floor Management

• Oversee reservation systems, waitlists, and guest communication.
• Strategically assign tables to balance guest preferences, pacing, and server workload.
• Coordinate seating times with the kitchen to maintain smooth service flow.
• Track and manage turn times, large parties, and special requests.

Service Coordination & Quality Control

• Direct the host stand, servers, and support staff during service.
• Monitor pacing of courses and collaborate with the kitchen on timing adjustments.
• Ensure service standards, etiquette, and sequence of service are consistently upheld.
• Conduct pre‐shift briefings to communicate reservations, VIPs, menu changes, and service priorities.

Team Leadership & Training

• Train hosts and servers on hospitality standards, guest engagement, and fine‐dining protocol.
• Provide coaching to maintain professionalism and service consistency.
• Support onboarding of new FOH staff and reinforce 14 Prime culture and expectations.
• Serve as a role model for poise, communication, and guest‐first behavior.

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Maintain reservation system, guest notes, and VIP profiles.
• Assist with scheduling, staffing needs, and host‐stand organization.
• Oversee inventory of menus, linens, supplies, and all guest‐facing materials.
• Support private dining inquiries, event coordination, and special service setups.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.

Do you have these Skills & Experience?

• 2–5 years of experience in fine dining or luxury hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of service etiquette and menu presentation.
• Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and guest‐service skills.
• Ability to lead teams in a fast‐paced, high‐expectation environment.
• Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Detail-oriented and adaptable.
• Proficiency with MS Office and reservation platforms (e.g., OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms).

Preferred Attributes

• Polished, professional presence and refined interpersonal skills.
• High emotional intelligence and situational awareness.
• Ability to anticipate guest needs and personalize experiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• AAA Five Diamond or Forbes 5 Star training is a big plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed.
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• A dining room that feels calm, elegant, and expertly paced.
• Guests who feel recognized, cared for, and eager to return.
• A FOH team that is confident, coordinated, and aligned.
• A seamless partnership between service and culinary teams.

Apply today to join our remarkable culture and dedicated team!

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $55k-$62k based upon experience

Benefits:

Dental & vision insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid training

Life insurance & other benefits!

License/Certification: Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate to Jacksonville, FL