Lead Host

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Lead Host
Location: City, State
Reports To: Floor Manager / Assistant General Manager / General Manager
Department: Front of House – Guest Services
Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt

About José Andrés Group

José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.

Position Summary

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

Guest Reception & Hospitality

• Set 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.

Reservations, Waitlist & Seating Strategy

• 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.
• Communicate delays or changes proactively to guests and the service team.

Lead Host & Team Support

• 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.
• Model professionalism, urgency, organization, and exceptional hospitality.
• Communicate operational or guest concerns promptly to restaurant leadership.
• Support leadership in maintaining consistent Host standards throughout the shift.

Guest Communication & Recovery

• Handle guest questions, reservation concerns, and seating requests with confidence and empathy.
• Assist with resolving minor guest concerns at the door and engage a Manager when additional support is required.
• Maintain polished and courteous phone and email communication.
• Accurately capture reservation inquiries, special requests, messages, and potential event leads.
• Communicate allergies, celebrations, VIP information, and guest preferences to Servers and leadership.
• Protect guest privacy and handle sensitive guest information professionally.

Dining Room Flow & Communication

• Maintain continuous awareness of the dining room and communicate table status with Hosts, Servers, Managers, and support teams.
• Coordinate seating with FOH leadership to maintain balanced server sections and appropriate pacing.
• Help prevent bottlenecks at the door and ensure an organized arrival and departure experience.
• Communicate changes in business levels, reservation pacing, and guest needs promptly.
• Partner with the service and culinary teams to support a smooth overall guest experience.

Host Stand Readiness & Presentation

• Maintain a clean, organized, and presentation-ready host stand and entrance.
• Ensure menus, collateral, reservation materials, and daily signage are current and properly presented.
• Maintain organization of coat check and guest belongings when applicable.
• Assist with lobby and entrance checks and ensure guest pathways remain clean and accessible.
• Complete assigned opening and closing responsibilities.

Technology & Systems

• Demonstrate strong proficiency with the restaurant's reservation and guest-management platform, such as Resy, SevenRooms, TOCK, or equivalent.
• Maintain accurate guest profiles, reservation notes, waitlist information, and table status.
• Process reservation confirmations, cancellations, waitlist notifications, and guest communications accurately.
• Follow established procedures for POS and other restaurant technology as applicable.

Teamwork & Culture

• Work collaboratively with Hosts, Servers, Bartenders, Runners, Bussers, Culinary teams, and restaurant leadership.
• Participate actively in pre-shift meetings and training.
• Support the Host team during peak periods and changing business needs.
• Demonstrate JAG values, professionalism, inclusivity, and a team-first mindset.
• Remain receptive to coaching and continuously seek opportunities to improve the guest experience.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 1–2+ 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 & Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods, including shifts of up to 8+ hours.
• Frequent reaching and light lifting up to 20–25 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 José Andrés Group

Equal Opportunity Employer

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