Lead Host

About Us:

We are one of Las Vegas’s most iconic Italian restaurants, serving discerning guests since 1982. Known for impeccable service, timeless recipes, and a clientele that includes celebrities, locals, and global travelers alike.

Description

The Lead Host oversees the front door and guest arrival experience at Piero’s Italian Cuisine. This role oversees the host team, manages reservations and dining room flow, and ensures every guest receives a seamless, high-touch experience from arrival to departure.

Acting as the bridge between guests, hosts, and service staff, this individual must confidently manage reservations, seating strategy, and real-time floor decisions in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Mastery of reservation systems, particularly OpenTable, is essential.

Responsibilities

Guest Experience Leadership

• Deliver a polished, welcoming, and professional first impression for all guests
• Handle VIP guests, special requests, and escalated situations with discretion
• Set the tone for hospitality standards at the front door
• Own and manage all reservations through OpenTable, including changes, cancellations, and notes
• Control booking flow to optimize pacing, table turns, and overall service quality
• Manage waitlists, walk-ins, and seating adjustments in real time
• Maintain full visibility of table inventory, timing, and section balance

Dining Room Coordination

• Partner with managers, servers, and bar team to ensure smooth service flow
• Assign tables strategically to balance workload and enhance guest experience
• Oversee bar seating and assist in managing tabs and transitions between bar and dining room
• Anticipate service bottlenecks and adjust proactively

Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and develop the host team
• Provide real-time coaching and maintain accountability for service standards
• Ensure the host stand and entrance area remain organized, clean, and welcoming

Operational Execution

• Maintain accurate reservation logs, guest counts, and seating charts
• Ensure timely and professional handling of all guest communications
• Support front-of-house leadership with daily operations and service execution

Hiring & Recruitment

• Assist management in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting qualified host team candidates.
• Identify individuals who embody hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Participate in onboarding and orientation of new team members.
• Maintain staffing levels appropriate for business demands.
• Assisting administration tasks in sales of BEO

Training & Development

• Train all new hosts on Piero's service standards and expectations.
• Conduct ongoing coaching and performance development.
• Ensure hosts are proficient in:
  • OpenTable operations
  • Reservation management
  • Guest recognition
  • Telephone etiquette
  • Dress code procedures
• VIP service standards
• Seating strategy
• Conflict resolution
• Develop training materials and standard operating procedures as needed.
• Monitor host performance and provide constructive feedback.

Professional Environment

• Set the standard for professionalism, appearance, and hospitality.

• Foster teamwork and accountability within the host department.

• Promote a positive and respectful work environment.

• Address performance concerns promptly and professionally.

• Serve as a role model for service excellence and guest engagement.

• 3+ years of experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant

• Strong proficiency with OpenTable (required)

• Deep understanding of dining room flow, pacing, and guest management

• Excellent communication, organization, and decision-making skills

• Previous experience as a lead host, maître d’, or similar front-of-house leadership role

• Ability to remain composed under pressure in a fast-paced environment

• Professional, polished, and guest-focused demeanor

• Flexible availability (evenings, weekends, holidays)

• Knowledge of classic Italian cuisine and wine a plus

• Must have Clark County Food Handler Card and Alcohol Awareness Card