Maitre D

Position Summary

The Maitre d' serves as the face of the restaurant and the first point of contact for guests, creating memorable first impressions while orchestrating the flow of service. This leadership role is responsible for managing reservations, overseeing guest arrivals, optimizing seating arrangements, and ensuring an exceptional hospitality experience from arrival to departure. The ideal candidate is a polished, charismatic hospitality professional with strong organizational skills, emotional intelligence, and a passion for guest engagement

Reports To: General Manager

Core Responsibilities

• Maintain a strong understanding of the restaurant’s cycle of service, dining room layout, table assignments, and guest flow
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of menu offerings, course flow, seasonal changes, preparation methods, and menu limitations
• Lead and facilitate the daily pre-service meeting by reviewing reservations, guest notes, special occasions, allergies, VIPs, and operational updates with the guest relations team and management
• Oversee front door operations during service by greeting guests, tracking reservations and seating status, and ensuring every guest receives a warm and personalized welcome.

Service & Guest Experience

• Ensure all guest-facing areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health regulations
• Approach guest interactions with warmth, confidence, and approachability
• Collaborate closely with managers, servers, and support staff to ensure seamless service execution.
• Monitor dining room activity and assist with pacing to optimize table turns while maintaining service quality.
• Support guest recovery efforts by escalating concerns appropriately and assisting with solutions when needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, and reception areas.
• Assist with opening, running, and closing duties as assigned.
• Create a welcoming, comfortable, and memorable dining experience
• Contribute to a team-oriented environment focused on delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences
• Demonstrate teamwork and support fellow staff during service
• Uphold all service standards

Service & Guest Experience

• Ensure all guest-facing areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health regulations
• Approach guest interactions with warmth, confidence, and approachability
• Collaborate closely with managers, servers, and support staff to ensure seamless service execution.
• Monitor dining room activity and assist with pacing to optimize table turns while maintaining service quality.
• Support guest recovery efforts by escalating concerns appropriately and assisting with solutions when needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, entrance, and reception areas.
• Assist with opening, running, and closing duties as assigned.
• Create a welcoming, comfortable, and memorable dining experience
• Contribute to a team-oriented environment focused on delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences
• Demonstrate teamwork and support fellow staff during service
• Uphold all service standards

Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Maitre d', Lead Host, Guest Relations Manager, or hospitality professional in an upscale casual, fine dining, or luxury hospitality environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong leadership abilities with a guest-first mindset.
• Ability to multitask and perform efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Professional appearance and polished demeanor required
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction
• Experience with RESY systems
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours), and to crouch, bend, and lift or move
• 25+ lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Proficient in English

Salary: $11.35 per hour with tip credit

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned as needed.

More detail about HUMM part of Daniel Humm Hospitality