Assistant Manager/Host
Could YOU be a face of Team DH?
Position Overview:
Seeking a dynamic and polished Assistant Manager to double as our Lead Host. As a face of the restaurant, you’ll seamlessly bridge the space between our Michelin-level kitchen and our guests. You’ll aim for industry recognition, whilst embodying a no-problem attitude. We're about outstanding food without pretension or inflated prices, so you’ll be incredibly efficient and excel at creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Hospitality and atmosphere are everything, so you’ll be adept at optimising table turnover while ensuring every guest feels valued, and leaves knowing they’ve been somewhere special, without breaking the bank.
Key Responsibilities
1. Guest Experience & Hospitality
- Be the primary point of contact as guests arrive, setting a tone of warmth, professionalism, and anticipation.
- Manage the Tabology reservation system to optimise seating flow and minimise wait times while maintaining a comfortable and unrushed pace.
- Anticipate guest needs and resolve minor issues immediately; escalate any problems to the General Manager or Head Chef with discretion.
- Ensure the dining room ambiance (lighting, music, table settings) aligns with our ‘accessible fine dining’ brand.
2. Operational Management & Flow
- Coordinate closely with the Head Chef to manage seating capacity based on kitchen readiness and course pacing.
- Monitor table turnover rates to ensure efficiency while avoiding guests feeling hurried.
- Oversee the opening and closing procedures for the FOH, including cash handling, POS reconciliation, and security checks.
- Manage the waitlist effectively, communicating accurate wait times and keeping guests engaged.
3. Team Leadership & Training
- Mentor and train servers, bartenders, and junior hosts on service standards, wine knowledge, and menu storytelling.
- Conduct pre-shift briefings to communicate menu highlights, any 86'd items, and special promotions.
- Foster a collaborative culture between on-stage and back-stage teams, ensuring smooth communication regarding allergies, special requests, and timing.
- Assist in scheduling staff to cover peak hours efficiently.
4. Admin
- Handle guest feedback, complaints, and compliments with grace and professionalism.
- Assist with inventory management for FOH supplies (sundries, glassware, POS materials et al).
- Support marketing efforts by engaging with guests on social media or local community platforms.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in high-volume, upscale casual or fine-dining restaurants.
- Proven experience in a dual role (Assistant Manager/Host) or strong leadership experience in FOH.
- Exceptional communication skills in English and, ideally, Spanish.
- Strong understanding of reservation management software and POS systems.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive during high-pressure service periods.
Preferred Attributes
- A clear understanding of value and affordable luxury; ability to balance speed with genuine hospitality.
- Crowd Control: Experience managing long waitlists and turning them into positive experiences (e.g., engaging waiting guests, managing expectations).
- Menu Storytelling: Ability to articulate the story behind the dishes.
- Adaptability: Comfortable wearing multiple hats and mucking in - from greeting guests to stepping in to bus tables or run food during rushes.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + performance-based bonuses
- Opportunity to shape and lead the culture of a rising-star restaurant.
- Comprehensive training in high-end service standards.
- Discounts, tronc & tips.
Application Requirements
To apply, send CV, detailing your FOH leadership experience and a cover letter describing your philosophy on balancing efficiency with hospitality. Salut!
Work Location: In person
