Host

ARU; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous staff discounts

Tips

Daily staff meal

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

ARU in Melbourne’s CBD is seeking a Host to join our Front of House team. You will greet guests, manage reservations and seating, and ensure a smooth dining experience from arrival to departure.

The role requires strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to support Section Waiters during busy service periods. RSA in Victoria and availability for evenings, weekends, and public holidays are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Host, Reservations or Front of House role within premium hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of premium service standards, food & beverage, and personalised guest service.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, personalised welcome to all guests and manage reservations and seating throughout service.
• Coordinate table allocations in collaboration with Restaurant Manager and FOH team.
• Assist with food and beverage service when required and support VIP guests and special occasions.

Skills

Host/FOH experience

Premium service standards

Reservation management

POS systems

Tools

Reservation systems

POS systems

Wine knowledge

Job description

ARU is one of Melbourne's most acclaimed restaurants, renowned for its refined service and exceptional dining experience. Celebrated as The Age Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year 2023, ARU currently holds Two Hats and Three Glasses, reflecting our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, innovation and outstanding guest experiences.

At the heart of our success is a passion for developing exceptional people and creating a workplace where talent can thrive. ARU is part of The Windsor Group, a Melbourne-based hospitality collective that also includes The Windsor and Saadi, with exciting new hospitality concepts currently in development.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Host to join our Front of House team. This role is integral to delivering an exceptional guest experience, from reservation and arrival through to the conclusion of the dining experience.

As the first point of contact, the Host creates a warm welcome, manages reservations, coordinates seating and ensures the smooth flow of service.

This versatile role requires strong organisation, attention to detail and a genuine passion for hospitality, with the ability to assist Section Waiters and support the wider Front of House team when required.

• Provide a warm, professional and personalised welcome to all guests.
• Manage reservations, arrivals, walk-ins, waitlists and seating throughout service.
• Maintain strong knowledge of reservations, table availability, guest preferences, dietary requirements, special occasions and VIP guests.
• Coordinate table allocations and seating flow in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager and Front of House team.
• Manage guest enquiries and requests with professionalism and discretion.
• Maintain accurate reservation notes and guest profiles to support personalised service.
• Assist Section Waiters with food and beverage service, including running food, clearing tables, water service and general table maintenance.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of menu items, ingredients and dietary considerations when assisting guests.
• Proactively support the Front of House team during busy service periods and transition between hosting and floor duties as required.
• Maintain the presentation of the restaurant and contribute to opening, closing and daily service preparations.
• Participate in briefings and communicate relevant guest and reservation information to the wider team.

Our successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience in a Host, Reservations or Front of House role within a premium hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of premium service standards, food and beverage, and personalised guest service.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Confidence managing reservations, seating and guest enquiries in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask, remain composed and proactively support the Front of House team.
• Professional presentation and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• A current Victorian RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol).
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.
• Fine-dining or hatted restaurant experience.
• Experience with reservation and POS systems.
• Wine knowledge.
• Experience with VIP guests and special occasions.

What We Offer:

• Central CBD location close to public transport.
• Generous staff discounts across the group, tips and daily staff meal.
• Career advancement opportunities within our expanding group.

You must have full and permanent working rights in Australia to apply.