Maître d' / Host — Guest Experience Leader

Ironbar Saloon; Port Douglas; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Supportive workplace culture

Work-life balance

Safe, inclusive workplace

Job summary

Ironbar Saloon in Port Douglas, QLD, seeks an experienced Restaurant Duty Manager / Host (Maître d') to lead the front-of-house team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. This full-time role oversees reservations, guest relations, and day-to-day operations across service periods.

You will train staff, coordinate with the kitchen, manage capacity, and maintain high standards of service, presentation and safety, including health and licensing compliance. RSA is desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as Maître d', Host or Duty Manager in a high-volume venue.
• Proven front-of-house management and guest relations experience.
• Strong leadership with ability to mentor a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and professional demeanor.
• Organisational and multitasking abilities under pressure.
• Knowledge of hospitality systems and POS.
• RSA certification current or willingness to obtain.
• Customer-focused mindset delivering exceptional experiences.
• Desirable: experience in Australian hospitality venues or tourist destinations.

Responsibilities

• Greeting and welcoming guests, managing reservations and walk-ins.
• Overseeing dining room during service; manage tables and guest satisfaction.
• Training and mentoring front-of-house staff.
• Managing restaurant capacity, turnover times to optimise revenue.
• Handling guest inquiries and complaints with diplomacy.
• Maintaining presentation and cleanliness of dining area.
• Coordinating with kitchen and management for smooth service.
• Managing reservations systems and guest records.
• Conducting pre-service briefings on specials and objectives.
• Assisting with staff scheduling and rostering.
• Supporting promotional activities and ensuring health, safety, and licensing compliance.

Skills

Guest relations

FOH management

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Reservation software

POS systems

RSA certification

Tools

Reservation software

Point-of-sale (POS)

Job description

Ironbar Saloon in Port Douglas, QLD, seeks an experienced Restaurant Duty Manager / Host (Maître d') to lead the front-of-house team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. This full-time role oversees reservations, guest relations, and day-to-day operations across service periods.

You will train staff, coordinate with the kitchen, manage capacity, and maintain high standards of service, presentation and safety, including health and licensing compliance. RSA is desirable.