GiGi Manchester - Head Host

Gusto Restaurants Ltd; Manchester, Lancashire; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption

Cycle to Work Scheme

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Gusto Restaurants Ltd in Manchester is seeking a Head Host for GiGi to own the reservations and guest journey, turning enquiries into anticipation and bookings into occasions.

You will manage the diary, maximise covers and revenue, handle telephone, email and online enquiries with warmth, and work closely with management and the host team to ensure every service is set up for success.

Qualifications

• Experience in reservations, hosting or restaurant management within premium hospitality.
• Outstanding communication skills and warm, engaging manner.
• Commercially aware with the ability to optimise diary management.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the reservations diary and optimise every service.
• Maximise covers and revenue while maintaining guest experience quality.
• Handle telephone, email and online enquiries with warmth and professionalism.
• Build relationships with guests and recognise regulars.
• Coordinate with management and teams to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Reservations experience

Excellent communication

Commercial awareness

Organised & detail-oriented

Tools

Reservation systems

Job description

Head Host

GiGi

THE ROLE

At GiGi, the guest experience begins long before they arrive at the restaurant.

As our Head Host, you’ll be the person who turns an enquiry into anticipation, a booking into an occasion and every interaction into the beginning of exceptional hospitality.

You’ll take ownership of our reservations and guest journey, ensuring we maximise every opportunity while creating a warm, personal and effortless experience from the very first conversation.

This is more than managing a booking system. You’ll understand the rhythm of the restaurant, know how to maximise our diary without compromising service and work closely with the management, host and sales teams to ensure every service is set up for success.

From celebrations and special requests to large parties and returning regulars, you’ll make sure our guests feel recognised, understood and excited to visit GiGi.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

– Take ownership of the reservations diary, ensuring bookings are managed effectively and every service is optimised

– Maximise covers and revenue while protecting the quality of the guest experience

– Manage telephone, email and online reservation enquiries with warmth, confidence and professionalism

– Build strong relationships with guests, recognising regulars and understanding individual preferences

– Manage special occasions, requests and VIP bookings, ensuring details are communicated to the restaurant team

– Work closely with the management team to plan table allocations and maximise availability

– Review upcoming services, identifying opportunities, challenges and key guest information in advance

– Manage waitlists, cancellations and last-minute availability to maximise every service

– Support the management of larger bookings, group dining and event enquiries

– Ensure all guest notes and booking information are accurate and kept up to date

– Work closely with the Host team to ensure a seamless transition from reservation to arrival

– Communicate key booking information during pre-shift briefings so the team is prepared for the service ahead

– Develop a strong understanding of GiGi’s menus, drinks, events and experiences so you can confidently guide our guests

– Use reservation data and booking trends to identify opportunities to grow covers and improve performance

– Help build a database of loyal guests and encourage repeat visits

– Handle guest queries and challenges with confidence, finding solutions that leave a positive impression

WHO YOU ARE

You’ll understand that reservations are about much more than filling tables — they’re about creating relationships and making every guest feel important.

You’ll be someone who:

– Has previous experience in reservations, hosting, reception or restaurant management, ideally within a premium hospitality environment

– Has exceptional communication skills and a naturally warm, engaging manner

– Is commercially aware and understands how effective diary management can drive restaurant performance

– Is highly organised and confident managing multiple priorities

– Has excellent attention to detail and remembers the things that matter to guests

– Can balance maximising covers with protecting the guest experience

– Is confident using reservation and booking systems

– Remains calm, solutions-focused and professional during busy periods

– Enjoys building relationships with guests and creating reasons for them to return

– Works collaboratively with restaurant management, hosts, sales and the wider team

– Takes ownership and is always looking for opportunities to make a difference

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

– Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay

– Apprenticeship and development opportunities

– Cycle to Work Scheme

– Opportunities to develop and progress your career

– Plus loads more

WHY GiGi?

GiGi is a love letter to Italian dining at its most glamorous — inspired by the golden age of Italian style, hospitality and the pleasure of staying out.

Our restaurant is a vibrant, bustling destination where great Italian food, outstanding drinks and genuine hospitality come together.

We believe exceptional hospitality starts before a guest walks through our doors. As Reservations Manager, you’ll play a key role in creating that experience — knowing our guests, understanding our restaurant and making every booking count.

At GiGi, we don’t simply take reservations. We create anticipation.

Are you the Head Host we’re looking for? Apply now and come and be part of GiGi.