Reception Manager - New Opening

JKS Restaurants Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch after probation

Dining discounts across JKS brands

CODE App membership

Job summary

Chaiyo Restaurants, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, is opening a landmark fine dining Thai concept in Central London early 2027. We are seeking a talented Reception Manager to lead an extraordinary new chapter — delivering exceptional Thai hospitality at the very highest level.

As Reception Manager, you will inspire and develop the reception team, manage reservations and guest journeys from arrival to departure, and build lasting relationships with regulars and the local community.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Reception Manager, ideally within a fine-dining restaurant environment.
• Proven ability to lead a guest‑facing team with warmth and professionalism.
• Strong knowledge of reservations, guest flow and VIP relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop a confident reception team.
• Manage guest journey from reservations to departure.
• Build relationships with regulars, VIPs and the local community.
• Coordinate reservations, walk-ins and table allocations to optimise guest experience.
• Address guest feedback with discretion and care.
• Collaborate with the wider restaurant team for a seamless guest experience.
• Monitor booking patterns, table turnover and reception performance.
• Maintain strong knowledge of our food, beverage offering and London scene.

Skills

Reception leadership

Guest relations

Reservation management

Team development

Job description

Experience - Previous experience as a Reception Manager, ideally within a fine-dining restaurant environment

Chaiyo Restaurants, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, is seeking a talented and passionate Reception Manager to lead an extraordinary new chapter — a landmark fine dining Thai restaurant opening in Central London early 2027.

If you're ready to be part of one of the most exciting new openings in London's culinary scene, working alongside a world-class team committed to delivering exceptional food, drinks and genuine Thai hospitality at the very highest level, we want to hear from you.

Chaiyo Group

Chaiyo was born from Chef Luke Farrell's near two-decade love affair with Thailand — its food, its spirit, and its people. Having opened Plaza Khao Gaeng on Tottenham Court Road, Borough Market, Covent Garden, Speedboat Bar in Chinatown and Notting Hill. Chaiyo has built a reputation for restaurants that carry the true soul of Thai life into the heart of London. Each venue is an expression of a culture Luke has called home, celebrated through vibrant food, warm hospitality, and an infectious passion for sharing it all.

Central to Chaiyo's ethos is Luke's Ryewater Nursery in Dorset, where a growing collection of tropical greenhouses supplies the restaurants with the brilliantly fresh herbs and aromatics that are essential to genuine Thai cooking — an extraordinary commitment to quality and provenance that sets Chaiyo apart.

Now, in partnership with JKS Restaurants — one of the UK's most celebrated and ambitious restaurant groups — Chaiyo is taking a bold new step: a fine dining Thai concept with huge ambitions, set to become one of London's most talked-about openings

The Position

As Reception Manager, you will be responsible for creating a memorable experience for every guest, from reservation through to departure. You’ll be a hands‑on, proactive and enthusiastic leader, bringing your personality to the role and inspiring the reception team to deliver exceptional service. With a genuine passion for hospitality, you’ll build strong relationships with guests, anticipate their needs and ensure every detail is considered.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading, inspiring and developing a confident and personable reception team;
• Managing the guest journey, from reservations and arrival through to departure;
• Building strong relationships with regulars, VIPs and our local community;
• Managing reservations, walk‑ins and table allocations to maximise guest experience and business levels;
• Handling guest feedback and resolving issues with warmth, professionalism and discretion;
• Working closely with the wider restaurant team to ensure a seamless experience;
• Monitoring booking patterns, table turnover and reception performance;
• Maintaining strong knowledge of our food and beverage offering and the London restaurant scene

At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.

Award-Winning Workplace

• Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

Dining & Hospitality

• Lunch for 2 after probation
• Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
• CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants
• Self care salary - £500 additional salary to spend on your self care. After 1 years service
• Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
• 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare
• 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it
• Health, legal, money and debt support services available

Entertainment

• Up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)
• Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK
• Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it
• Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning
• Company donations for your involvement with charities

Special Occasions & Recognition

• Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions
• Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment
• Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral
• Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)

The Group

JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2026.

The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin‑starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend‑focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people‑focused, collaborative hospitality group.