Senior Receptionist

JR United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Receptionist to deliver an exceptional dining experience. In this role, you will warmly greet and guide guests, manage reservations, and ensure seamless communication with the team. Your professionalism and discretion will be vital when interacting with high-profile guests. You'll also be responsible for planning the dining area to maximize service quality and guest satisfaction. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will enhance the overall guest experience and make a significant impact in a vibrant hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in hospitality or restaurant settings is preferred.
• Fluent in spoken English; multilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly and guide them to their destination.
• Manage floor and reservations planning for optimal seating.
• Ensure high standards of service and guest satisfaction.

Skills

Communication Skills

Planning and Organizational Skills

Time Management

Customer Service

Discretion and Professionalism

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Guest Center/Open Table

Job description

As a Senior Receptionist (Host), the core responsibility is to ensure prompt, friendly, and welcoming recognition of all guests while delivering a seamless experience throughout their dining journey. This includes checking in their belongings, directing them to the appropriate seating or bar areas, assisting with drinks (using a tray), and providing attentive, courteous service. Clear communication with the team; waiters, management, and kitchen staff is also essential, as is updating guest preferences in their profiles for a personalized experience. The role also requires a high level of discretion and professionalism when interacting with high-profile guests.

Additionally, a key aspect of the role includes floor and reservations planning, ensuring that tables are optimally assigned based on guest needs, maximizing covers while maintaining a high standard of service throughout the restaurant.

Job Duties:

• Greet guests in a warm, professional, and efficient manner and guide them to their intended destination (seating, bar, etc.)
• Manage floor and reservations planning, ensuring efficient use of seating while considering guest preferences and reservation details
• Communicate clearly and effectively with guests and team members, ensuring all requests and concerns are addressed
• Answer phones promptly, following appropriate scripting
• Coordinate with reservations and the ground floor team to manage live restaurant availability and maximize covers
• Bid farewell to guests, ensuring a positive end to their dining experience
• Ensure all menus are clean, accurate, and distributed across stations
• Assign tables based on guest needs and preferences, considering the flow of the restaurant
• Maintain cleanliness and proper setup of dining and serving areas
• Address guest satisfaction, including any concerns or complaints, and resolve them effectively
• Record dining reservations accurately via Guest Center/Open Table, keeping the database updated
• Promote and provide information about events, promotions, and menu offerings
• Liaise with kitchen, management, and serving staff to ensure seamless service
• Assist guests with coats and bags at the cloakroom, ensuring property security
• Stay informed on venue concepts, menu items, and events to enhance guest interactions
• Attend daily reception briefings for operational updates
• Build strong relationships with building tenants as part of a guest recognition program
• Handle special guest requests, dietary requirements, and event bookings
• Manage lost property according to SOP
• Follow reception duties outlined in the SOP manual and maintain grooming standards
• Ensure all health, safety, and food hygiene requirements are met
• Handle high-profile guests with the utmost professionalism, maintaining discretion and ensuring their experience is exceptional at all times

Minimum Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills at all levels
• Prior experience working with high-profile guests, ensuring their needs are met with the highest level of service
• Strong planning, time management, and organizational skills, with a particular focus on floor and reservations planning to maximize restaurant capacity and service quality
• Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and guests
• A keen sense of ownership, responsibility, and a desire to exceed expectations
• Fluent in spoken English (multilingual skills are a plus)
• Prior experience in hospitality or restaurant settings is preferred
• Familiarity with data management and reservation systems
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Flexibility with scheduling and work hours
• Must be eligible to live and work in the UK without restrictions