Host

Santa Monica Proper; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Career development programs

Job summary

Santa Monica Proper in Los Angeles is seeking a Restaurant Host to be the first point of contact for guests. You will manage reservations, greet guests, and ensure prompt and comfortable seating. The role requires strong communication skills and a positive attitude to enhance guests' dining experiences.

This position values customer service experience and organizational skills, providing a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. Joining Proper means contributing to a team dedicated to extraordinary hospitality.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role preferred.
• Familiarity with reservation systems and customer service standards required.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the restaurant for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly and manage reservations efficiently.
• Coordinate seating arrangements and assist with guest inquiries.
• Monitor dining area and address any guest concerns during service.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Ability to multitask

Customer service experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Reservation systems

Job description

The Restaurant Host is the first point of contact for guests upon arrival, responsible for providing a warm, welcoming, and efficient experience from the moment they enter the restaurant. You will manage reservations, greet guests, manage waitlists, and coordinate seating arrangements to ensure that guests are seated promptly and comfortably. As a key member of the front‑of‑house team, you will also assist with guest inquiries, maintain the flow of service, and ensure that the dining area is organized and prepared for each shift.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Guest Greeting & Reception

• Greet guests with a friendly, professional demeanor as they arrive at the restaurant, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued.
• Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, providing guests with information about the restaurant’s menu, specials, and wait times.
• Escort guests to their designated tables, assist with seating arrangements, and ensure that they are comfortable.
• Establish rapport with guests by remembering their preferences and special requests to enhance their dining experience.
• Manage restaurant reservations through phone, email, or reservation system, ensuring accuracy in booking details (e.g., guest count, special requests).
• Maintain and update the waitlist, notifying guests promptly when their table is ready.
• Monitor dining room flow, balancing the seating arrangements and ensuring timely seating of guests, especially during peak hours.

Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate with the front‑of‑house and kitchen teams to ensure smooth guest transitions, seating, and timely service.
• Communicate with the server team to ensure that they are informed of guest preferences, special requests, or any dietary restrictions.
• Assist in managing guest flow during peak dining times to prevent bottlenecks and ensure that all guests are seated in a timely manner.
• Answer phone calls and address guest inquiries regarding menu items, wait times, special events, and restaurant policies.

Guest Experience & Problem Resolution

• Monitor the dining area to ensure guests are enjoying their experience, and proactively address any guest concerns or needs.
• Handle guest complaints or issues with professionalism, escalating to management if necessary, and ensuring the issue is resolved swiftly and satisfactorily.
• Maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even during busy or high‑pressure periods, ensuring a positive environment for both guests and staff.

Team Support

• Work closely with the server, bartender, and management teams to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
• Assist in the training of new hosts, sharing best practices for guest service and operations.
• Provide support during busy times by helping to answer phones, assist with coat checks, or help guests with additional requests.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role, particularly in a restaurant, is preferred.
• Familiarity with reservation systems, phone etiquette, and customer service standards.
• Experience handling guest inquiries, managing waitlists, and working in a high‑volume environment is a plus.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with guests and team members in a friendly and professional manner.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism during busy dining hours and high‑stress situations.
• Proficient in handling guest reservations, managing waitlists, and using reservation software or systems.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the restaurant for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items such as menus, supplies, or occasionally heavier items like seating materials.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment with frequent interaction with guests.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people — and that begins with the team behind them. As a best‑in‑class employer, we’re committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession – it’s an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment — a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job — it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state‑protected category. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.