Lead Host

Zuma - San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World-class training

Global opportunities

Health benefits

401(k) retirement

Family meals

Rewards & recognition

Staff discount

Job summary

Zuma - San Diego is seeking a Lead Host/Lead Receptionist to welcome guests, coordinate seating, and support the front-of-house team in delivering exceptional service. In this leadership role you will manage reservations, oversee the seating plan, assist with waitlists, and ensure a warm, efficient guest experience across busy dining periods in a contemporary Japanese context.

You will train and mentor junior hosts, maintain a tidy host stand, and collaborate with service staff to uphold Zuma’s

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Host, Receptionist, or in a similar role within a high-volume, fine dining establishment.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests upon arrival with a friendly greeting and escort them to their designated table, ensuring a positive first impression.
• Manage the reservation system, including taking bookings, confirming reservations, and managing the seating plan.
• Assist in managing the waitlist and seating chart, optimizing table turnover and accommodating guest preferences in the absence of the Maitre D’ or Reception Manager.
• Provide accurate wait time estimates and manage guest expectations during peak dining hours.
• Handle phone calls and inquiries for guests with to-go orders (where applicable), special requests, and provide general information about the restaurant.
• Maintain a tidy and organized host stand area, including menus, reservation books, and guest amenities.
• Assist with various tasks as needed, including seating guests in the bar area, helping with coat check, and directing guests to restrooms

Skills

Customer service

Guest relations

Team player

Flexible availability

Tools

SevenRooms

Job description

As a Zuma Lead Host/LeadReceptionist, you manage reservations, coordinate seating arrangements, and provides support to the reception team. Your ability to maintain a welcoming and efficient front-of-house environment will be essential in upholding Zuma’s high standards of service.

Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant collection, inspired by the dynamic Izakaya dining style. Our global collection includes four venues across North America's most iconic cities: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. Our venues are icons in each of their hospitality landscapes, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to elevating our guest experiences. Zuma in proud to be part of the Azumi collection.

Life at Zuma

At Zuma, we're more than a restaurant – we're a vibrant community fuelled by the energy that flows from our Robata grills, guided by our core values:

Honor the Mastery - we celebrate every detail, always striving for perfection – putting pride in everything we do

Do Unto Others - we support each other to be at our best, treating every team member and guest with warmth and openness

Embrace the Energy - we bring passion and positivity to everything we do

Main Duties

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Welcome guests upon arrival with a friendly greeting and escort them to their designated table, ensuring a positive first impression
• Manage the reservation system, including taking bookings, confirming reservations, and managing the seating plan
• Assist in managing the waitlist and seating chart, optimizing table turnover and accommodating guest preferences in the absence of the Maitre D’ or Reception Manager
• Provide accurate wait time estimates and manage guest expectations during peak dining hours
• Handle phone calls and inquiries for guests with to-go orders (where applicable), special requests, and provide general information about the restaurant
• Maintain a tidy and organized host stand area, including menus, reservation books, and guest amenities
• Assist with various tasks as needed, including seating guests in the bar area, helping with coat check, and directing guests to restrooms

What We Look For

Our ideal candidate embodies our values and the following:

• A genuine love for culinary experiences & a passion for Japanese cuisine
• A natural team player who is at home working in sync with a large team
• Naturally friendly, customer-oriented, and skilled at creating memorable dining experiences
• 2+ years of experience as a Host, Receptionist, or in a similar role within a high-volume, fine dining establishment
• Experience working with SevenRooms or other reservation systems preferred
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required

Benefits

We offer incredible career growth, international opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a world-renowned brand, where every detail from the finest ingredients to our unrivalled atmosphere is crafted to perfection.

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• World-Class training, designed to inspire and educate
• Global opportunities, experience hospitality around the globe with our five incredible brands
• Health Benefits:Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance to ensure your well-being
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, supporting your long-term financial well-being and future goals
• Family Meals are shared daily
• Rewards & Recognition, we value our team and celebrate your contributions to our success with meaningful rewards and recognition
• Staff discount, enjoy exclusive discounts across the Azumi group, worldwide!

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applicants. If you require any assistance to make the recruitment process more accessible, please let one of our Talent Acquisition team know.

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