Maitre D. — Guest Experience Lead

Yardbird DC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Yardbird DC is seeking an experienced Maitre’D to oversee the front-of-house, supervise the host team and coordinate dining room flow. You will report to the General Manager and work closely with kitchen and management to ensure excellent guest service.

The role requires at least 3 years in hospitality sales and management, exceptional communication skills, a polished appearance, and the ability to manage reservations, seating, and guest requests in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of hospitality sales and management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Must be able to maintain tact and cool under pressure.
• Able to work flexible hours necessary including off hours, weekends and holidays.
• Able to effectively communicate in English in both oral and written forms.
• Professional and polished appearance and demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Enthusiastically welcomes every guest at the door.
• Ability to clearly communicate with all guests.
• Manage and maximize guests reservations and restaurant seating capacity.
• Ensure all social media coming out of the front door is a 4.5 or higher.
• Always approaches and moves towards the guest. Never waits for the guest to come to them.
• Goes above and beyond to accommodate guests’ special requests.
• Shows guests to their table while providing welcoming service.
• Graciously says goodbye to all guests and extends an invitation to return to visit soon
• Oversee daily restaurant reservations, pre - assign seating where necessary.
• Communicate with Restaurant Reservations regarding special orders, cake orders, and special requests – responsible for conveying all such information to management.
• Answer restaurant telephone courteously and efficiently.
• Escort guests to tables and assist in seating at tables; present menus and extend pleasantries.
• Shut down podium and forward phones to voice - loop at end of shift.
• Work as a team, assist with all guests’ and employees’ needs and inquiries.
• Maintain positive guest relations at all times.
• Resolve guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Be familiar with all restaurant activities ( live music, DJ and events) to respond to guest inquiries accurately.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned work areas.
• Maintain complete knowledge of scheduled daily activities and in - house groups, daily house count, table/seat/station numbers, proper table set ups, room capacity, hours of operation, price range and dress code of the restaurant.
• Effectively communicate with management, chefs and culinary staff in order to fulfill and address any issues or needs requested by guests and or other employees.
• Maintain the cleanliness and counts of all menus.
• Effectively communicate with management, when menus need to be reprinted.
• Effectively communicate with management, chefs and culinary staff in order to fulfill and address any issues or needs requested by guests and or other employees.
• Perform all other job-related duties as requested.
• Constantly train current host staff and new host staff
• Manage lounge seating and lounge tables sales
• Manage Speakeasy RSVPs and table sales
• Assist in communicating manpower needs and hiring of incoming hosts
• Recognize and share opportunities to enhance the guest experience at both the front door and lounge

Skills

Hospitality sales experience

Management experience

Verbal communication

Written communication

Critical thinking

Decision making

Tact under pressure

Flexible hours

English proficiency

Professional appearance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Yardbird DC is seeking an experienced Maitre’D to oversee the front-of-house, supervise the host team and coordinate dining room flow. You will report to the General Manager and work closely with kitchen and management to ensure excellent guest service.

The role requires at least 3 years in hospitality sales and management, exceptional communication skills, a polished appearance, and the ability to manage reservations, seating, and guest requests in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.