Senior Host & Guest Experience Lead

Onni Group of Companies; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Health Savings Account

Flexible Savings Account

Employee Assistance Program

Annual Education Allowance

Referral program

Team building events

Friends and Family rates

Job summary

Onni is seeking a Lead Host in Chicago to oversee the host stand and ensure a superior guest experience from arrival to seating. You will lead the host team, manage reservations and waitlists, and coordinate with management and service staff to optimize seating flow.

You will train and mentor the host team, create daily assignments, provide real-time coaching, and maintain clean, organized lobby areas. This role requires prior hosting (lead or supervisory) and a positive, professional demeanor

Qualifications

• Prior hosting experience required (lead or supervisory experience preferred).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to manage a busy environment and multitask effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Professional appearance and positive attitude.
• Familiarity with reservation systems (OpenTable, Resy) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly and professionally, setting the tone for an outstanding dining experience.
• Manage waitlists and reservations efficiently while maintaining accurate wait time estimates.
• Handle guest concerns, special requests, and escalations with professionalism.
• Ensure guests feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated at all times.
• Supervise, train, and mentor host team members.
• Lead by example in service standards, appearance, and attitude.
• Create daily host assignments and ensure proper shift coverage.
• Provide real-time coaching and feedback to improve performance.
• Manage table rotation and seating to maximize efficiency and server balance.
• Communicate effectively with servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff.
• Maintain accurate records in reservation and seating systems.
• Ensure the host stand, lobby, and entrance areas remain clean and organized.
• Oversee the reservation system setup, updates, and special notes.
• Assist with scheduling, call-outs, and shift adjustments.
• Support management with reporting guest trends or concerns.
• Uphold company policies, procedures, and service standards.

Skills

Guest service

Communication

Organizational skills

Leadership

Tools

OpenTable

Resy

Job description

Onni is seeking a Lead Host in Chicago to oversee the host stand and ensure a superior guest experience from arrival to seating. You will lead the host team, manage reservations and waitlists, and coordinate with management and service staff to optimize seating flow.

You will train and mentor the host team, create daily assignments, provide real-time coaching, and maintain clean, organized lobby areas. This role requires prior hosting (lead or supervisory) and a positive, professional demeanor