Job Overview

The Maitre D'/ Lead Host is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the guest arrival and departure experience while ensuring seamless management of reservations, seating, and guest communications. As the first and last point of contact for guests, the Lead Host serves as an ambassador for the our team, delivering exceptional hospitality and leading the host team to provide a warm, professional, and personalized experience.

Responsibilities

- Greet all guests warmly and professionally upon arrival.
- Manage the guest journey from reservation confirmation through departure.
- Anticipate and accommodate guest preferences, special occasions, and dietary requirements.
- Handle guest inquiries, requests, and concerns with professionalism and discretion.
- Maintain the highest standards of hospitality and service excellence.
- Oversee reservation systems, ensuring accuracy and optimization of restaurant capacity.
- Manage seating assignments to maximize guest flow and operational efficiency.
- Confirm upcoming bookings and maintain waitlists when required.
- Coordinate closely with management and service teams regarding VIP guests and special requests.
- Monitor reservation trends and communicate opportunities or concerns to management.
- Maintain accurate guest profiles and reservation notes.
- Respond promptly and professionally to telephone, email, and online inquiries.
- Assist with private dining and event inquiries when required.
- Prepare daily reservation reports and service notes.
- Support management with administrative projects and guest communications.




- Ensure the reception area is impeccably maintained at all times.
- Work closely with culinary and service teams to ensure seamless service execution.
- Monitor dining room pacing and communicate changes effectively.
- Uphold restaurant policies, procedures, and health and safety standards.

Experience

- Minimum 4 years of hosting or guest services experience in a fine dining, luxury hospitality, or upscale restaurant environment.
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience with reservation platforms such as OpenTable, SevenRooms, Tock, or similar systems.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Professional appearance and demeanor.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Luxury hospitality mindset
- Leadership and coaching ability
- Guest relations excellence
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Time management and organization
- Professional communication
- Team collaboration

Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive hourly wage or salary based on experience
- Gratuity participation (where applicable)
- Staff dining perks
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunities for advancement within the organization

This role is ideal for a hospitality professional who is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences while leading a team dedicated to service excellence.

Pay: $17.60-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 44.0 per week

Benefits:

- Discounted or free food

Work Location: In person

📌 maître d'/lead host (Toronto)
🏢 Enigma Yorkville
📍 Toronto