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Host / Hostess Job Description Template

A ready-to-edit host / hostess job description with duties, qualifications and skills. Copy it as it is, or customise it for your company, location and seniority with our free AI job description generator.

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Job summary

The Host / Hostess serves as the first point of contact for guests, creating a welcoming and organized front-of-house environment. The role manages guest arrivals, table assignments, and reservation flow to ensure a smooth dining service. Success is measured by positive guest satisfaction, efficient seating coordination, and effective communication with service teams.

Responsibilities

  • Greet arriving guests promptly, manage check-in, and escort parties to their tables or waiting areas.
  • Manage the reservation system and floor plan to optimize table turn times and balance server sections.
  • Coordinate with service and kitchen teams to communicate guest flow, wait times, and special requests.
  • Answer incoming phone calls to take bookings, modify existing reservations, and provide accurate venue information.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming entrance and reception area throughout the shift.
  • Monitor guest waitlists and provide clear, accurate updates on estimated seating times.

Required qualifications

  • Clear verbal communication and customer service skills.
  • Ability to coordinate guest flow and manage seating in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
  • Comfort using standard digital reservation software or phone booking systems.

Preferred qualifications

  • Previous front-of-house experience in a restaurant, hotel, or hospitality venue.
  • Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and digital table management tools.

Skills

Guest RelationsReservation ManagementTable ManagementCustomer ServiceCommunicationConflict ResolutionFloor Planning

Host / Hostess job description FAQs

What does a Host / Hostess do?

The Host / Hostess serves as the first point of contact for guests, creating a welcoming and organized front-of-house environment. The role manages guest arrivals, table assignments, and reservation flow to ensure a smooth dining service. Success is measured by positive guest satisfaction, efficient seating coordination, and effective communication with service teams. Typical duties include greet arriving guests promptly, manage check-in, and escort parties to their tables or waiting areas; manage the reservation system and floor plan to optimize table turn times and balance server sections; coordinate with service and kitchen teams to communicate guest flow, wait times, and special requests.

What qualifications does a Host / Hostess need?

Clear verbal communication and customer service skills. Ability to coordinate guest flow and manage seating in a fast-paced hospitality environment. Comfort using standard digital reservation software or phone booking systems.

What skills should a Host / Hostess have?

Common skills for this role include Guest Relations, Reservation Management, Table Management, Customer Service, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Floor Planning.

What should I assess when interviewing a Host / Hostess?

Guest Welcome: Ability to project a professional, welcoming demeanor to arriving and departing guests. Pacing and Coordination: Capability to manage table flow and waitlists effectively under peak demand. Communication and Teamwork: Strong coordination with serving staff and management during busy operational periods.