Lead Host

Position : Lead Host

Position Type: Full-time

Location : Chicago, IL

Reports to : General Manager / Assistant General Manager

About Us :

Ox Bar & Hearth™ is a neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Park, rooted in seasonality, hospitality, and craftsmanship. We’re building a team of passionate, talented individuals who take pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences in a warm, welcoming environment.

Position Overview :

We’re seeking a hospitality-forward Lead Host to join our team. The Lead Host ensures a seamless and welcoming guest experience by managing reservations, pacing the dining room, and coordinating with the co-host. This role requires excellent communication, grace under pressure, and a deep understanding of service flow and hospitality. The Lead Host is the main point of contact for guests and helps coordinate communication with the rest of the team.

Key Responsibilities :

• Provide professional and warm hospitality at all times.
• Communicate between bar, kitchen, service team and leadership to ensure a consistent, timely and memorable experience for our guests.
• Warmly greet and seat guests with genuine hospitality and professionalism.
• Maintain an accurate plan and seating rotation.
• Communicate wait times and seating updates with clarity and warmth.
• Update table status in OpenTable.
• Communicate special requests and notes with the team clearly.
• Recognize returning guests, maintain accurate guest notes and profiles.
• Anticipate guest needs and address them promptly.
• Manage the reservations & waitlist pace to maximize flow and minimize wait times.
• Adjust wait times and track table turns throughout service.
• Maintain a calm, composed demeanor.
• Train and support new Hosts in guest service, reservation tools, and floor procedures.
• Coach and delegate to Co-Hosts.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with leadership, service team, and the kitchen to adjust pacing as needed.
• Be ready to speak about our concept.
• Show understanding of our food and beverage offerings.
• Jump in where needed to help the team and the guest experience.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with leadership, service team, and the kitchen to adjust pacing as needed.
• Keep an eye on the entrance, lounge, and restrooms for cleanliness.
• Complete opening, mid-shift, and closing duties to our standards.
• Perform duties as assigned by leadership in order to drive and maintain our passion for hospitality, quality food and beverage.
• Support fellow team members during service.
• Participate in daily preshift meetings.

Qualifications :

• 2-3 years of experience in a Lead Host, Maître d’, or similar guest-facing role in an upscale or fine-dining restaurant.
• Strong working knowledge of the OpenTable reservation platform (or equivalent).
• Exceptional multitasking, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead with professionalism and coach others in a team setting.
• Friendly, proactive communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Natural team player with a calm, solutions-oriented attitude.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and navigate a physically active service environment.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday availability required.

Job Type : Full-time

Compensation : $22-24 / hr

Benefits & Perks : Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Dining Discounts and staff meals, Paid Sick Leave, PTO