Reservations Manager

About the Opportunity

An established, high-volume restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood is seeking an experienced and hospitality-driven Reservations Manager to oversee all aspects of guest reservations, private dining inquiries, and front-of-house guest communications.

Known for exceptional hospitality, a vibrant dining atmosphere, and a strong focus on guest experience, this restaurant is looking for a dedicated professional who thrives on building relationships, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring seamless operations.

Position Overview

The Reservations Manager is responsible for managing all reservation operations, guest communications, private dining inquiries, and reservation system administration. This role serves as a key liaison between guests, management, event sales, and front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless guest experience from the initial reservation through the completion of service.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about hospitality, guest engagement, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all reservations and guest communications across booking platforms
• Oversee reservation pacing, table inventory, and seating optimization
• Coordinate large party reservations and private dining inquiries
• Maintain accurate guest profiles, VIP notes, preferences, and special requests
• Respond promptly to reservation requests, emails, and guest inquiries
• Work closely with management and host teams to ensure smooth service execution
• Assist with private events, holiday programming, and special dining experiences
• Monitor reservation trends and provide recommendations to maximize covers and revenue
• Ensure exceptional guest service before, during, and after each dining experience
• Maintain reservation policies and operational standards

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of hospitality, reservations, guest relations, or front-of-house management experience
• Experience with OpenTable required; SevenRooms or similar reservation platforms a plus
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually, based on experience

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Dining Discounts
• Paid Training
• Performance Bonus Opportunities
• Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities

Required Skills

• Reservation Management
• OpenTable
• Guest Relations
• Private Dining Coordination
• Event Planning Support
• Communication & Customer Service
• Organizational Skills
• Multitasking
• Attention to Detail
• Hospitality Leadership