Lead Host

Host Manager Job Description

Role Overview

The Host Manager is the face of Lark’s hospitality and the primary architect of our guest's first impression. This is a "working manager" role: you will lead by example on the floor while owning the administrative lifecycle of the host team—from hiring and training to scheduling and performance management. Hourly + sick day and personal time

Key Responsibilities

1. Floor Leadership & Service (Shift Work)

• Host Operations: Lead shifts as the primary host, greeting guests warmly, managing the waitlist, answering the phone and the answering service plus coordinating seating to ensure optimal dining room flow.
• Reservation Management: Oversee the reservation system (e.g., OpenTable/Resy), balancing walk-ins with bookings to maximize cover counts without overwhelming the kitchen.
• Conflict Resolution: Act as the first point of contact for guest concerns at the door, resolving wait-time or seating issues with grace and professionalism.

2. Training & Development

• Onboarding: Conduct formal training for all new host hires on "Lark’s Way" of hosting, including floor layouts, POS/reservation software, and service standards.
• Ongoing Coaching: Provide real-time feedback and "on-the-fly" coaching during shifts to ensure the team maintains high performance.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure all hosts strictly adhere to company policies, dress codes, and safety procedures.

3. Personnel Management

• Hiring: Lead the recruitment process for the host team, including reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and making final hiring decisions.
• Scheduling: Create and manage weekly host schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for peak hours while controlling labor costs.
• Performance Reviews: Conduct regular performance evaluations, identifying top talent for promotion and addressing areas for improvement.
• Disciplinary Action & Terminations: Manage the full disciplinary lifecycle, including verbal/written warnings and, when necessary, the termination of employees in accordance with labor laws and company policy.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 2+ years of hosting experience in a high-volume environment; prior supervisory or "Lead Host" experience preferred.
• Leadership: Proven ability to motivate a team and maintain a calm, authoritative presence during high-stress "rushes".
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in restaurant management software and reservation platforms.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal skills for interacting with guests and coordinating between the Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH).