Restaurant host job description template

Table 1: Position Identification

1. Position Summary

The Restaurant Host is the first and last person guests see at [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. The host greets guests, manages reservations and the waitlist, seats tables so each server gets a fair share, and keeps the front door calm on busy nights. The host also answers the phone, handles takeout pickups, and helps servers by setting and clearing tables when needed. The job is done well when guests are greeted right away, wait times are honest, tables turn smoothly, and no section gets swamped while another sits empty.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Greeting and seating guests (35% of time)

• Greet every guest as soon as they come in, even when you are on the phone or seating another party.
• Seat guests using the floor plan and rotation so each server gets a fair number of tables.
• Match tables to guest needs: high chairs, booster seats, accessible seating, quiet tables or patio.
• Welcome guests with service animals and help guests with mobility, vision or hearing needs.
• Hand out menus, mention specials and tell the server when a table is seated.
• Thank guests as they leave and ask how their meal was.

2.2 Reservations and the waitlist (20% of time)

• Take reservations by phone and manage online bookings in [RESERVATION_SYSTEM].
• Confirm large parties and special requests, such as birthdays or allergies, and pass them to the server and kitchen.
• Quote honest wait times, keep the waitlist up to date and text or call guests when their table is ready.
• Keep track of no-shows and late arrivals and decide with [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] when to release a table.

2.3 Managing the floor (15% of time)

• Watch which tables are close to leaving and plan the next seating.
• Tell the kitchen when several large tables are seated at once so they are not hit all together.
• Let [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] know when a section is overloaded or a guest is unhappy.

2.4 Phone, takeout and payment (10% of time)

• Answer the phone, give directions and opening hours, and take takeout orders if assigned.
• Hand out takeout orders, check them against the ticket and take payment on [POS_SYSTEM] if assigned.
• Hand delivery orders to couriers and check the order number first.

2.5 Front of house tidiness (10% of time)

• Keep the entrance, host stand, waiting area and washrooms clean and stocked.
• Wipe and sort menus, and keep the floor plan, high chairs and booster seats ready.
• Clear snow or salt at the door, or tell [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] when it needs doing, so the entry is safe.

2.6 Helping the service team (10% of time)

• Clear, wipe and reset tables during busy times.
• Run food or refill water when asked.
• Help with opening and closing side work, such as rolling cutlery and setting tables.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Table 2: Qualifications Matrix

4. Competencies

Table 3: Core Competencies and Behavioural Indicators

5. Working Conditions & Performance Measures

5.1 Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical and environmental demands described below are those needed to do the main parts of this job. [ORGANIZATION_NAME] will accommodate employees with disabilities under human rights law, up to the point of undue hardship.

Table 4: Physical Demands and Working Environment

5.2 Performance Measures

Table 5: Performance Evaluation Matrix

5.3 Career Path

• Typical Prior Roles: First job, Cashier, Busser, Retail Sales Associate.
• Typical Next Roles: Server, Bartender, Head Host, Front of House Supervisor, Restaurant Manager.

5.4 Acknowledgement and Sign-Off

This job description lists the main duties and qualifications for the Restaurant Host position at [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. It is not a full list of every task. Duties and schedules may change with reasonable notice to meet the needs of the business.

By signing below, the employee confirms they have received and read this job description.

Employee Name (Printed)

Employee Signature

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY)

Manager / Supervisor Name (Printed)

Manager / Supervisor Signature

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY)

What to fill in