At Southall Farm & Inn, the Lead Host/Hostess is the first and lasting impression of our guest experience. This individual sets the tone for every guest interaction—offering a warm welcome, managing the flow of service with precision, and embodying Southall’s spirit of gracious hospitality. This role is both strategic and service-driven: part concierge, part conductor, and wholly dedicated to excellence.

Core Responsibilities:

Guest Experience & Hospitality

• Greet each guest with warmth, sincerity, and attentiveness.
• Manage the arrival, seating, and farewell of guests in a polished and gracious manner.
• Recognize return guests and personalize interactions accordingly.
• Handle guest concerns with professionalism and follow through to resolution.

Reservation & Flow Management

• Maintain the reservation book (Tock) with accuracy and foresight.
• Proactively manage walk-ins and waitlists with thoughtful pacing and table allocation.
• Coordinate with the culinary and service teams to ensure smooth pacing and flow of service.
• Communicate special occasions, allergies, and preferences to the service team.

Leadership & Coordination

• Train, coach, and supervise all host stand team members.
• Lead daily pre-shift briefings focused on cover counts, VIPs, and table strategy.
• Collaborate with restaurant leadership on floor plans and guest seating strategies.
• Maintain a pristine host stand area that reflects the elegance of the property.

Administrative & Communication Duties

• Update guest profiles with relevant notes to enhance future experiences.
• Communicate with Concierge and Guest Services teams regarding in-house guests.
• Track large party inquiries and special requests to support private dining operations.

Qualification

• 2+ years of experience in a luxury or fine dining host/hostess role, with leadership responsibilities preferred.
• Deep commitment to hospitality and guest-centered service.
• Fluent in OpenTable, Resy, Tock or similar reservation management software.
• Excellent communication and multitasking skills under pressure.
• Impeccable grooming, etiquette, and professional presence.

Preferred Attributes:

• Familiarity with Forbes Travel Guide service standards.
• Calm, confident, and composed demeanor in high-volume settings.
• Passion for creating moments of delight and personalized guest interactions.
• A natural team leader with the ability to mentor and inspire others.

Southall Farm and Inn is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Southall provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.