At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage reservations and create unforgettable experiences for guests at a fine dining restaurant.
- Company: Join a new Michelin-starred restaurant dedicated to excellence and exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and a vibrant work environment with weekends off.
- Why this job: Be the face of luxury dining, shaping memorable guest journeys in an upscale setting.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in reservations or guest relations; knowledge of fine dining is a plus.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team and develop your skills in a prestigious culinary environment.
Reports To: Chef Patron
Salary: up to £50,000 all-inclusive and DOE
Contract Type: Full-time, closed Sunday and Monday
Working Hours: Including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Position Summary:
As the Reservations Manager of a Michelin-starred or fine dining restaurant, you will be the first point of contact for discerning guests. You will ensure the seamless coordination of all reservation activities while embodying the restaurant's commitment to excellence, discretion, and hospitality. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, grace under pressure, and the ability to curate a personalized guest journey from the moment of booking.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all incoming reservation requests via phone, email, website, and third-party platforms (e.g., SevenRooms, OpenTable, ResDiary).
- Maintain up-to-date booking availability and ensure accurate guest records.
- Develop and maintain detailed guest profiles including preferences, dietary requirements, special occasions, and feedback.
- Coordinate with the front-of-house and kitchen teams to personalise service for VIPs, media, industry professionals, and returning guests.
- Handle special requests and bespoke arrangements with discretion and poise.
- Liaise daily with the maître d'hôtel, sommeliers, kitchen team, and marketing/events departments to ensure seamless operations.
- Lead pre-service briefings on reservations, guest profiles, and notable bookings.
- Address and resolve any guest issues or complaints related to reservations in a professional and empathetic manner.
- Follow up with guests post-visit when appropriate, reinforcing loyalty and encouraging return visits.
- Maintain and manage the reservations platform and CRM system with accuracy and integrity.
- Monitor and manage booking policies such as deposits, credit card holds, and cancellation terms.
- Assist with serving duties.
Skills & Competencies:
- Polished verbal and written communication skills; poised phone and email etiquette essential.
- Deep understanding of luxury service and the expectations of high-net-worth individuals and gastronomy-focused clientele.
- Meticulous organizational skills and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Calm, courteous, and professional demeanour under pressure.
- Technical proficiency with reservations software (SevenRooms preferred), MS Office, and CRM tools.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum 2 years in a reservations or guest relations role within a fine dining or Michelin-starred environment.
- Hospitality, business, or customer service qualifications are an advantage.
- Knowledge of wine, gastronomy, and fine dining etiquette.
You must be currently eligible to live and work in the UK.
Reservations Manager- New Fine Dining Restaurant- Bucks 50k employer: Whisk Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Whisk Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reservations Manager- New Fine Dining Restaurant- Bucks 50k
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fine dining industry. Attend local food and wine events, or join hospitality groups on social media to connect with others who may have insights or leads on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in luxury service and gastronomy. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills, especially over the phone and via email. As a Reservations Manager, you'll need to convey professionalism and warmth, so consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the restaurant's concept and menu thoroughly. Understanding their unique offerings and values will allow you to tailor your approach and show genuine interest during your interactions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Reservations Manager- New Fine Dining Restaurant- Bucks 50k
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in reservations or guest relations, particularly in fine dining or Michelin-starred environments. Emphasise your skills in customer service and any technical proficiency with reservations software.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for hospitality and your understanding of luxury service. Mention specific experiences where you demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your polished communication skills and your ability to create personalised guest experiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed reservations and addressed guest concerns in previous roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of gastronomy and fine dining etiquette in your application. This could be through mentioning relevant qualifications or experiences that reflect your understanding of the expectations of high-net-worth individuals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whisk Recruitment Limited
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As a Reservations Manager, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous roles where you successfully managed guest profiles or handled special requests with precision.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Polished verbal and written communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and be ready to showcase your phone and email etiquette during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Restaurant's Concept
Research the restaurant's menu, style, and ethos. Understanding their approach to fine dining will allow you to align your answers with their values and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a difficult guest or coordinating with the kitchen team. Think of relevant experiences and how you resolved challenges in a calm and professional manner.