Guest Relations Manager | Nettle - London

Guest Relations Manager | Nettle - London

London Full-Time 40000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ESS

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead guest experiences, manage bookings, and ensure exceptional service at Nettle.
  • Company: Join Levy, a leader in hospitality with a focus on people and the planet.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and amazing perks.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be the face of Nettle and create unforgettable moments for guests.
  • Qualifications: Experience in high-end dining and a passion for excellent service.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42000 £ per year.

Location: Nettle at The Conduit

Reporting to: Restaurant Manager

Working Closely With: General Manager, Head Chef & Event Sales Manager

Contract Employment Type: Full-time 40hrs

Salary: 40,000 - 42,000 + Tronc and excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.

As Guest Relations Manager, you are the face of Nettle, leading the welcome, setting the tone, and ensuring every guest feels seen, valued, and expertly cared for. This is a guest facing role requiring natural charm, exceptional communication, and strong organisational skills. You'll manage bookings, respond to guests, coordinate floor plans, and work closely with the FOH and management teams to ensure a seamless, elevated guest experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the first point of contact for all guests, offering a warm, polished, and professional welcome
  • Manage and optimise the reservation system, balancing high volume with la carte dining.
  • Liaise with the kitchen and floor teams to ensure smooth table turns and timely service
  • Personally oversee the arrival and care of VIPs, including stakeholders, artists, and high-profile guests, with discretion and grace
  • Keep guest notes updated to help build meaningful relationships and lasting impressions
  • Support the training and development of junior FOH team members, setting the standard for tone, etiquette, and professionalism
  • Maintain an immaculate FOH presentation and ensure all guest facing areas are welcoming and efficient
  • Contribute to service planning, events, and special initiatives alongside the senior team
  • Ensure all guest interactions reflect the restaurant's commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural awareness

What You'll Bring:

  • Proven experience as a Ma tre d', senior host, or FOH lead in a high end or high volume restaurant
  • Impeccable guest facing confidence and natural charisma
  • Fluent understanding of service flow around theatre or timed dining experiences
  • Strong operational knowledge of reservation and booking systems (e.g SevenRooms)
  • A collaborative spirit, willing to lead, support, and work closely with the team
  • Interest in modern British food, wine, and cocktails; WSET Level 1 or similar is a bonus
  • A meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to excellence at every level

Personality & Values:

  • Charismatic & Approachable: You create a warm and welcoming environment, making guests feel immediately at ease through confident and natural hospitality
  • Service-Driven: You take genuine pride in delivering outstanding service, consistently seeking to exceed guest expectations at every opportunity.
  • Collaborative by Nature: You work well within a team, supporting your colleagues proactively and contributing to a strong, respectful service culture.
  • Calm Under Pressure: You thrive in fast paced environments, especially during theatre service, and remain composed, focused, and solutions oriented
  • Organised & Detail Oriented: You maintain control over bookings, floor plans, and guest flow with precision, ensuring a seamless and efficient operation.
  • Curious & Motivated: You bring energy, enthusiasm, and a desire to continually learn and develop, both personally and professionally
  • Respectful & Inclusive: You treat all guests and team members with kindness, professionalism, and sensitivity

What you'll get in return:

  • Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
  • 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
  • Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
  • Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
  • Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave
  • Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
  • Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
  • Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
  • Meals on duty included

Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.

Guest Relations Manager | Nettle - London employer: ESS

Chartwells Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises growth and excellence in the education catering sector. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding food and hospitality experiences, you will find ample opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact across educational institutions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration.

ESS

Contact Details:

ESS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Guest Relations Manager | Nettle - London

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to ESS

Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Guest Relations Manager | Nettle - London

Exceptional Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Guest Relations Management
Reservation System Management
Team Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Service Flow Understanding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about ESS and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at ESS

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!