At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the face of KAIO, ensuring a top-notch guest experience from reservation to departure.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at one of London's leading premium restaurants.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, staff meals, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop relationships with VIPs and local businesses.
- Why this job: Shape exceptional hospitality and influence the success of an exciting restaurant journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Maître d’ will be the face of KAIO and will take ownership of the guest experience from the moment a reservation is made through to arrival, seating and departure.
This is a senior front-of-house position requiring exceptional communication skills, strong organisation, commercial awareness and the ability to build genuine relationships with guests.
The successful candidate will work closely with the General Manager and management team to maximise reservations, optimise the restaurant floor and ensure every guest receives a warm, polished and personalised experience.
Tasks and responsibilities are not limited to the list below.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Experience & Hospitality
- Act as the primary host and ambassador for KAIO during service.
- Build strong relationships with regular guests, VIPs, residents, hotel concierges and local clientele.
- Maintain detailed guest profiles, preferences and relevant information within the reservation system.
- Reservations & Table Management
- Take ownership of the daily reservation book and seating plan.
- Manage reservations through Seven Rooms, telephone, email and direct enquiries.
- Strategically manage table allocations and turn times to maximise covers and revenue without compromising the guest experience.
- Reception & Door Management
- Coordinate the arrival, waiting and seating experience.
- Communicate clearly with the restaurant management team regarding table status and guest flow.
- Ensure waiting guests are acknowledged, comfortable and kept informed.
- Service & Floor Coordination
- Work closely with the Restaurant Manager, Floor Supervisors and senior team throughout service.
- Communicate table priorities, VIP information, dietary requirements and special requests during pre-service briefings.
- Monitor the guest journey throughout the restaurant rather than focusing solely on the reception desk.
- Guest Relations & Commercial Development
- Develop KAIO's database of regular and returning guests.
- Build relationships with local residents, businesses, hotels and concierge teams.
- Work alongside the General Manager, Events and Marketing teams on guest engagement initiatives.
- Leadership
- Train and develop reception and host team members.
- Ensure reception procedures and reservation standards are consistently followed.
Requirements
- Previous experience as a Maître d’, Head Host, Reception Manager or Senior Host within a quality restaurant, luxury hotel or premium hospitality environment.
- Strong knowledge of restaurant reservation and table-management systems; Seven Rooms experience is highly desirable.
- Naturally warm, engaging and confident personality.
- Strong understanding of guest recognition and VIP management.
- Commercial understanding of table optimisation, covers and revenue.
- Strong knowledge of London's restaurant and hospitality market is advantageous.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Service charge participation
- Staff meals on duty
- Wine education and professional development
- Career progression opportunities
- Employee discounts
- Opportunity to shape one of London's most exciting premium restaurant wine programmes
Why Join KĀIO?
At KĀIO, we believe exceptional hospitality is created by exceptional people.
This is an opportunity to join a dynamic leadership team at an exciting stage of the restaurant's journey, where your expertise, creativity, and passion will directly influence our success and help establish KĀIO as one of London's leading dining destinations.
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Maitre D / Head of Reception in London employer: Kaio Restaurant
Join our vibrant team as a Bartender, where you'll not only craft exquisite cocktails but also engage with guests in a lively atmosphere that prioritises exceptional service. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive work culture, offering training opportunities and the chance to develop your mixology skills in a fast-paced, high-end environment. Located in a bustling area, we provide a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic bar scene while enjoying competitive benefits and a welcoming team spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maitre D / Head of Reception in 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 Kaio Restaurant. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Kaio Restaurant
Don't be shy about reaching out to Kaio Restaurant 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 Maitre D / Head of Reception in London
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 Kaio Restaurant 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 Kaio Restaurant
✨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!
