At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the reception team to create unforgettable guest experiences and manage reservations with precision.
- Company: Exciting new restaurant MA/NA, blending Japanese culture with exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, staff meals, and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Shape the guest experience at one of London’s most anticipated openings.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine dining and a passion for Japanese hospitality.
- Other info: Collaborate with top chefs and enjoy ongoing training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About MA/NA
Opening in January on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA/NA is born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power — a life-force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it. 'Mana' is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen — transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory. Guided by this belief, MA/NA offers a seamless blend of restaurant and bar — refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail, wine and sake list. Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner naturally returns to drinks. Every element — from design and service to sound and light — is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.
The Role — Reception Manager
As Reception Manager at MA/NA, you will be the first and last point of connection for every guest, shaping impressions that are both immediate and lasting. You will oversee the reservations and reception experience, ensuring that every arrival feels considered, calm, and deeply welcoming. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, floor team, bar, and kitchen, you will orchestrate guest flow with precision and emotional intelligence. Your presence will set the tone for the restaurant — graceful, attentive, and intuitive — ensuring that the transition from arrival to table, and from farewell to memory, feels seamless and intentional. This is a role for a hospitality professional who understands that true welcome is an art — one that is felt before it is seen.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the reception and reservations team to deliver a warm, intuitive, and emotionally engaging guest welcome
- Manage reservations, guest flow, waitlists, and table allocations with accuracy and sensitivity
- Act as the primary liaison between reception, floor, bar, and kitchen to ensure seamless service flow
- Build and maintain detailed guest profiles, preferences, and VIP recognition
- Recruit, train, and mentor the reception team to uphold MA/NA's service philosophy and standards
- Handle guest enquiries, special requests, and feedback with professionalism and care
- Oversee reservation systems and communication channels to ensure clarity and consistency
- Uphold impeccable standards of presentation, organisation, and professionalism at the reception desk
- Support special events, tastings, and industry collaborations as a representative of MA/NA
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Reception Manager or Senior Host in a fine dining or high-end hospitality environment
- Deep understanding of reservations systems, guest relations, and first-impression service excellence
- Exceptional communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills
- A passion for Japanese culture, hospitality, and attention to detail
- Calm, polished, and confident under pressure
- Strong emotional intelligence and storytelling ability
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work seamlessly with all departments
- A desire to help shape one of London’s most exciting new openings
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and service charge package
- Opportunity to lead the guest reception experience for a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
- Collaboration with world-class chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality professionals
- Continued training, development, and career progression
- Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working environment
Join the MA/NA Opening Team
If you believe that the art of welcome sets the rhythm for everything that follows — and you want to create moments of calm, care, and connection from the very first step inside — we’d love to hear from you.
Reception Manager in England employer: Los Mochis
Contact Detail:
Los Mochis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might have insights into MA/NA. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up in style! If you can, visit MA/NA before applying. Experience the vibe and get a feel for the place. This way, you can tailor your approach and show them you’re genuinely interested in their unique atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to shine in interviews! Prepare to discuss how your past experiences align with the role of Reception Manager. Think about specific examples where you’ve created memorable guest experiences or handled challenges with grace.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the MA/NA team right from the start. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Reception Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your understanding of guest relations and how you create memorable moments. We want to see your enthusiasm for making every guest feel special.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and philosophy of MA/NA. Mention specific aspects of Japanese culture or hospitality that resonate with you. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills: As a Reception Manager, collaboration is key! In your application, emphasise your ability to work seamlessly with different departments. Share examples of how you've successfully led a team or worked alongside others to enhance the guest experience.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone and share anecdotes that reflect your character. This helps us get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications, making your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Los Mochis
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research MA/NA and its unique philosophy. Understand the concept of 'Mana' and how it influences the dining experience. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how you can contribute to creating that seamless guest experience.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
As a Reception Manager, emotional intelligence is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed guest interactions or resolved conflicts with grace. Highlighting these moments will demonstrate your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Since storytelling is an essential part of hospitality, think about how you can weave narratives into your responses. Share anecdotes that reflect your passion for Japanese culture and hospitality, and how these stories can enhance the guest experience at MA/NA.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the restaurant's vision, team dynamics, and how they uphold their service philosophy. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the overall success of MA/NA.