Reception & Reservations Manager (Luso - New Opening) in London

Reception & Reservations Manager (Luso - New Opening) in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
MJMK Restaurants

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the reservations process and enhance guest experiences in a vibrant restaurant setting.
  • Company: Join MJMK Restaurants, known for award-winning dining experiences and innovative culinary concepts.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 50% off at all MJMK restaurants, career growth opportunities, and enhanced well-being support.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting new restaurant opening and shape unforgettable guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in reservations or front-of-house management with strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.

Job Description

Reception & Reservations Manager - LUSO NEW OPENING!

**£45-50k**

Role Overview:

The Reception & Reservations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the reservations process and guest experience management. This role ensures seamless service from the point of booking through to post-dining feedback, while maximising reservations efficiency and maintaining best in class hospitality. This is a restaurant-based role that leads host teams, manages booking platforms, and works closely with restaurant managers to optimise guest satisfaction and repeat business.

Salary: Up to £45K per annum

Reception & Reservations Manager Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and train the host teams to deliver a warm, professional, and consistent guest experience in line with MJMK ethos.
  • Manage booking platforms including SevenRooms, ensuring accuracy and optimisation of table turns.
  • Monitor reservations pace, trends, and availability to maximise occupancy and revenue.
  • Act as the first point of contact for special requests, and high-profile guests.
  • Manage pre- and post-dining communication with guests, including handling enquiries, complaints, and feedback.
  • Maintain and grow guest database, ensuring accurate profiles and preferences are logged.
  • Work with restaurant managers to align front-of-house operations with guest experience objectives.
  • Collaborate with marketing and events team to maximise covers.
  • Lead the team of hosts and support restaurant operation, including checking in on tables, showing the restaurant space and being part of the guest experience.
  • Connecting with guests during service and creating returning guests for the restaurants.

Reception & Reservations Manager Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong background in reservations, guest relations, or front-of-house management in restaurant operation.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to build rapport with guests and staff.
  • Knowledge of reservations and CRM systems (SevenRooms preferred)
  • Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under pressure.
  • Leadership qualities with experience in training, coaching, and motivating teams.
  • Commercial awareness, with an understanding of revenue management and guest retention.
  • Calm under pressure, with a solution-focused approach to guest complaints and operational challenges.

What We Offer Our Reception & Reservations Manager:

  • 50% discount across all MJMK restaurants
  • Opportunity to develop your career growth with MJMK Restaurants
  • Mental health & well-being support with Hospitality Action who can offer free advice and counselling
  • Company Sick Pay after a year with us
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after your first year with us
  • Extra day’s holiday every year you’re with us, up to 33 days
  • Enhanced pension plan after 5 years with us

About LUSO

Opening September 2025 on Charlotte Street, Luso is a contemporary Portuguese restaurant developed in collaboration with acclaimed chef Leandro Carreira, known for his bold, ingredient-led approach and time at the legendary Mugaritz. Taking the place of Lisboeta, Luso celebrates Portugal’s Iberian Atlantic coastline where land, sea, and centuries-old wood fire cooking traditions come together. Expect refined, modern expressions of iconic dishes alongside a wine list showcasing the richness of Portugal’s terroirs. Luso is the latest chapter from MJMK Restaurants a proud evolution that honours Lisboeta’s legacy while shaping a bold new future for the team and space.

About MJMK Restaurants:

MJMK Restaurants own and operate a collection of award-winning restaurants. Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, our journey began with Casa do Frango. In 2020, we partnered with chef patron Santiago Lastra to open KOL, a fine dining restaurant in Marylebone celebrating Mexican cuisine with British ingredients. KOL has since earned a Michelin Star, and has remained in the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants list 3 years in a row.

In 2024 saw two new ventures: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican concept in Mayfair - our second collaboration with Santiago Lastra - and AngloThai in Marylebone, a debut restaurant from husband-and-wife John and Desiree Chantarasak, blending Thai flavours with British ingredients. Within three months of opening, AngloThai earned a Michelin star.

In the 2025 National Restaurant Awards, AngloThai was named The Square Opening of the Year and ranked 7thin the Top 100 list, followed by KOL at number 50.

Reception & Reservations Manager (Luso - New Opening) in London employer: MJMK Restaurants

MJMK Restaurants is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As the Reception & Reservations Manager at Luso, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous discounts across all MJMK restaurants, and comprehensive support for mental health and career development, all while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences in a contemporary setting.

MJMK Restaurants

Contact Details:

MJMK Restaurants Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Reception & Reservations Manager (Luso - New Opening) in London

Tip Number 1

Get to know the restaurant scene! Research Luso and MJMK Restaurants to understand their vibe and values. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the company culture.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to guest relations and reservations management. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios, especially those involving high-profile guests or complaints.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Luso and contributing to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Reception & Reservations Manager (Luso - New Opening) in London

Guest Relations
Front-of-House Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Reservations Management
CRM Systems Knowledge (SevenRooms preferred)
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our ethos at MJMK and how you can contribute to creating memorable guest experiences.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Reception & Reservations Manager role. Highlight relevant skills like your experience with reservations systems and guest relations, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how you fit into our team!

Be Specific About Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s improving reservation efficiency or enhancing guest satisfaction, we want to know how you’ve made a difference.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Luso. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at MJMK Restaurants

Know Your Guest Experience

Familiarise yourself with the guest experience journey from booking to post-dining feedback. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance this process and ensure a seamless service, as this role is all about maximising guest satisfaction.

Master the Booking Platforms

Get to grips with SevenRooms or similar booking systems before your interview. Understanding how to manage reservations efficiently will show that you're proactive and ready to optimise table turns right from the start.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led and trained teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and create a warm, professional atmosphere, as this is crucial for the Reception & Reservations Manager position.

Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios

Think of specific instances where you've successfully handled guest complaints or operational challenges. Demonstrating your calmness under pressure and solution-focused approach will impress the interviewers and align with their expectations.