Lead Host & Reservation Specialist

What you will have an opportunity to do:

• Warmly greet and engage with all guests, ensuring an exceptional first impression.
• Manage the host stand with professionalism, efficiency, and hospitality.
• Communicate wait times clearly and maintain an accurate waitlist when applicable.
• Escort guests to tables and present menus, ensuring a smooth transition to service staff.
• Handle guest inquiries, complaints, and special requests with professionalism and care.
• Oversee all reservations through the lodge’s reservation platform (e.g., Tock, OpenTable, or Resy).
• Maintain accurate guest notes, special occasions, and preferences.
• Create and execute effective seating plans to balance guest satisfaction and server efficiency.
• Coordinate with the management team to accommodate large parties and special events.
• Monitor daily cover counts and communicate reservation trends to management.
• Lead, train, and support the host team to ensure consistent service standards.
• Serve as the liaison between the front door and the dining room, ensuring smooth guest flow.
• Communicate clearly with servers, bartenders, and management regarding seating pace and guest needs.
• Assist management with updating guest contact lists, VIP profiles, and reservation policies.
• Provide feedback and guidance to hosts to maintain professionalism and efficiency.
• Confirm reservations and communicate changes to guests promptly.
• Assist with scheduling and training of new host team members.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand and entrance area.
• Support management with reporting and data from the reservation system.
• Participate in pre-shift meetings and ensure host team readiness for service.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum 1–2 years of host or front desk experience in an upscale or lodge-style restaurant environment.
• Prior experience managing reservations through platforms such as Tock, OpenTable, or Resy.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to remain calm and organized under pressure.
• Comfortable with multitasking and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Experience in training or supervising a small front-of-house team preferred.
• Familiarity with lodge or resort operations and guest service culture preferred.
• Knowledge of local attractions and the lodge property to enhance guest interaction preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and reservation management software preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods with frequent walking, bending, and reaching and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds as needed.

View Full Benefits and Perks at skamania.com/careers