HOST/HOSTESS (FULL TIME)

Pittsburgh, PA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $17.00 - $19.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

holiday time off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and wellness programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee assistance program

flexible spending accounts

Job Description

Culinaire is a renowned upscale food and beverage management company that provides exceptional services to a diverse portfolio of national accounts including art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing theaters, restaurants, and special event venues. The company is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to its associates and clients, prioritizing career development, safety, and the success of every team member. Culinaire's dedication to delivering top quality food products and impeccable service makes it a leader in the foodservice management industry. The company fosters a supportive work environment that emphasizes respect, growth opportunities, and a culture of excellence. Culinaire's operations are known for their high standards, blending a passion for hospitality with operational expertise to create memorable dining experiences for guests across multiple prestigious locations.

Currently, Culinaire is seeking full-time Host/Hostess professionals for their location at 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. This role involves managing customer interactions in a dynamic and engaging dining environment primarily during nights and weekends. With competitive pay rates ranging from $17.00 to $19.00 per hour, this position provides opportunities for individuals with prior host experience, although it welcomes motivated candidates eager to learn and grow within the company. The Host/Hostess will be responsible for warmly greeting guests, efficiently managing seating and reservations, and ensuring a smooth flow throughout the dining area. The job emphasizes exceptional communication skills, patience, flexibility, and a genuine interest in people, qualities critical to promoting a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, this position requires the host to assist with various dining-related tasks, including occasional bussing and food service duties, always maintaining strict adherence to safe food handling and sanitation standards.

This full-time role offers varying schedules that may adjust based on business needs, with detailed scheduling information provided during the interview process. Candidates can apply online easily via a conversational recruiting assistant or text application system configured by Compass Group, highlighting the company's modern and accessible hiring processes. The Host/Hostess position at Culinaire is designed for individuals who thrive in fast-paced, guest-focused environments and are committed to enhancing the overall dining experience through proactive, warm customer interactions.

Moreover, Culinaire places strong emphasis on workplace safety and confidentiality, requiring employees in this role to handle sensitive personal information with discretion and to be familiar with emergency safety procedures. The Host/Hostess also supervises food-service associates during shifts to ensure compliance with food handling, sanitation, and customer service standards. Training responsibilities include onboarding new team members and closing down the dining area per established protocols. Working collaboratively with other departments during special events or functions is part of the job, adding variety and teamwork to daily responsibilities. This role provides a critical front-line position that impacts guest satisfaction and operational success, reflecting Culinaire’s holistic approach to hospitality management.

Job Requirements

Prior host experience preferred
Ability to work full time including nights and weekends
Excellent communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to supervise and train others
Knowledge of emergency procedures
Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules
High school diploma or equivalent

Job Qualifications

Prior host experience preferred
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Strong teamwork and flexibility
Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to varying schedules
High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Job Duties

Promptly and warmly greets and directs guests to their tables based on availability or desired seating arrangements
Helps create an overall enjoyable dining experience and promotes a safe, clean and neat environment for guests and other associates
Exhibits exceptional communications skills
Gets along well with others, demonstrates flexibility and patience
Maintains a high level of sensitivity and confidentiality regarding personal or medical information that is shared
Supervises the activities of food-service associates in the dining room to ensure proper customer service, food handling and sanitation procedures are followed
Helps train new food-service team members
Supervises the closing of the assigned dining room
ensures side work and station setup is properly completed
Demonstrates knowledge of emergency safety procedures and helps evacuate guests to safety in the event of fire or other emergency
Assists with service, including occasional bussing and food service, while maintaining safe food handling and sanitation standards
May be asked to operate equipment, including but not limited to fire extinguishers, telephones, iced tea/soda machines, soup wells and coffee machines
Works with staff of other departments to perform job duties and during special events or functions
Performs other duties as assigned