Lead Host (550 Madison)

Madison, WI, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $28.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible spending account

Commuter Benefits

Referral Bonus Program

Career advancement opportunities

Employee recognition awards

employee dining discounts

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Gracious Hospitality Management is a well-established and award-winning hospitality company renowned for its exceptional dining experiences and innovative culinary concepts. The company is expanding its operations with a highly anticipated project set to open in Spring 2026, named 550 Madison. This ambitious venture is a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot dining destination located inside the iconic Sony building in Midtown Manhattan. 550 Madison combines three distinct dining concepts: the second New York location of the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, a versatile all-day multi-bar and dining concept called Chimera, and an intimate sushi restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Masahiro Yoshitake, known as Sushi Yoshitake. With design by the prestigious Rockwell Group and collaboration with Yoshio Itai on the sushi concept, 550 Madison aims to redefine immersive and transportive dining experiences in the heart of New York City.

The Lead Host position at 550 Madison is a pivotal role in the hospitality team, responsible for delivering warm, professional, and gracious service to all guests from the moment they enter until they leave the establishment. This person will work closely with the Maitre D to ensure smooth operations at the front entryway and coat check area, efficiently managing the reservations and customer seating processes. The Lead Host not only welcomes and seats guests but also oversees the reservation book to optimize seating arrangements, coordinates special requirements for VIPs, and maintains the overall tidiness and functionality of the front desk area.

Training for this role is comprehensive and provided on-site, ensuring candidates are fully prepared for the restaurant's grand opening and daily operations thereafter. This position requires a dedicated individual who possesses excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations with professionalism and composure. The role is scheduled with flexibility, including weekend, night, and holiday shifts, to accommodate the dynamic needs of a bustling New York hospitality environment.

Candidates will undergo a multi-phase hiring process, including resume screening, open call interviews, onboarding, and pre-opening training. The training phase includes hands-on experience and participation in the friends and family service, allowing new hires to acclimate to the restaurant’s service standards. The salary for this position, in compliance with New York State’s Pay Transparency Law, is set at $28 per hour.

This opportunity not only offers a competitive compensation package but also promises significant career growth within Gracious Hospitality Management’s expanding portfolio. Successful candidates will benefit from working in an innovative, high-profile restaurant environment and will be supported by a team committed to excellence, learning, and culture. The role is ideal for hospitality professionals passionate about creating memorable guest experiences and looking to advance their careers in a vibrant, award-winning company.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous experience in hospitality or customer service preferred
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks
Food Handler's Certification or willingness to obtain
Legal age for alcohol service
Flexible availability including weekends, nights, and holidays
Ability to operate restaurant management software
Commitment to company standards and policies

Job Qualifications

Must have the ability to read, speak, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions in English
Must be reachable by email and able to communicate via phone
Communicates information effectively and efficiently
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Possesses a positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality
Ability to maintain professionalism and composure under stress
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local health standards
Food Handler's Certification or ability to obtain
Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays
Must be of legal age to serve alcohol
Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months
Familiarity with restaurant management software such as point of sale, reservations management, inventory management, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent communication with management and teammates
Preferred 1+ year similar experience

Job Duties

Completes all assigned side work related to opening and closing the front desk, coat check, and customers restrooms
Full ownership of the reservation book including monitoring all restaurant reservations and overseeing booking protocols
Provides the team with a roll-up of reservations prior to each shift and informs management of any special notes or VIP customers
Manages flow of reservations to ensure optimal seating patterns and service
Manages VIP relations including personalized attention and recording customer preferences
Monitors and audits reservationist customer interactions via email and phone
Maintains relationships with concierges and partner booking sites
Holds the host team accountable and reports service issues to management
Warmly welcomes incoming customers, checks in reservations, and escorts guests to tables
Performs routine table and bathroom checks and maintains all tools of the position
Updates table statuses throughout service and handles coat check service
Clears and sets tables between seatings ensuring perfect presentation
Updates client profiles with detailed customer information
Responsible for training new employees and assisting other stations as needed
Acts as a role model for outstanding service and leads the department in preparation and execution
Reports department performance and any facility or product concerns to management