What pre-service duties should I include in a Restaurant Host job description?

Date modified: 29th September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Restaurant Assistant Manager Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a thriving restaurant serving 200+ covers daily with emphasis on operational excellence, team development, and exceptional guest experiences. Our assistant manager works closely with the general manager to lead restaurant operations, supporting strategic initiatives while managing daily service delivery. This senior role combines strategic thinking with hands-on management, overseeing multiple departments while developing systems and processes that drive business success. You'll work in a dynamic environment managing complex operations including staff development, financial performance, and guest relations. The position offers excellent career advancement opportunities including general manager, multi-site management, and regional leadership roles within our expanding restaurant group, with involvement in business development and strategic planning.
• Support general manager in strategic planning, operational improvements, and business development initiatives • Lead comprehensive staff management including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and development planning • Oversee daily operations across all departments ensuring service quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction • Manage financial performance including revenue optimization, cost control, and budget management • Develop and implement operational procedures, service standards, and quality control systems • Handle complex guest relations including complaint resolution, VIP management, and reputation management • Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to maintain operational excellence • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements including health and safety, licensing, and employment law • Lead staff meetings, training sessions, and performance management programs • Manage inventory control, purchasing decisions, and supply chain coordination • Support marketing initiatives, promotional activities, and guest loyalty programs • Handle administrative responsibilities including reporting, documentation, and system management
Essential Skills: Extensive restaurant management experience with demonstrated ability to lead large teams and complex operations; strong business acumen including P&L management, financial analysis, and strategic thinking; exceptional leadership capabilities with experience in staff development and performance management; comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations, service standards, and quality control; excellent communication skills for stakeholder management and team leadership; advanced problem-solving abilities for operational challenges and business optimization. Preferred Qualifications: 5+ years progressive restaurant management experience with multi-departmental responsibility; business or hospitality management degree; experience with restaurant technology, POS systems, and operational software; advanced financial skills including budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis; wine and beverage program management experience; multi-unit or regional management experience; marketing and customer relationship management knowledge.
We're looking for accomplished restaurant management professionals with minimum 5 years progressive management experience, demonstrating ability to lead complex operations and drive business results. You should have comprehensive understanding of restaurant business including financial management, operations, and strategic planning. Candidates must possess proven track record in team leadership, operational improvement, and business growth, gained through hands-on management roles with increasing responsibility. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to manage large teams, implement systems improvements, and achieve ambitious performance targets. This senior role offers significant influence over business direction, involvement in strategic planning, and potential advancement to general manager or regional management positions within our growing restaurant portfolio.
We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence, leading through vision while ensuring exceptional execution across all business areas. You should possess natural ability to develop systems and processes, with skill in building high-performing teams and sustainable operational improvements. The ideal candidate will have analytical mindset for business optimization, creative approach to problem-solving, and commitment to continuous improvement. You should be results-focused yet people-centered, able to balance business objectives with team development and guest satisfaction. We value innovative thinking, collaborative leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit, seeking someone who contributes to business growth while maintaining operational excellence and building strong team culture.
Competitive management salary of £35,000-£42,000 annually plus substantial performance bonus structure based on operational KPIs, guest satisfaction, and financial performance (potential additional £5,000-£8,000 annually). Comprehensive senior management benefits package includes: 30 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays and professional development time; health and dental insurance including family coverage options; management car allowance or transport benefits. Executive development opportunities including senior leadership training, industry conferences, and strategic planning involvement. Potential equity participation in business growth, advancement to general manager roles, and involvement in new venture development within our expanding hospitality group.

Include comprehensive restaurant host pre-service duties covering host station setup and organisation for efficient operations, daily reservation review and preparation for guest service excellence, greeting area cleaning and presentation to create welcoming atmosphere, menu display arrangement and information updates for guest guidance, table availability verification and seating chart preparation for optimal guest flow, and coordination with management and service team for opening readiness and seamless service delivery.

Common misunderstanding: Restaurant host pre-service duties are minimal rather than essential preparation activities that determine service quality and operational readiness.

Host pre-service preparation directly impacts guest experience, operational efficiency, team coordination, and service quality throughout the shift. Comprehensive preparation often prevents problems whilst ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest service.

Common misunderstanding: Pre-service responsibilities can be rushed rather than requiring systematic approach and attention to detail for effective guest service delivery.

Effective pre-service preparation requires systematic approach, quality verification, and attention to detail that ensures readiness and professionalism. Thorough preparation often improves service quality whilst reducing stress and operational challenges during busy periods.

How should I describe station preparation for Restaurant Host job description pre-service duties?

Describe comprehensive host station organisation and supply check including forms, menus, and equipment verification, reservation system startup and verification to ensure accuracy and functionality, telephone setup and message review for prompt communication, seating chart preparation and table status updates for efficient guest flow, promotional materials arrangement and menu display setup for guest information, and technology testing including POS systems and communication equipment to prevent service disruptions.

Common misunderstanding: Host station preparation is routine setup rather than strategic preparation that affects guest service quality and operational efficiency.

Host station preparation involves systems verification, information organisation, and resource preparation that directly impact service delivery. Strategic preparation often improves efficiency whilst ensuring professional presentation and operational readiness.

Common misunderstanding: Technology setup is technical support responsibility rather than host accountability for ensuring functional systems and communication equipment.

Host technology preparation includes system verification, troubleshooting basic issues, and ensuring communication equipment functionality. Technology preparation often prevents service disruptions whilst maintaining operational flow and guest service quality.

What coordination activities should I emphasise for Restaurant Host job description pre-service preparation?

Emphasise management briefing attendance and daily updates including special events and operational changes, service team communication about reservations and special events for coordinated service delivery, kitchen coordination for special dietary requirements and guest preferences, maintenance issue reporting and resolution follow-up to ensure facility readiness, cleanliness standards verification throughout front-of-house areas including restrooms and public spaces, and guest service preparation for exceptional experiences including special occasion planning and personalised attention.

Common misunderstanding: Host coordination activities are informal communication rather than structured preparation essential for service quality and team effectiveness.

Host coordination involves structured communication, information sharing, and preparation activities that ensure team readiness and service excellence. Formal coordination often improves service quality whilst preventing miscommunication and operational issues.

Common misunderstanding: Pre-service coordination focuses on host responsibilities rather than comprehensive team preparation and guest service excellence.

Host coordination encompasses team communication, operational preparation, and guest service planning that affect entire restaurant operations. Comprehensive coordination often improves team effectiveness whilst ensuring exceptional guest experiences and operational success.