Lead Host at The Stovall House – Tampa, Florida

Lead Host

We are seeking an experienced, confident, and servicefocused Lead Host to guide our host team and ensure an exceptional guest experience from the moment guests arrive. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to maintain a polished, welcoming atmosphere. As the Lead Host, you will oversee host operations, support staff training, manage the frontofhouse flow, and serve as the primary point of contact for guest needs at the door.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide a warm, professional welcome to all guests and set the standard for guest interactions.
• Support the host team, guide proper training, performance, and adherence to service standards.
• Manage reservations, waitlists, and seating charts with an emphasis on guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Ensure confirmation messages have been sent, review messages in OpenTable, use direct messaging to communicate events/parking issues/inclement weather to anticipate guest needs.
• If asked, routinely clear and reset tables and assist with opening tasks such as turning on lights, checking that door glass has no fingerprints and there are no pieces of trash or paper on the floors, etc.
• Coordinate the flow of the dining room by communicating effectively with servers, management, and kitchen staff.
• Escort guests to their tables, distribute menus, and ensure a smooth handoff to service staff.
• Monitor wait times, adjust strategies during peak periods, and make proactive decisions to optimize service flow.
• Handle guest concerns or special accommodations promptly and professionally.
• Lead the organization and setup of the dining room and host station, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for service.
• Answer phone calls, manage inquiries, and oversee reservation systems and guest communication.
• Assist management with special events, large party coordination, or operational needs as required.
• Uphold all health and safety regulations and ensure the host team follows established protocols.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a host/hostess or in a comparable customerfacing role, preferably with leadership responsibilities in a restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to coach and motivate team members.
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and problemsolving abilities.
• Ability to remain composed and professional in a fastpaced, highvolume environment.
• A positive attitude and commitment to providing an outstanding guest experience.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

General Physical Demands for the Position:

• Hosts will regularly stand for long periods of time, bend, stoop, turn, lift, walk, and carry and lift up to fifty (50) pounds.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, Life, and Disability Insurance (subject to applicable waiting periods)
• PTO benefit (begin accruing at 10 days off, based on average hours)
• Sick Days & Paid Leave benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k) with matching
• Discounts
• Opportunity for Growth and Advancement

Oxford Commons is an equal opportunity employer. We look for staff who are humble, do whatever it takes, are always curious, and create connections, both among themselves and for our guests. We are celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.