Host

Department:     Food & Beverage – Front of House

Direct Report:  Front of House Supervisor / Restaurant Manager / Restaurant General Manager

Purpose:           Provide a warm and professional first impression for all guests of The Lifesaving Station (LSS),  by managing reservations, greeting and seating guests, and supporting efficient dining room flow in alignment with EOS Hospitality and Sanderling Resort standards.

OVERVIEW:

The Sanderling Resort, located in Duck, North Carolina, is the premier oceanfront destination in the Outer Banks, offering refined coastal hospitality and memorable guest experiences.  The Lifesaving Station (LSS) is the resort’s signature all-day dining outlet, inspired by the rich history of the Outer Banks and the legacy of the U.S. Lifesaving Service. The restaurant delivers a balance of elevated yet approachable cuisine, strong beverage programming, and welcoming, family-friendly service in a high-volume setting.

The Host is responsible for delivering exceptional hospitality from the moment guests arrive. This position ensures accurate reservation management, organized seating flow, and professional communication with guests and team members to support seamless service execution.

JOB SUMMARY:   

• Greet all guests warmly and professionally upon arrival
• Manage reservations using the restaurant reservation system, ensuring accuracy of guest information, special requests, and notes
• Seat guests according to established floor plans and section rotations
• Communicate table status clearly with Servers and Supervisors
• Provide accurate wait times and manage guest expectations during peak periods
• Answer phone calls professionally and assist guests with reservations and general inquiries
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of host stand, lobby, and entrance areas
• Monitor dining room flow and communicate pacing updates to leadership
• Assist in managing walk-in guests during high-volume periods
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of menus, hours of operation, and restaurant features
• Assist with menu distribution and collection when appropriate
• Support guest recovery efforts by escalating concerns to appropriate leadership
• Participate in daily pre-shift meetings to review reservations, VIP guests, and operational focuses
• Assist with opening and closing procedures including system setup, report review, and workstation organization
• Demonstrate teamwork by assisting other front-of-house team members as needed
• Understand and use safe work practices including Emergency Procedures and workplace safety standards
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required
• Comply with all policies outlined in the Handbook, Property Supplement, or otherwise issued including time and attendance expectations, uniform standards, anti-harassment policy, and workplace conduct

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Ability to remain standing for up to 8–10 hours
• Ability to move quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to remain calm and professional during high-volume service periods
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests and team members
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English
• Ability to operate reservation and computer systems accurately
• Ability to complete a satisfactory background check
• Ability to work flexible hours based on business needs including evenings, weekends, and holidays

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• Reservations Software (e.g., OpenTable)
• Point of Sale System (basic navigation)
• Scheduling, Timekeeping, and Labor Management Software
• Phone and Two-Way Communication Devices
• Time clock and time clock systems
• Computer and Printer
• Basic Cleaning Tools

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work will primarily take place in a hotel resort and restaurant entrance/lobby environment
• Fast-paced setting with seasonal fluctuations in volume
• Frequent guest interaction and coordination with Front of House and Culinary teams
• Exposure to moderate noise levels and high guest traffic during peak service

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Previous host or customer service experience preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage guest flow effectively.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Strong hospitality mindset and guest-first attitude.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background check.
• Available and willing to work flexible hours based on business needs including weekdays and weekends.

No Job Description for a position can possibly include all duties which may be requested by guests or required by the hotel.  The objective of all positions is to effectively provide the services personally, or to immediately refer requests to the appropriate department manager.  The items listed above are a summary of the major responsibilities of the position that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.