Lead Host

Role: Lead Host

Location: New York City (One Fifth)

Status: Full-time

Reports to: General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and Floor Manager

Position Summary

The Lead Host is the face of Golden Steer NYC, setting the tone for the entire guest experience. You will lead the host team, manage reservations and dining room flow, and ensure every guest is welcomed with warmth and professionalism. By balancing precision, diplomacy, and poise, you will orchestrate smooth service transitions, manage high-profile reservations, and resolve guest concerns gracefully. As a leader at the front door, you embody the timeless hospitality Golden Steer is known for.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Reception & VIP Care: Welcome every guest warmly, with special attention to VIPs, repeat guests, and special occasions.
• Reservation & Dining Room Management: Oversee reservation systems (OpenTable), manage pacing, and direct seating flow for optimal service.
• Team Leadership: Train, mentor, and supervise hosts to ensure consistency in greetings, seating, and guest care.
• Hospitality & Professionalism: Anticipate guest needs, handle complaints diplomatically, and ensure every guest departs with a positive impression.
• Communication & Coordination: Work closely with managers, servers, and bussers to align seating with kitchen and service pacing.
• Cleanliness & Organization: Maintain a polished host stand and entryway at all times, with menus and materials ready for use.
• Salesmanship & Personality: Use charisma and product knowledge to promote signature cocktails, wines, and specials when engaging with guests.

Golden Steer Core Values (How We Win)

• Championing Character: Treat guests and teammates with respect; remain calm, clear, and poised under pressure.
• Consistency Breeds Excellence: Every greeting, seating, and farewell executed to the same high standard.
• Going the Extra Mile: Anticipate needs, manage challenges smoothly, and ensure guest expectations are exceeded.

Experience & Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• 2 years of host, maître d’, or guest services leadership experience in an upscale, high-volume restaurant.
• Strong communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a host team while balancing guest satisfaction and operational flow.
• Experience with reservation management platforms (Resy, OpenTable, or similar) required.
• Poised, professional, and welcoming presence.
• English required; Spanish a plus.

Operations & Compliance

• Uphold NYC DOH sanitation and accessibility standards in entry and dining areas.
• Follow guest safety, privacy, and ADA compliance protocols.

Teamwork & Culture

• Lead by example—show up prepared, polished, and ready to deliver excellence.
• Train and coach hosts in Golden Steer service standards.
• Represent Golden Steer with professionalism and pride both in person and over the phone.

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

• Stand and move quickly for 8–10 hours.
• Nights, weekends, and holidays required.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly rate plus benefits and opportunities for growth in a chef-driven, classic steakhouse culture. Final compensation commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please submit your resume.

Equal Opportunity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Golden Steer Steakhouse — New York • One Fifth Avenue