Reservations Manager

Reservations Manager

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced, polished, and highly organized Reservations Manager to oversee the restaurant’s reservation system and help ensure an exceptional guest experience from the first phone call through arrival. This position plays an important role in maximizing seating, managing guest expectations, and supporting smooth communication between the host team, management, private dining, and service staff.

The ideal candidate is warm, professional, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing a high-volume reservation book while maintaining the level of hospitality expected in an upscale restaurant.

• Manage the daily reservation book to maximize seating capacity and restaurant revenue while maintaining a comfortable guest experience.
• Monitor reservations throughout the day and make adjustments based on cancellations, special requests, large parties, VIP guests, and operational needs.
• Answer reservation calls and respond to guest inquiries in a professional, welcoming, and timely manner.
• Confirm reservations and accurately document special occasions, seating preferences, allergies, accessibility needs, and other guest requests.
• Develop a strong understanding of table numbers, seating capacities, dining times, and the overall flow of the restaurant.
• Strategically assign tables and reservation times to prevent overbooking and unnecessary congestion during peak periods.
• Maintain and update guest profiles, preferences, and reservation notes.
• Recognize and appropriately handle VIPs, regular guests, and special occasions.
• Communicate important reservation information to managers, hosts, servers, bartenders, and other departments.
• Coordinate with the Private Dining/Events team regarding large parties and potential private-event inquiries.
• Manage reservation confirmations, cancellations, no-shows, waitlists, and last-minute requests.
• Assist guests with reservation changes while balancing guest satisfaction with the needs of the restaurant.
• Oversee and train the host/reservation team on reservation procedures, telephone etiquette, hospitality standards, and proper guest communication.
• Prepare the reservation book and relevant guest information for daily pre-shift meetings.
• Monitor reservation patterns and identify opportunities to improve seating efficiency and maximize covers.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming presence at the host stand during service when needed.
• Work closely with restaurant management to resolve guest concerns and accommodate special requests.
• Ensure reservation policies and procedures are consistently followed.

• Previous experience in reservations, hosting, guest relations, or restaurant management, preferably in an upscale or fine-dining restaurant.
• Experience with restaurant reservation platforms and POS systems preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent telephone, written, and in-person communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, gracious, and solution-oriented during busy services.
• Strong understanding of hospitality and the importance of creating a positive first impression.
• Ability to make quick decisions while balancing guest expectations and restaurant operations.
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, holidays, and other peak restaurant periods.

The successful Reservations Manager understands that hospitality begins well before a guest walks through the door. They are personable, confident, organized, and proactive, with the ability to maximize the reservation book without compromising the guest experience. They build relationships with regular guests, anticipate challenges, and work closely with the management team to create a smooth and welcoming dining experience.