Lead Host

RVR is seeking an exceptional Lead Host to help lead the guest experience at our high-volume, chef-driven restaurant in Venice.

Our Lead Hosts set the tone for every guest’s experience and serve as the first and lasting connection between RVR and the hundreds of guests who join us each night. The role requires a rare combination of warmth, confidence, organization, and command.

You must be able to manage a complex reservation book, guide the pace of the dining room, create opportunities for walk-in guests, and make every person who approaches the host stand feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely important—all while maintaining composure and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate is a consummate hospitality professional with at least three years of Lead Host experience in similar high-volume, elevated dining establishments. You are charismatic, polished, observant, and calm under pressure. You know how to balance the needs of reservations, walk-ins, guests, servers, managers, and the overall flow of the restaurant without losing sight of the person standing in front of you. You are always aware of what is happening around you, anticipate challenges before they become problems, and take ownership of the guest experience from the moment a guest arrives until the moment they leave.

Team members who demonstrate strong performance, professionalism, and leadership potential will have the opportunity to train and develop toward a Maitre’d position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the execution of the guest arrival experience and ensure consistent hospitality standards are maintained.
• Manage the host stand during service, including seating flow, reservations, wait times, and guest communication.
• Support and coach Hosts to ensure professionalism, accuracy, and consistency during service.
• Communicate clearly with the Maitre’d, FOH Management Team, service team, and kitchen.
• Assist with reservation execution, guest notes, special requests, and walk-in opportunities.
• Identify and communicate potential service challenges before they impact the guest experience.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and guest-ready host stand and entrance.
• Execute all steps of service according to established standards.
• Complete all opening, in-service, and closing side work to standard.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on operational needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & AVAILABILITY

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per shift.
• Frequently bend, reach, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Perform repetitive movements and use manual dexterity throughout the shift.
• Work effectively in hot, cold, and fast-paced environments.
• Walk up and down stairs repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid food handlers certificate & alcohol server awareness training
• You must have 2-3 years of previous high-volume restaurant experience at similar elevated dining establishments.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

• Employment with the Company is at will. Either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.
• The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.