Host

We are part of the MORE Collection - a family-owned portfolio of luxury safari lodges and boutique properties, united by our purpose: Great People, Strong Connections.

Upper Union is a vibrant, contemporary neighbourhood restaurant known for its bold, globally inspired flavours and welcoming atmosphere. It is a fast-paced, energetic space where creativity and consistency are equally valued.

Our team thrives on collaboration and a shared passion for food and service, continually looking for ways to elevate the experience while taking pride in every plate and every interaction.

The Host is the first point of contact for guests and plays a critical role in creating an exceptional dining & guest experience. This position requires a warm, professional demeanor, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage/manipulate reservations and guest flow in a fine dining environment. Supervise restaurant operations and the service team to ensure that the restaurant can run smoothly and at optimized level while adhering to and achieving standards and company values.

Key Focus Areas

• Guest Reception: Greet guests promptly and courteously, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
• Reservation Management: Handle phone and online reservations, confirm bookings, and maintain accurate seating floorplans.
• Seating Coordination: Escort guests to their tables, manage waitlists, and optimize table turnover while maintaining service standards.
• Guest Relations: Address guest inquiries and concerns professionally, ensuring satisfaction and resolving issues promptly.
• Communication: Coordinate with servers, kitchen, and management to ensure smooth service flow.
• Ambiance Maintenance: Ensure the entrance and all guest areas are clean, organized, and visually appealing.
• Compliance: Adhere to company policies, health and safety regulations, and fine dining service protocols.
• Supervision & leadership: Ensure that waiters’ duties are being allocated, actioned and checked upon completion, that’s all per standard for both set up and closing.
• Composure: The ability to remain calm and handle difficult situations with grace in a high-pressure environment.
• Organization: Strong multitasking and time-management skills to monitor the entire dining area simultaneously.
• Discretion: Maintaining a high level of professionalism when dealing with high-profile or distinguished guests.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a fine dining or upscale hospitality environment preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Familiarity with reservation systems and POS software is an advantage.
• Technologically Proficient with computers and emails.
• Manipulating reservations between waiters to ensure smooth flow of service and optimized guest value add/experience.
• The ability to create guest experience beyond their expectations, such as gifting and connection.

Performance Expectations

• Delivery consistently consists of a high level of guest service and exceeding guest expectations.
• Maintain professionalism under pressure during peak hours.
• Contribute to a positive team environment and uphold the restaurant’s reputation for excellence, standards and values.

MAXIMISING YOUR IMPACT

• Demonstrate respect, care and consideration for others, embracing the spirit of Ubuntu and contributing positively to the team.
• Communicate openly, honestly and professionally, and be willing to both give and receive constructive feedback.
• Take ownership of your responsibilities, honour your commitments and see challenges through to resolution.
• Arrive prepared, organised and focused, consistently delivering work to a high standard with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Look, listen and take action by identifying opportunities to improve experiences, processes and outcomes.
• Proactively support colleagues and step in where help is needed to contribute to collective success.
• Remain adaptable, resilient and solution-oriented, embracing learning and new ways of doing things.
• Live the MORE brand by creating meaningful experiences for guests, colleagues and communities through professionalism, integrity and care.