The Maître d’ will be the face of KAIO and will take ownership of the guest experience from the moment a reservation is made through to arrival, seating and departure. This is a senior front-of-house position requiring exceptional communication skills, strong organisation, commercial awareness and the ability to build genuine relationships with guests.

The successful candidate will work closely with the General Manager and management team to maximise reservations, optimise the restaurant floor and ensure every guest receives a warm, polished and personalised experience.

Tasks and responsibilities are not limited to the list below.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Experience & Hospitality
  
• Act as the primary host and ambassador for KAIO during service.
• Build strong relationships with regular guests, VIPs, residents, hotel concierges and local clientele.
• Maintain detailed guest profiles, preferences and relevant information within the reservation system.
  

Reservations & Table Management

• Take ownership of the daily reservation book and seating plan.
• Manage reservations through SevenRooms, telephone, email and direct enquiries. 
• Strategically manage table allocations and turn times to maximise covers and revenue without compromising the guest experience.

Reception & Door Management

• Coordinate the arrival, waiting and seating experience.
• Communicate clearly with the restaurant management team regarding table status and guest flow.
• Ensure waiting guests are acknowledged, comfortable and kept informed.

Service & Floor Coordination

• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager, Floor Supervisors and senior team throughout service.
• Communicate table priorities, VIP information, dietary requirements and special requests during pre-service briefings.
• Monitor the guest journey throughout the restaurant rather than focusing solely on the reception desk.

Guest Relations & Commercial Development

• Develop KAIO's database of regular and returning guests.
• Build relationships with local residents, businesses, hotels and concierge teams.
• Work alongside the General Manager, Events and Marketing teams on guest engagement initiatives.

Leadership

• Train and develop reception and host team members.
• Ensure reception procedures and reservation standards are consistently followed.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Maître d’, Head Host, Reception Manager or Senior Host within a quality restaurant, luxury hotel or premium hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant reservation and table-management systems; SevenRooms experience is highly desirable.
• Naturally warm, engaging and confident personality.
• Strong understanding of guest recognition and VIP management.
• Commercial understanding of table optimisation, covers and revenue.
• Strong knowledge of London's restaurant and hospitality market is advantageous.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus
• Service charge participation
• Staff meals on duty
• Wine education and professional development
• Career progression opportunities
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity to shape one of London's most exciting premium restaurant wine programmes
  
  

Why Join KĀIO?

At KĀIO, we believe exceptional hospitality is created by exceptional people. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic leadership team at an exciting stage of the restaurant's journey, where your expertise, creativity, and passion will directly influence our success and help establish KĀIO as one of London's leading dining destinations.

The Maître d’ will be the face of KAIO and will take ownership of the guest experience from the moment a reservation is made through to arrival, seating and departure. This is a senior front-of-house position requiring exceptional communication skills, strong organisation, commercial awareness and the ability to build genuine relationships with guests.

The successful candidate will work closely with the General Manager and management team to maximise reservations, optimise the restaurant floor and ensure every guest receives a warm, polished and personalised experience.

Tasks and responsibilities are not limited to the list below.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Experience & Hospitality
  
• Act as the primary host and ambassador for KAIO during service.
• Build strong relationships with regular guests, VIPs, residents, hotel concierges and local clientele.
• Maintain detailed guest profiles, preferences and relevant information within the reservation system.
  

Reservations & Table Management

• Take ownership of the daily reservation book and seating plan.
• Manage reservations through SevenRooms, telephone, email and direct enquiries. 
• Strategically manage table allocations and turn times to maximise covers and revenue without compromising the guest experience.

Reception & Door Management

• Coordinate the arrival, waiting and seating experience.
• Communicate clearly with the restaurant management team regarding table status and guest flow.
• Ensure waiting guests are acknowledged, comfortable and kept informed.

Service & Floor Coordination

• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager, Floor Supervisors and senior team throughout service.
• Communicate table priorities, VIP information, dietary requirements and special requests during pre-service briefings.
• Monitor the guest journey throughout the restaurant rather than focusing solely on the reception desk.

Guest Relations & Commercial Development

• Develop KAIO's database of regular and returning guests.
• Build relationships with local residents, businesses, hotels and concierge teams.
• Work alongside the General Manager, Events and Marketing teams on guest engagement initiatives.

Leadership

• Train and develop reception and host team members.
• Ensure reception procedures and reservation standards are consistently followed.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Maître d’, Head Host, Reception Manager or Senior Host within a quality restaurant, luxury hotel or premium hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of restaurant reservation and table-management systems; SevenRooms experience is highly desirable.
• Naturally warm, engaging and confident personality.
• Strong understanding of guest recognition and VIP management.
• Commercial understanding of table optimisation, covers and revenue.
• Strong knowledge of London's restaurant and hospitality market is advantageous.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus
• Service charge participation
• Staff meals on duty
• Wine education and professional development
• Career progression opportunities
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity to shape one of London's most exciting premium restaurant wine programmes
  
  

Why Join KĀIO?

At KĀIO, we believe exceptional hospitality is created by exceptional people. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic leadership team at an exciting stage of the restaurant's journey, where your expertise, creativity, and passion will directly influence our success and help establish KĀIO as one of London's leading dining destinations.