Reservations Manager- New Fine Dining Restaurant- Bucks 50k
Reports To: Chef Patron
Salary: up to £50,000 all-inclusive and DOE
Contract Type: Full-time, closed Sunday and Monday
Working Hours: Including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Position Summary:
As the Reservations Manager of a Michelin-starred or fine dining restaurant, you will be the first point of contact for discerning guests. You will ensure the seamless coordination of all reservation activities while embodying the restaurants commitment to excellence, discretion, and hospitality. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, grace under pressure, and the ability to curate a personalized guest journey from the moment of booking.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee all incoming reservation requests via phone, email, website, and third-party platforms (e.g., SevenRooms, OpenTable, ResDiary).
Maintain up-to-date booking availability and ensure accurate guest records.
Develop and maintain detailed guest profiles including preferences, dietary requirements, special occasions, and feedback.
Coordinate with the front-of-house and kitchen teams to personalise service for VIPs, media, industry professionals, and returning guests.
Handle special requests and bespoke arrangements with discretion and poise.
Liaise daily with the matre dhtel, sommeliers, kitchen team, and marketing/events departments to ensure seamless operations.
Lead pre-service briefings on reservations, guest profiles, and notable bookings.
Address and resolve any guest issues or complaints related to reservations in a professional and empathetic manner.
Follow up with guests post-visit when appropriate, reinforcing loyalty and encouraging return visits.
Maintain and manage the reservations platform and CRM system with accuracy and integrity.
Monitor and manage booking policies such as deposits, credit card holds, and cancellation terms.
Assist with serving duties
Skills & Competencies:
Polished verbal and written communication skills; poised phone and email etiquette essential.
Deep understanding of luxury service and the expectations of high-net-worth individuals and gastronomy-focused clientele.
Meticulous organizational skills and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Calm, courteous, and professional demeanour under pressure.
Technical proficiency with reservations software (SevenRooms preferred), MS Office, and CRM tools.
Qualifications & Experience:
Minimum 2 years in a reservations or guest relations role within a fine dining or Michelin-starred environment.
Hospitality, business, or customer service qualifications are an advantage.
Knowledge of wine, gastronomy, and fine dining etiquette
You must be currently eligible to live and work in the UK
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