Company Description
Location: On-site in Knutsford, Cheshire, North-West England (not remote)
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is one of the North West’s most distinguished luxury destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and surrounded by a championship golf course, the resort combines Fairmont’s world-renowned elegance with the warmth and character of its local heritage. Renowned for exceptional service and attention to detail, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere offers guests an indulgent escape featuring world-class spa experiences, exceptional dining, and outstanding leisure facilities. Whether visiting for relaxation, celebration, or business, Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments and delivering the very best in 5-star luxury hospitality.
Your purpose will be:
To lead the host team in delivering a flawless, high‑impact arrival experience that reflects the energy, precision, and elevated standards of Gordon Ramsay at The Mere. The Head Host ensures every guest is welcomed with confidence and warmth, manages the flow of the restaurant with absolute control, and supports the front‑of‑house team in delivering exceptional service from the moment guests step through the door.
Job Description
1. Deliver a polished, memorable welcome that sets the tone for a world‑class dining experience
2. Share confident, knowledgeable guidance on menus, specials, and the wider F&B offering
3. Arrive prepared, punctual, and presented to Gordon Ramsay Global grooming standards
4. Engage fully in pre‑service briefings, contributing questions and supporting team clarity
5. Manage host team scheduling to ensure consistent coverage across all services
6. Coordinate cross‑training for hosts to support flexibility across the restaurant
7. Oversee administrative duties including rotas, holidays, and training records
8. Act as a positive, professional ambassador for teamwork and service excellence
9. Maintain full knowledge of menus, VIPs, dietary notes, and daily operational updates
10. Respond to guest requests promptly, anticipating needs and elevating the guest journey
11. Engage with guests confidently and professionally throughout service
12. Open or close the restaurant as required, including accurate cash handling
13. Support the Manager on Duty by allocating duties and monitoring service flow from the host desk
14. Train new and existing hosts to uphold Gordon Ramsay standards and refine processes
15. Coordinate break coverage to ensure uninterrupted guest service
16. Ensure all standards, policies, and procedures are consistently delivered by the host team
17. Assist management in monitoring service quality and adherence to SOPs
18. Oversee OpenTable usage, liaising with the account manager when needed and training the team
19. Follow all fire, health, and safety procedures in line with hotel and brand policy
20. Support additional tasks as requested by the leadership team
21. Contribute to the restaurant’s mission of delivering unforgettable dining moments
Qualifications
22. 1–2 years’ experience in a host or front‑of‑house role, ideally within premium or Michelin‑level dining
23. Previous supervisory or team‑leading experience desirable
24. Strong communication and guest‑engagement skills with a confident, polished presence
25. Experience with reservation systems such as OpenTable preferred
26. Excellent organisational and administrative skills
27. Food Safety Level 1 or 2 desirable
28. Confident with cash handling and basic POS systems
29. Professional appearance and adherence to grooming standards
Additional Information
What is in it for you?
30. Exclusive Discounts:Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, Spa and Golf discountFairmont, Raffles, and Accor Hotels (friends and family rates are included)20% off food and beverage in on-site restaurants
31. Colleague restaurant
32. Being part of The Mere Team – our culture is unique!
33. You will benefit from training and development opportunities
34. Competitive salary and benefits including pension
35. 28 days of holiday including public holidays
36. 1-5 days service award based on length of service
37. Special rates for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide
38. And last but not least you will get to work with a team of EXTRAORDINARY people