Maitre D at Private Club Upper East Side

Job Description – Part-Time Maître d’

Position Title: Maître d’ (Part-Time)
Department: Dining Room and Events
Reports To: Food & Beverage Manager

Position Summary

The Maître d’ is responsible for leading the front-of-house dining experience in both the à la carte restaurant and banquet spaces. This role ensures exceptional guest service, smooth floor operations, and professional communication between guests, staff, and management. The Maître d’ will serve as the primary dining room host while also coordinating seating, reservations, service flow, and special events.

Key Responsibilities

À la Carte Dining

• Warmly greet and seat guests while managing reservation systems
• Oversee service standards
• Maintain a polished, organized dining room and a welcoming guest atmosphere
• Support servers in delivering high-touch hospitality and service recovery
• Assist with menu knowledge, wine service, and guest inquiries
• Monitor pace of service and adjust staffing or seating to ensure efficiency

Banquets & Special Events

• Work closely with catering managers, servers, and culinary team to execute events
• Ensure room setup and appearances meet event standards
• Greet clients/hosts, provide VIP service, and manage any special requests
• Support smooth transitions between event timelines (cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, etc.)

Leadership & Operations

• Train, coach, and guide service team members on hospitality standards
• Communicate guest preferences and service updates to staff and management
• Maintain POS accuracy and assist with closing procedures as needed
• Enforce service policies, safety standards, and professionalism at all times

Qualifications

• Prior fine dining or upscale hospitality experience preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage guest expectations
• Professional and polished appearance
• Flexible schedule with availability for weekends, evenings, and special events
• Wine and beverage knowledge a plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Carry trays and assist with light setup/breakdown when needed

Work Schedule & Compensation

• Part-time position, hours vary based on dining volume and banquet schedule
• Non tipped hourly wage