Lead Host
Salt + Ash | Freehand Hospitality
Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Salt + Ash Management Team, the Lead Host plays a critical leadership role in shaping the guest experience from the moment guests arrive. This position requires a confident, experienced professional who has previously run the door in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant and understands how to balance hospitality, efficiency, and operational awareness.
The Lead Host is responsible for managing reservations and walk-ins, controlling guest flow, maximizing seating, and supporting service teams through strong communication and decisive leadership. This role sets the tone for the restaurant and ensures the front door operates smoothly during all levels of business.
What You Will Be Doing
- Owning and running the door during service, making real-time decisions to manage waitlists, pacing, and table turns
- Managing reservations and walk-ins to maximize seating capacity while protecting the guest experience
- Acting as the main communication link between hosts, servers, bartenders, and management
- Leading by example at the host stand, supporting and guiding junior hosts during service
- Greeting guests professionally and warmly, setting expectations around wait times and seating
- Escorting guests to tables while engaging them in friendly, confident conversation
- Maintaining a strong awareness of table numbers, sections, server rotations, and service flow
- Monitoring the entrance, host stand, and surrounding areas to ensure they are clean, organized, and guest-ready at all times
- Managing guest concerns at the door and escalating issues appropriately to management
- Maintaining knowledge of the surrounding area, directions, and nearby attractions
- Completing regular checks to ensure cleanliness and organization of assigned areas
- Following all food safety standards and internal systems
- Supporting management with additional duties as required
The Person We Are Looking For
- Previous experience running the door in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant is required
- Proven ability to remain calm, confident, and decisive under pressure
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide and support a hosting team
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
- High attention to detail and strong situational awareness
- Exceptional verbal communication and guest-facing professionalism
- Ability to maintain urgency and momentum throughout service
- Full-time availability
- Hospitality Degree/Diploma (or currently in pursuit) is considered an asset
- Ability to stand and be on your feet for extended periods (8+ hours)
What’s in It for You
- Comprehensive extended Health & Dental benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- 50% dining discount at all Freehand Hospitality locations
- Employee Referral Program
- Gratuities
- Monthly transit pass reimbursement
A member of The Armour Group, Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!
While we thank all applicants only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to
[email protected].
