Maitre'D- Bar Chimera (550 Madison)

We are seeking to hire dynamic and experienced team members to join our award winning hospitality team as Gracious Hospitality Management expands our operations to our newest project, 550 Madison.

Gracious Hospitality Management’s 550 Madison project is their most ambitious to date: a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot dining destination inside the iconic landmark Sony building. The project brings together three distinct concepts — the second New York location of the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, an all-day multi-bar and dining concept, Bar Chimera, and an intimate sushi restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Masahiro Yoshitake, Sushi Yoshitake. Designed by Rockwell Group, with Yoshio Itai collaborating on the sushi concept, 550 Madison is set to redefine immersive, transportive dining in Midtown Manhattan.

The Maitre D’ manages all aspects of the guest booking & reception at 550 Madison. They oversee booking protocols and the reservations department to ensure that the restaurant seating is being maximized, and welcome all guests in service. They run a welcoming and efficient door team, find opportunities to drive business to the bar, and maintain personalized relationships with VIP guests. They are ambassadors of 550 Madison and the most gracious host. They oversee all special guest requests.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Full ownership of the book. Monitors of all restaurant reservations and oversees booking protocols at the direction of the General Manager. Drives tidiness of the grid for maximum efficiency as well as creative solutions for driving more demand.
• Hires, trains, and schedules reservationists and hosts on the tools and culture of hospitality as it relates to their roles. Develops and inspires the team. 
• Reviews all guest satisfaction and mystery shopper reports for opportunities to improve. Monitors and audits reservationist guest interaction, both emails and phone.
• Reviews all reservations daily, weekly, monthly to coordinate with the GM and Service Manager seating and VIP gifting plans. 
• Provides Management with roll-up of reservations prior to each shift; Informs Management of any large parties, special reservation notes and/or VIP guests. Assists Management in creating floor plan and table arrangement for shift, as requested. 
• Ensures the dining room is properly set for guests prior to service.
• Manages flow of reservations for each shift to ensure optimal seating pattern and service. Advises Management on suggested changes to floor plan or seating strategy. Ensures servers are seated as equitably as possible throughout the shift. 
• Acts as face of 550 Madison at industry events, networking events, social events, etc.
• Makes reservations for guests, offering alternatives when the desired slot is not available. Manages VIP relations, including making reservations personally, providing personalized attention in the restaurant, recording preferences and notes from past experiences, performing final quality check on each experience.
• Maintains cleanliness of entrance and other waiting areas throughout shift by sweeping, cleaning windows and doors, arranging chairs, etc. Sets host stand for service, ensuring all resources (paper, pens, business cards, etc.) are stocked.
• Updates knowledge and skills by participating in staff training opportunities.
• Maintains sanitation to Department of Health standards; Keeps work area clean and organized. Informs Manager on Duty immediately of any DOH or OSHA/workplace safety violations.

 

Standards:

• Display knowledge of 550 Madison brand, culture, and product.
• Demonstrate the Company’s core values of people, learning, culture, relationships, sustainability and stewardship.
• Maintain professional and respectful behavior when in contact with guests, management, and teammates.
• Present a polished personal appearance, adhering to company grooming standards outlined in the Employee Handbook. 
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures outlined in handbooks, manuals, and other company documents.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings, training sessions, and continuing education activities.
• Take care of all company property.
• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards.
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

 

Qualifications:

• Must have the ability to read, speak, understand, follow written directions, and verbal instructions in English.
• Must be reachable by email and able to communicate via phone as well.
• Communicates information effectively and efficiently. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possesses a positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality.
• Ability to perform job duties and responsibilities well and maintain professionalism and composure under pressure and in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to under pressure and maintain professionalism when working under stress.
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local Department of Health standards.
• Food Handler’s Certification or the ability to obtain in accordance with federal, state, or local regulations and/or Company policy.
• Able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate business levels (weekend, nights, and holiday availability required). We will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs.  
• Must be of legal age to serve alcohol.
• Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Familiarity with restaurant management software such as point of sales, reservations management, inventory management, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace. 
• Ability to execute steps of service in adherence with company policy.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent communication with management and teammates.
• Demonstrates positive leadership characteristics, which inspires team members to meet and exceed standards.
• Participates in community events and helps to ensure corporate social responsibility goals of the company are met.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform those essential functions.

 

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Exert well-paced mobility for periods of up to 12 hours per day and at least 60 hours per week.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, push, pull, and kneel.
• Frequently utilize the stairs, often while lifting and carrying heavy items.  
• Occasionally crouch and climb.
• Be exposed to hazards including, but not limited to, burns, cuts, scrapes, and frequent exposure of hands to water.
• Withstand fluctuations in temperature within the work environment, from high heat to below freezing.
• Handle heavy equipment and machinery.

• Structured, generous compensation for all positions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account
• Commuter Benefits
• Referral Bonus Program
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Recognition Awards
• Employee Dining Discounts
• Paid Time Off

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550 Madison fully complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws by providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job should contact the Human Resources department at people@gracioushm.com