Restaurant Hostess jobs

Reservations Manager @ Freight Island Brixton

Salary : £38000
Location : 33 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PB
Working week : 45 hours per week over 5 days, by way of rota - weekends and evenings required
Start date: June 2026

Welcome to Freight Brixton!

Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food, drink and entertainment concepts in the UK. A game changer with real soul, Freight brings together culture, food, drinks, music and live entertainment in a unique hospitality setting.

Freight Brixton will offer an exciting mix of food, drinks, events and entertainment, creating an urban oasis where guests can enjoy memorable experiences in a vibrant and welcoming environment. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies, menus and events that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experience fresh, engaging and exciting.

About the Role

The Reservations Manager is a highly organised and personable professional responsible for leading our Host Team and ensuring a seamless booking and guest experience at Freight Brixton.

This role combines reservations management with hands-on operational responsibility in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality venue. The ideal candidate will be confident handling guest enquiries, delivering exceptional guest experiences and managing the Host Team during busy service periods.

This position oversees all aspects of the reservations function, including team management, guest communication, table planning and booking system administration. Ideally, you will be a booking system expert, able to quickly and effectively manage the system through rules, table plans and effective table allocation to maximise bookings and covers.

Key ResponsibilitiesHost Team Management

• Lead the recruitment, training and development of the Host Team, with the support of the Duty Managers.
• Create and manage staff rotas to ensure strong coverage across admin and operational shifts.
• Take responsibility for manager-level shifts within the Host Team, delegating tasks effectively to supervisors.
• Provide ongoing coaching and support to maintain high service and operational standards.
• Monitor daily performance to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Ensure the Host Team delivers a warm welcome and professional farewell to all guests.

Guest Experience

• Ensure a consistently high level of customer service across all reservation channels.
• Respond to customer queries professionally and efficiently.
• Ensure all guest enquiries are handled promptly across email, phone and booking platforms.
• Handle escalated customer issues and liaise with the Duty Manager or General Manager where required.
• Ensure all guests are properly briefed on the venue, including QR codes, toilets, ordering process and general guest information.
• Support the team in creating a vibrant, welcoming and organised arrival experience.

Table Planning & Booking Operations

• Maintain and optimise table plans to maximise commercial performance.
• Ensure all bookings are accurately logged and the venue is fully prepared for service.
• Manage daily reservations, guest notes, special requests and booking requirements.
• Brief relevant teams, including traders and floor staff, on booking numbers and special requirements.
• Oversee deposits, gift cards, pre-orders, packages and other reservation-related transactions.
• Manage bookings before and during service to maximise covers and guest experience.
• Ensure reservation systems are kept accurate, up to date and commercially effective.

Business Development & Growth

• Support the Business Development Manager and General Manager in driving future bookings and corporate events.
• Collaborate with the management and events teams on private events, group bookings and special functions.
• Support the Business Development Manager with venue showarounds when required.
• Help identify opportunities to increase pre-booked revenue, deposits, packages and event bookings.

Key Performance Indicators

• Weekly covers targets.
• Customer response time.
• Booking conversion rate.
• Pre-booked revenue, including deposits, pre-orders and packages.
• Host Team satisfaction and retention.
• Guest feedback and overall reservations experience.

Experience and Skills Required

• Proven experience in a hospitality role, preferably managing reservations or front-of-house operations.
• Experience working in a busy, fast-paced hospitality venue.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confident leading, training and motivating a team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a calm and professional approach.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of how to maximise bookings and covers.
• Comfortable working with managers, floor teams, traders and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with DesignMyNight is preferred, but not essential.
• Experience using online booking systems such as OpenTable, Collins or similar platforms is beneficial.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is organised, confident and guest-focused. You will take ownership of the reservations function, lead the Host Team by example and ensure every guest journey starts and ends positively.

You should be hands-on, commercially aware and comfortable working in a high-energy hospitality environment. You will need to work with urgency, take pride in service standards and help create an excellent experience for guests, staff and traders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Opportunity to work in one of London’s most exciting hospitality venues.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Staff discounts and team benefits.
• Supportive, energetic and fast-paced working environment.

Schedule

• Full-time role.
• Weekend and evening availability required.
• Flexibility required depending on events and business needs.

Interview Process

1st Stage: In-person interview with the Business Development Manager.
2nd Stage: In-person interview with the General Manager.

Application Question

Please include details of your experience using DesignMyNight, OpenTable or any other online booking or reservations system.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £36,000.00-£38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person