Head Host/ess

Head Host/Hostess – MA/NA Mayfair

About MA/NA

MA/NA Mayfair is inspired by the Japanese belief that every ingredient carries an invisible energy shaped by nature and human craft.

‘Mana’ is a spiritual force that is felt rather than seen. It transforms emotion into experience, and a meal into memory.

MA/NA offers a seamless connection between restaurant and bar. Refined Japanese dishes sit alongside a world-class cocktail, wine, and sake programme. Cocktails flow naturally into dinner, and dinner returns to drinks. Every detail — from service and design to sound and light — is intentional and celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.

The Role – Head Host/Hostess

As Head Host / Head Hostess at MA/NA Mayfair, you will be the first and last point of contact for our guests, setting the tone for every visit with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.

The Head Host / Head Hostess will lead the reception team, ensuring a seamless guest journey from reservation through to farewell. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, Head Waiters, Reservations team, and Bar team, you will coordinate reservations, manage guest flow, and create a calm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the MA/NA philosophy.

This role is ideal for someone who leads with confidence, thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment, and understands that exceptional hospitality begins the moment a guest arrives.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the reception team, ensuring warm, professional, and personalised guest welcomes

Manage reservations, seating plans, and table allocation to maximise guest experience and operational efficiency

Coordinate guest arrivals, walk-ins, and departures while maintaining smooth service flow

Build genuine relationships with guests, recognising preferences and creating memorable experiences

Communicate effectively with the Restaurant Manager, floor team, kitchen, and bar to ensure seamless service

Handle guest enquiries, special requests, and feedback with confidence and discretion

Ensure the reception area is impeccably presented and maintained at all times

Support daily briefings, reservations planning, and close-down procedures

Mentor and guide Hosts and Reception team members, leading by example

Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture

What We Are Looking For

Previous experience as a Head Host / Head Hostess, Reception Supervisor, or Senior Host within a fine-dining or luxury hospitality environment

Excellent understanding of luxury guest service and reservations management

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure

Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

Interest in Japanese cuisine, culture, and service philosophy

Immaculate personal presentation and attention to detail

Positive attitude with a collaborative approach to teamwork

Experience using reservation systems such as SevenRooms, OpenTable, or similar is advantageous

Full right to work in the UK

What We Offer

Competitive hourly rate plus service charge

Opportunity to join one of London's most exciting hospitality concepts

Career development and progression within Thesleff Group

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Staff meals while on duty

Wellness and support initiatives

Creative, supportive, and people-focused working environment

Join MA/NA Mayfair

If you are a passionate Head Host / Head Hostess who believes exceptional hospitality starts with a genuine welcome and leaves guests with lasting memories, we would love to hear from you.

At Thesleff Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, and we believe diversity strengthens our teams, creativity, and guest experiences.