Hostess – pre-opening

Introduction and summary

We are recruiting a professional, polished Hostess to join the pre‑opening front‑of‑house team at a licensed standalone dining and entertainment venue in Dubai. This is a visible, guest‑facing role that sets the tone for the entire dining experience. The ideal candidate is warm, organised, highly presentable and experienced in managing reservations, guest flows and first impressions in busy licensed environments. As Hostess you will be the gateway to the venue — welcoming guests, managing the seating plan, coordinating with service teams and ensuring arrivals, special requests and VIPs are handled seamlessly. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on structure, enjoys high‑tempo service rhythms and takes pride in impeccable guest care.

Core purpose of the role

• Create an immediate positive impression for every guest through professional, friendly and efficient welcomes.
• Maintain an organised reservation and seating system that maximises cover efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Act as the primary communication hub between guests, reservation systems, FOH teams and management to ensure a coordinated service flow.
• Represent the venue’s standards of hospitality, grooming and guest etiquette at all times.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Greet arriving guests with a warm, professional welcome; confirm reservations and manage walk‑ins with tact and clarity.
• Operate and maintain the reservations system: take bookings, modify or cancel reservations, manage deposit and pre‑authorization processes and ensure accuracy of guest data.
• Maintain an active seating plan: assign tables according to guest type and party size, manage waitlists and optimise table turns without compromising service quality.
• Communicate guest arrivals, delays and special requests clearly to supervisors, servers and the bar to align timing and preparation.
• Handle VIP reservations and guest preferences discreetly; prepare VIP notes and brief the service team prior to guest arrival.
• Provide accurate pre‑arrival information to guests: expected wait times, dress code summary and details on menu highlights or promotions when requested.
• Manage telephone and front‑of‑house email enquiries professionally; respond promptly to reservation requests, modifications and general guest questions.
• Coordinate coat checks and cloakroom services when applicable; oversee guest baggage handling and secure storage protocols.
• Monitor the public area presentation: maintain tidy, inviting host station, fresh menus and accurate signage.
• Assist with arrival logistics during peak times: oversee queuing areas, direct guests to lounges or bars and coordinate with security for smooth access control.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard guest data in line with privacy policies and company procedures.
• Participate in pre‑opening rehearsals, service run‑throughs and role‑specific training sessions; provide feedback on front‑of‑house flow and reservation settings.
• Support shift handovers with clear, concise briefings and written notes to ensure continuity between teams.

Candidate requirements

• Minimum 1–3 years’ experience in guest reception, hostessing or reservations within licensed venues, restaurants or upscale hospitality settings.
• Demonstrable experience using structured reservations systems; Opera PMS knowledge is an advantage but not mandatory for the right candidate.
• Excellent verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are highly advantageous for guest engagement.
• Professional presentation, confident floor presence and a calm, courteous demeanor under pressure.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi‑task: managing phone, email and in‑person enquiries while maintaining a composed guest experience.
• Ability to read service rhythms and make rapid, guest‑centric decisions about seating and waitlist prioritisation.
• Good numeracy and attention to detail when handling deposits, deposits reconciliations and reservation notes.
• Flexible availability for evening shifts, weekends and public holidays; willingness to participate in pre‑opening training schedules and service rehearsals.
• Valid UAE work eligibility and readiness to provide references from recent hospitality roles.

Skills and attributes that distinguish top candidates

• Exceptional emotional intelligence with a natural sense for guest mood and expectation management.
• Proactive communicator who anticipates needs and resolves potential pinch points before they impact guests.
• Calm under pressure, highly organised and disciplined in maintaining accurate records.
• Polished presentation and confident public interaction skills that reflect an elevated brand.
• Team player who collaborates constructively with FOH, bar and kitchen teams to create smooth service choreography.

Application process

To apply, email your CV and a short cover note to gm@paris-paradis.ae with the subject line Hostess — [Your Full Name]. In your cover note include a brief summary of your reservations or hostessing experience, any reservations system knowledge, your current notice period and earliest availability. Alternatively, for more information and to track applications, visit careers.yalladuka.com. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a phone pre‑screen, a practical front‑of‑house assessment and an in‑person interview. Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Location company information and benefits

• Location Dubai UAE Pre‑opening for a licensed standalone venue in central Dubai; exact address will be confirmed during recruitment.
• Company Paris Paradis A new licensed dining and entertainment concept blending high‑quality dining with curated beverage programmes and elevated service.
• Benefits Competitive market‑aligned salary plus shift allowances where applicable; staff meals; medical coverage; role‑dependent support for accommodation and transport; structured pre‑opening training with clear pathways to supervisory and managerial opportunities.

Joining the team as Hostess at pre‑opening offers a rare opportunity to shape guest reception standards and seating choreography from the ground up. If you are organised, personable and thrive on creating outstanding first impressions in licensed venues, we look forward to receiving your application.