How To Write a Maître D' Job Description [+ Tips & Examples]

In the world of hospitality, there are few front-of-house roles as pivotal as the Maître D’. From creating a warm first impression to orchestrating seamless service, they’re essential for delivering an exceptional guest experience. But how do you find the right person for this crucial position?

It all starts with a standout job description. According to a 2024 survey by job search platform Indeed, 52% of job seekers consider the quality of a job description influential in their choice to apply to a position. “Quality” includes everything from spelling and grammar to the roles responsibilities and overall formatting.

To help you craft a standout Maître D job description, let’s explore the key sections to include, writing tips, and inspiring examples.

Key takeaways

• A well-crafted job description is crucial for attracting top talent and ensuring candidates understand the role’s responsibilities and your restaurant's unique culture.

• Tailor your description to reflect your restaurant’s style, whether it’s fine dining, casual, or a high-energy hotspot, to resonate with the right candidates.

• Highlight both technical and interpersonal skills required for the Maître D’ role, such as managing reservations and leading teams.

• Action-oriented and clear language combined with transparency about pay and benefits can improve job posting visibility and attract quality applicants.

Essential sections to include in your Maître D' job description

Creating a well-structured job description is key to attracting top talent for your Maître D' role. By including the following essential sections, you’ll ensure candidates have a clear understanding of the position, its responsibilities, and what makes your restaurant a great place to work:

• Job title: Clearly specify the role (e.g., "Maître D'" or "Head Maître D'").

• About us: Share a brief description of your restaurant, highlighting its concept, history, accolades, or unique aspects.

• Role overview: Provide a concise summary of the position and its role in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

• Schedule: Specify expected work hours, flexibility, and any weekend/holiday requirements.

• Duties and responsibilities: Outline core tasks (e.g., managing reservations, training staff, resolving guest concerns).

• Required skills and qualifications: Detail essential experience, degrees, certifications, and key soft skills.

• Pay: Include a salary range or mention competitive pay to set expectations. Consider adding information about tips if applicable.

• Benefits: Highlight perks such as healthcare, meal discounts, or professional development opportunities.

Tips for writing an effective Maître D' job description

To help you attract the best candidates for your Maître D' role, here are some tips for crafting an effective job description:

1. Be specific: Avoid vague language and focus on concrete details. Specify exact responsibilities, required skills, and expectations to ensure candidates know what the role entails.

2. Keep it concise: One analysis of LinkedIn job posts found that descriptions under 300 words get 8.4% more applications than average.

3. Showcase your restaurant’s culture: Infuse the description with your restaurant’s concept and personality, whether it’s formal and elegant or casual and vibrant. This helps attract candidates who will fit well with your team and clientele.

4. Highlight growth opportunities: Mention potential for advancement, such as moving into a general manager role or participating in leadership training programs.

5. Focus on both technical and interpersonal skills: Seek candidates with technical expertise (e.g., managing reservations, coordinating staff, maintaining service standards) and interpersonal skills (e.g., communication, leadership, and conflict resolution).

6. Use keywords for better visibility: Incorporate keywords like "hospitality," "fine dining," and "guest relations" to improve your job posting’s visibility on job boards and search engines.

7. Include salary and benefits upfront: Some states, like Washington, legally require job postings to include salary information. Also, as Scott Dobroski, vice president of corporate communications for Indeed, explains, “It sets expectations up front. Is this a job they even want to apply for? And, if they applied and actually got [it], would they be satisfied with the job?” 

8. Use action-oriented language: Frame responsibilities and expectations with action verbs (e.g., "coordinate," "manage," "oversee"). 

9. Proofread and format for clarity: Ensure the job description is free of errors and formatted with clear headings, bullet points, and white space for readability.

Maître D' job description examples

To make the process of writing your Maître D' job description easier, we’ve crafted examples for various types of restaurants. Use these templates as inspiration to create a job description that resonates with your ideal candidate.

Fine dining Maître D' job description

Job title

Maître D’

About us

[Restaurant Name] is a premier fine dining destination in [location], celebrated for its impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and elegant ambiance. With a commitment to excellence, we have earned multiple accolades, including [list awards or recognitions, e.g., "Michelin Star" or "Best Fine Dining Restaurant 2024"].

Role overview

As the Maître D’, you will be the face of [Restaurant Name], leading our front-of-house team and ensuring a flawless dining experience for every guest. You’ll play a pivotal role in upholding the highest standards of hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere, and seamlessly managing service flow.

Schedule

This is a full-time position, requiring availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Flexibility is essential to accommodate peak dining hours and special events.

Duties and responsibilities

• Welcome and seat guests, delivering personalized service.

• Manage reservations and optimize seating for smooth service.

• Train and oversee front-of-house staff, ensuring fine dining standards.

• Collaborate with kitchen and bar teams for seamless coordination.

• Address guest concerns promptly and professionally.

• Maintain dining room ambiance, including table settings and lighting.

• Implement strategies to enhance guest experiences and drive repeat visits.

Required skills and qualifications

• High school diploma required; advanced education in hospitality or restaurant management is a plus.

• Leadership experience in fine dining.

• Strong knowledge of wine, spirits, and pairings.

• Exceptional communication and team management skills.

• Expertise with reservation systems.

• Ability to excel in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

Pay

$55,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus tips and performance bonuses.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits.

• Complimentary meals during shifts.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Paid time off.

• A supportive and collaborative team environment.

Upscale hotel restaurant Maître D' job description

Job title

Maître D’

About us

[Hotel Name] is a luxurious hotel and dining destination located in the heart of [location]. Our signature restaurant combines world-class culinary excellence with exceptional service to create unforgettable dining experiences for hotel guests and visitors alike.

Role overview

As the Maître D’, you will serve as the primary ambassador of our upscale dining experience, ensuring that every guest receives personalized attention and top-tier service. Working closely with hotel and restaurant management, you will lead the front-of-house team to uphold the highest standards of hospitality and efficiency in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Schedule

This full-time role requires flexibility, with shifts covering mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the needs of diverse dining schedules and special events.

Duties and responsibilities

• Welcome and seat guests warmly for a great first impression.

• Manage reservations and seating to ensure smooth service.

• Oversee front-of-house staff scheduling, training, and reviews.

• Coordinate with kitchen and hotel teams for seamless service.

• Maintain dining room ambiance and table settings.

• Handle guest inquiries, requests, and complaints professionally.

• Assist with private dining and event execution.

Required skills and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or a related field preferred.

• 2+ years leadership experience as a Maître D’ in upscale restaurants or hotels.

• TIPS certification or similar alcohol safety training is a bonus.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficiency with reservation and POS systems.

Pay

$50,000 to $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus tips and performance bonuses.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.

• Discounted stays at [Hotel Name] and affiliated properties.

• Complimentary meals during shifts.

• Professional development opportunities and access to industry training.

• Paid time off and holiday bonuses.

Trendy/casual Maître D' job description

Job title

Maître D’ Extraordinaire

About us

Welcome to [Restaurant Name], where the food is as bold as our playlist and the cocktails are shaken (not stirred) with flair. We’re a lively hotspot in [location], serving up creative dishes, killer drinks, and an ambiance that screams good times ahead..

Role overview

We’re on the hunt for a rockstar Maître D’ to be the MVP of our front-of-house team. You’ll be the first face our guests see (no pressure), the maestro behind smooth service, and the guru of great vibes.

Schedule

Evenings, weekends, and holidays are when we shine brightest—so we’ll need you to be ready to roll when the party’s on. Flexibility is key because great vibes don’t clock out.

Duties and responsibilities

• Be the friendly face that says, “Welcome to your new favorite place.”

• Manage reservations and walk-ins with the skill of a puzzle master

• Lead the host team in a way that inspires high-fives and happy guests.

• Keep the vibe alive: music, lighting, and table flow are all in your hands.

• Handle guest concerns like a pro—because “hangry” isn’t a good look on anyone.

• Work with the kitchen and bar to make sure service runs smoother than a perfectly poured espresso martini.

Required skills and qualifications

• You’ve rocked at least 1-2 years in casual dining or hospitality leadership—this isn’t your first rodeo.

• Your people skills are so good, you could charm a grump into singing karaoke.

• Fast-paced shifts? Bring it on—you’re in your element when the place is buzzing.

• Reservation systems? Nailed it. POS basics? You’ve got that covered too.

• Leadership is your jam—you know how to hype up your team and keep the good vibes flowing.

• Bonus points if you’ve got hospitality training or a diploma to back up your superstar status!

Pay

$18 to $25 per hour, plus tips and performance bonuses.

Benefits

• Free meals—because good food is the way to anyone’s heart.

• Flexible scheduling for when life gets busy.

• Growth opportunities (because we’re all about leveling up).

• Discounts on restaurant merch—yes, the team hoodie is that cool.

Set your new Maître D’ up for success

A well-crafted Maître D’ job description can help you attract top talent, set the stage for a seamless hiring process, and ensure your new recruit is aligned with your restaurant's vision. Your Maître D’ is essential for creating unforgettable guest experiences, and equipping them with the right tools can make all the difference.