Lead Hostess - Circuit of the Americas

Description

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR, and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and LiveNation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater.

We are seeking a Lead Host/Hostess to support our VIP space during the Formula 1 race. In this leadership role, you’ll oversee the host team, ensure world-class service, and help create an unforgettable guest experience in a fast-paced, upscale environment.

Key Responsibilities 

• Supervise and support the host/hostess team, ensuring guest greetings, reservations, and seating assignments are handled consistently and professionally.
• Train, coach, and mentor new host/hostess staff to uphold service and hospitality standards.
• Monitor the flow of guests and adjust seating assignments or staffing at the host stand as needed to optimize service.
• Act as the main point of contact for guest concerns at the front desk, resolving issues promptly or escalating to management when appropriate.
• Coordinate with management and service staff to prepare for peak dining times, large parties, or special events.
• Oversee the cleanliness, organization, and professional presentation of the host stand and entryway.
• Provide feedback to management regarding scheduling needs, staff performance, and opportunities for improvement.
• Step in to perform all standard host/hostess duties as needed to support the team during high-volume periods.
• Oversee and assist the host team in maintaining a clean and organized dining area, stepping in with light bussing support during peak times as needed.

Performs other related duties. 

Qualifications

Qualifications 

• Previous experience as a hostess or in a front-of-house leadership role required.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, guide, and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills for both guests and staff.
• Professional presence with the ability to set the tone for guest service standards.
• Highly organized and able to manage seating flow, staff coordination, and guest needs simultaneously.
• Adaptable in high-pressure or fast-paced environments, maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Proficiency with reservation systems and front-of-house technology preferred.
• Must be able to work Formular 1 weekend, October 16th- 19th, and work a training shifts from October 12th -15th.

Special Skills 

• Guest service excellence 
• Communication and professionalism 
• Organization and efficiency 
• Teamwork and collaboration 
• Adaptability under pressure 

Work Environment    

The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, particularly during peak service hours, with moderate noise from conversations, music, and kitchen activity. The interior is climate-controlled, though the hostess may be exposed to varying temperatures near entry doors or outdoor seating. This position may be in and out of the kitchen area. 

Uniform Requirements   

Adherence to Company Uniform Requirements outlined in the Associate Handbook, uniform requirements outlined in your orientation guidelines.  

Non-slip shoes are necessary.  

Physical Demands:   

• Prolonged periods of moving through all areas of the restaurant 
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items    
• Must be able to lift up-to 25 pounds at times.    

CORE VALUE AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS  

• Business Acumen - Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships.  Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.  
• Dedication - Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion.  Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks.  Demonstrate a win-win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it.”  
• Ethics and Integrity - Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.    
• Safety & Security - Observe safety and security standards.  Use equipment and materials properly.  Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements.  Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately.  Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.  
• Teamwork - Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.  
• Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.    
• Initiative - Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency.  Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.  
• Adaptability & Planning - Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations.  Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.  
• Service Orientation - Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.      

Position Salary & Benefits:  

• Hourly base rate of $25/hr.          
• Benefits include daily meals per shift.  
• Flexible schedule, in a unique and exciting work locations.  
• Opportunity for advancement.   
• On-the-job training that can be applied industry wide.    

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.