Resort Head Host

Rockliffe Hall

Set within a 375-acre estate on the banks of the River Tees, Rockliffe Hall is a five-star resort that blends heritage, luxury and natural beauty. Located in the quiet village of Hurworth, in the heart of the Tees Valley and close to the borders of County Durham and North Yorkshire, it offers a peaceful countryside setting with exceptional facilities.

Surrounded by sweeping views and beautifully kept gardens, the resort features elegant bedrooms and a sense of quiet luxury, shaped by a warm northern spirit. Guests can enjoy an award-winning spa, play on the longest golf course in the UK and experience refined fine dining, all within a restored eighteenth century estate designed for both relaxation and indulgence.

Resort Head Host

Location: Rockliffe Hall, Darlington

Salary: £28,000-£30,000 per annum

Hours: 40 hours per week

Reports To: Food & Beverage Manager and Director of Food & Beverage

Responsible For: Restaurant host team across all food and beverage venues

Job Purpose:

The Resort Head Host is responsible for leading and inspiring the host teams across the resort’s dining venues, setting the tone for exceptional first impressions and seamless guest experiences. This role ensures that every guest arrival, table allocation, and seating interaction reflects the warmth, organisation, and professionalism expected of a five-star luxury resort.

With a strong focus on the guest journey from the door through the dining room, the Resort Head Host ensures that guest preferences, allergies, VIP recognition, and special occasions are clearly communicated and flawlessly executed by service teams. As a visible ambassador of the resort, you will uphold the highest standards across all host desks, creating a welcoming and refined atmosphere that enhances every dining experience.

Key Responsibilities of the Resort Head Host:

• Lead and oversee guest arrivals, seating, and table allocation across the resort’s dining venues, ensuring refined first impressions and smooth guest flow
• Manage floor plans, sections, and wait times in line with service pace, communicating clearly and calmly with guests during busy periods
• Maintain accurate oversight of guest notes, allergies, preferences, VIP status, and special occasions, ensuring seamless handover to service teams
• Work closely with restaurant managers and floor teams to support consistent pacing and high service standards
• Set and uphold consistent host desk standards, procedures, and presentation across all outlets
• Lead, supervise, and support host teams, setting clear expectations around welcome, professionalism, and service style
• Allocate hosts effectively across outlets and service periods, providing hands‑on coaching and support during service
• Act as the escalation point for host‑related challenges and guest concerns at arrival
• Ensure every guest receives a warm, polished welcome, with VIPs, regular guests, and celebrations recognised discreetly
• Maintain strong allergen awareness at the point of seating, ensuring accurate and responsible communication
• Maintain a visible presence at host desks during peak services to support both teams and guests
• Uphold health and safety standards across all host and entrance areas
• Handle guest information responsibly and in line with data protection and GDPR requirements

Why Join?

To be part of a fantastic resort leadership team within a premium hospitality environment during an exciting period of transformation and growth.

Benefits:

• A Day in the Life of a Guest Stay (Overnight Stay within the First 6 Months)
• Pension Scheme (Aegon)
• Hospitality Rewards Scheme
• Life Assurance (Legal & General)
• Private Medical Insurance (WPA)
• Selected Discounts Across the Resort
• Enhanced Annual Leave for Long Service
• Annual Leave – 20 Days plus Bank Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme (Hospitality Action)
• Staff Meals
• Uniform Laundry Service

“Our success is dependent on every single individual in our team”