The Ultimate Guide to Top 12 Front of House Job Roles

Regarding tourism and hospitality, front-of-house staff ensure guests’ experiences are memorable, safe, and enjoyable. ‘Front of House’ refers to publicly accessible areas in a restaurant, theatre, venue, or visitor attraction, and staff in this area can range from a bartender to a head waiter.

Salaries for such positions typically start at around £19,000, with senior positions offering a salary of up to £29,000. In most cases, front-of-house staff work more than 40 hours per week, with many roles offering overtime opportunities. Roles within this sector are often accessible via work experience, entry-level roles, apprenticeships, and college courses.

Skills and Experience

• Strong communication skills and personal presentation
• Ability to work as part of a busy team
• Willingness to work overtime when required
• Good levels of numeracy and literacy
• Experience in working in a high-pressure environment
• Experience in delivering high levels of customer service
• Experience in till operation, booking systems and cash handling
• Commitment to punctuality and timekeeping
• Experience in working in front of House role
• Skills in greeting, hosting and serving

Front-of-house roles can be demanding, with overtime shifts and often unsociable hours. However, many professionals excel in the sector, enjoying the variety of responsibilities required of the role. Many workers in this sector will be experienced in delivering high levels of customer service, ensuring that the visitor experience is comfortable, enjoyable, and recommendable.

Entering a Front-of-House role for the first time can be daunting yet rewarding. Understanding the variety of roles this sector offers can help you understand the many career options available.

Roles Overview

Overview
The Front of House Team Member is the cornerstone of many businesses, particularly within restaurants and hospitality venues. They ensure guests are greeted, orders are taken, and service flows smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Greeting and seating guests upon arrival
• Providing menus, taking orders, and answering any questions about the menu
• Ensuring tables and FOH areas are clean and well-maintained
• Handling payments and resolving basic customer queries

Skills Required

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Basic knowledge of POS systems
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Career Progression
A Front of House Team Member may progress to supervisory or managerial roles, especially if they demonstrate initiative and an aptitude for customer relations.

Front of House Receptionist

Overview
The Front-of-House Receptionist gives guests their first impression in corporate and hospitality settings. This role is critical to efficient guest management and often involves various administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming guests and managing the front desk area
• Answering and directing calls, managing bookings, and scheduling appointments
• Ensuring the waiting area is clean and welcoming
• Managing guest or client complaints and requests

Skills Required

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Proficiency in phone and computer systems
• Exceptional attention to detail

Career Progression
Receptionists can often advance to a coordinator or office manager role with experience in guest handling and administration.

Front of House Supervisor

Overview
The Front of House Supervisor manages the FOH team, ensuring customer satisfaction and smooth daily operations. They also assist in training new staff members.

Responsibilities

• Supervising FOH staff to ensure exceptional service standards
• Coordinating shift schedules and managing workload distribution
• Handling customer complaints and resolving issues promptly
• Ensuring health and safety standards are adhered to

Skills Required

• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations
• Experience in team management and customer service

Career Progression
A successful supervisor may advance to managerial roles, taking on more responsibility for overall service operations and customer experience management.

Front Office Coordinator

Overview
Often found in corporate environments, the Front Office Coordinator organises the day-to-day activities in the front office. Their role ensures smooth administrative functioning and supports other departments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating appointments and schedules
• Overseeing front desk operations, including mail handling and visitor log management
• Liaising with other departments to support business operations
• Handling front office supplies and maintaining organisation

Skills Required

• Excellent coordination and time management abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High level of organisational competence

Career Progression
Coordinators can transition into roles like Office Manager or Administrative Supervisor, where they take on additional duties related to business operations.

Duty Manager

Overview
A Duty Manager oversees the operational aspects of the venue during a specific shift. They ensure all activities run smoothly, manage staff and customer expectations, and provide problem-solving expertise.

Responsibilities

• Managing staff schedules and shifts
• Handling customer complaints and special requests
• Conducting safety checks and ensuring compliance with policies
• Overseeing closing and opening procedures for the venue

Skills Required

• Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to multitask under pressure
• Customer-oriented with an eye for detail

Career Progression
Many Duty Managers advance to Assistant Manager or Operations Manager roles, taking on more significant strategic responsibilities.

Front of House Porter

Overview
The FOH Porter works to maintain cleanliness and functionality in front of house areas. While less customer-facing, they play a critical role in ensuring guests a pleasant and safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining cleanliness of the entrance, lobby, and other public areas
• Assisting guests with luggage or other needs
• Restocking supplies and ensuring cleanliness standards are met
• Supporting other FOH staff as needed

Skills Required

• Physical stamina and attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently

Career Progression
Front of House Porters can often advance to FOH Team Member roles or pursue maintenance and operational positions within the organisation.

Concierge

Overview
The Concierge provides guests with assistance and recommendations, from transportation to dining reservations. Often found in hotels, they enhance the overall guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Offering guidance on local attractions, dining, and entertainment
• Making reservations and coordinating transportation
• Handling special requests from guests
• Ensuring guests have all the information needed for an enjoyable stay

Skills Required

• Extensive knowledge of local attractions and amenities
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and customer service skills

Career Progression
Concierges may move into managing guest relations or services, overseeing larger teams or special guest programmes.

Host/Hostess

Overview
A Host or Hostess is a common FOH role in restaurants, cafes, and event venues. They greet guests, manage reservations, and ensure tables are turned over efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming guests and managing seating arrangements
• Overseeing the reservation system
• Managing the waiting list during busy periods
• Coordinating with kitchen and serving staff for smooth service flow

Skills Required

• Warm, friendly demeanour with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure during peak times
• Organisational skills and attention to detail

Career Progression
Hosts can advance to FOH Supervisor or Manager roles with experience in customer relations and team coordination.

Restaurant Manager

Overview
A restaurant manager assumes more responsibility for the restaurant’s operations and financial performance. They ensure high service standards and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the FOH and back-of-house staff
• Managing budgets, ordering supplies, and controlling costs
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Handling customer feedback and implementing improvement measures

Skills Required

• Strong leadership and management skills
• Financial acumen
• Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment

Career Progression
Restaurant Managers can transition to higher operational roles, including Area Manager or Food and Beverage Director.

Guest Relations Manager

Overview
A Guest Relations Manager is dedicated to enhancing the guest experience, ensuring every visitor feels valued. They work to address guest complaints and requests promptly.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming and checking in high-profile guests
• Managing loyalty programmes and exceptional guest services
• Handling guest complaints and resolving issues
• Coordinating with other departments for seamless service

Skills Required

• Exceptional customer service and communication skills
• Experience in conflict resolution
• Ability to personalise the guest experience

Career Progression
Guest Relations Managers can move into broader customer experience or hospitality management roles.

Event Coordinator

Overview
Event Coordinators are responsible for planning, organising, and executing events. In a FOH capacity, they ensure events run smoothly and that guests receive excellent service.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating with clients to understand event requirements
• Overseeing FOH staff during the event
• Managing logistics and handling last-minute adjustments
• Ensuring guest satisfaction and resolving any issues

Skills Required

• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong communication and client-handling abilities
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs

Career Progression
Event Coordinators may advance to Event Manager or Director roles, overseeing larger events and staff.

Sales and Reservations Agent

Overview
Sales and Reservations Agents manage bookings and reservations, often working in hotels or large event venues. They act as the link between the guest and the venue, ensuring every booking is handled smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Handling reservation requests and managing bookings
• Communicating with guests to answer questions and confirm details
• Coordinating with other FOH staff to prepare for guest arrivals
• Ensuring accurate billing and resolving booking issues

Skills Required

• Attention to detail and organisational skills
• Excellent telephone and written communication abilities
• Customer-oriented mindset

Career Progression
Sales and Reservations Agents can advance to managerial roles in reservations or sales, overseeing team operations and handling more extensive account relationships.

Conclusion

These front-of-house roles are vital in crafting a seamless experience for guests and clients. Each role requires a unique combination of interpersonal skills, organization, and industry knowledge, making the FOH sector an exciting space for professionals passionate about guest service. From entry-level positions to managerial roles, the FOH offers ample room for growth, with each role playing an invaluable part in a guest’s experience.

Now that you have full oversight of the roles available within a Front-of-House environment, you are ready to find the perfect role to start your career in the sector. To discover more Irish tourism and hospitality vacancies, visit our jobs board.