Host & Reservations Manager - Pony Dining Barangaroo
This is a hands-on role that sits at the intersection of guest experience, operations, and commercial performance.
This is predominantly a Monday to Friday role however, evenings and weekends may be required due to the nature of the business.
You are responsible not just for managing bookings and event enquiries, but for optimising capacity, shaping demand, and ensuring seamless service flow across all reservation channels and services.
You will be responsible for leading the host team and being present during services across the week, implementing service standards and most importantly leading from the front.
Reporting directly to the Venue manager you will help shape our guests first and final impressions of Pony Dining Barangaroo.
Reservations Strategy & Revenue Optimisation
Own and optimise the reservations strategy to maximise covers, yield, and service efficiency
Manage table allocation, pacing, and turn times to balance guest experience with revenue
Implement and manage booking policies including seating times, deposits, cancellations, and no-shows
Analyse booking data, trends, and service performance to inform decision-making
Drive utilisation across peak and off-peak periods
High-Volume Management
Manage reservations across all services
Coordinate Events, large bookings, group dining, and private events across spaces ensuring the Restaurant managers have all information required to execute seamlessly
Adapt quickly to changing service demands, weather, and operational pressures
Systems & Technology
Lead the setup, optimisation, and ongoing management of OpenTable
Maintain accurate floor plans, table configurations, and booking rules
Generate and interpret reports on covers, revenue, pacing, and guest behaviour for weekly reporting to senior management




Guest Experience & Communications
Responsible for the first and last impression, hands on, leading by example
Act as the primary escalation point for complex or VIP reservations
Manage guest expectations with professionalism, clarity, and confidence
Oversee all written and phone communication to ensure brand tone and consistency
Build and maintain strong relationships with regular and high-value guests and local business partners
Events & Functions Coordination
Oversee reservation aspects of functions, events, and large bookings
Work closely with management and kitchen to ensure seamless execution
Ensure accurate booking details, run sheets, and guest requirements are captured
Lead, train, and develop hosts and reservations team members
Set standards for phone etiquette, booking management, and guest interaction
Monitor team performance and provide coaching and feedback
Build a robust, service-focused reservations culture
We Are Looking For
Proven experience in a senior reservations or front-of-house leadership role
Strong experience managing high-volume and multi-venue reservations systems
Advanced knowledge of OpenTable including backend configuration preferred
Exceptional organisational and time management skills
High attention to detail with the ability to manage complex booking scenarios
Confident communicator with solid written and verbal skills
Experience in premium or hatted venues highly regarded
What Success Looks Like
Fully optimised services with balanced pacing and minimal bottlenecks
Reduction in no-shows and maximised table utilisation
Seamless coordination between reservations and floor operations
High guest satisfaction from first contact through to arrival
Upholding excellence reflected in positive secret shopper score cards
Clear reporting and data-driven improvements to booking performance
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📌 Host & Reservations Manager (New South Wales)
🏢 Pony Dining the Rocks
📍 New South Wales