Overview
Restaurant Host/Hostess Jobs in Nairobi County, Kenya at Sawari Hospitality Solutions
Title: Restaurant Host/Hostess
Company: Sawari Hospitality Solutions
Location: Nairobi County, Kenya
Who we are
Sawari Hospitality Solutions provides hospitality stakeholders & restaurateurs with sustainable solutions that efficiently protect their investment and drive their businesses forward. The aim of Sawari is to assist our clients with achieving world class hospitality without worrying about the nitty gritty. We do this by providing 3 main services: Staffing Solutions, Hospitality Consulting and Team Development.
About the role
We are recruiting for a company building a contemporary Neapolitan style pizza restaurant in Nairobi with a casual atmosphere and bar. We’re looking for best-in-class chefs and hospitality staff.
This is a full-time, on-site role for a Host / Hostess located in Westlands. As the first orchestrator of our front-of-house experience, you’ll lead the energy and atmosphere from the moment guests arrive through their wait. You’ll take ownership of both the entrance and our vibrant bar/waiting area, ensuring every guest feels engaged and excited to be at there – whether they’re being seated immediately or enjoying drinks while they wait.
This is a position where you’ll set the standard for hospitality excellence, manage the guest experience across multiple touchpoints, and act as the vital connection between our guests and our service team.
Responsibilities
- Take charge of the entire arrival experience, from entrance to seating, including managing the energy and vibe in our bar/waiting area
- Lead by example with warmth, confidence, and enthusiasm that inspires both guests and team members
- Transform wait times into part of the Peponi’s experience by actively engaging guests in the bar area and ensuring they feel valued, not just “waiting”
- Oversee and optimize systems, waiting lists, and strategic table allocation to maximize efficiency
- Direct guest flow between entrance, bar, and dining areas with confident decision-making
- Coordinate seamlessly with servers, bartenders, and kitchen leadership to orchestrate smooth service
- Take initiative in problem-solving and make real-time decisions to enhance guest satisfaction
- Set and maintain the hospitality standard that other team members follow
- Act as the communication hub between front-of-house teams, ensuring everyone is aligned
- Mentor newer staff on Peponi’s hospitality standards and culture
- Take ownership of the entrance and bar atmosphere, ensuring it remains vibrant and welcoming even during peak times
Qualifications
- Charismatic personality that naturally draws people in and makes them feel welcome
- High energy level that remains consistent throughout service
- Professional appearance that reflects Peponi’s contemporary, upscale-casual brand
- Genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable experiences
- Natural leadership presence with the ability to command a room while maintaining approachability
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and make quick decisions under pressure
- Experience in hospitality leadership or demonstrated potential to step into a leadership role
- Exceptional communication skills with the confidence to interact with diverse guests and manage expectations
- Strong emotional intelligence to read room dynamics and adjust the atmosphere accordingly
- Experience with reservation systems and guest flow management
- Understanding of bar operations and how to maximize guest engagement in waiting areas
- Ability to analyze patterns and suggest improvements to processes
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
