Lead Host

ABOUT OSTERIA ELIO VOLPE

Osteria Elio Volpe is a bright, coastal-inspired osteria in the heart of Cambie Village, opened in Spring 2024. Housed in a former mechanic's shop, the space has been transformed into an open, sun-soaked dining room with a lively wraparound bar and a warm, easygoing energy. Drawing inspiration from southern Italy's coasts and islands, Elio brings together bold flavours, fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients, and a spirited approach to Italian hospitality.

As the latest addition to Banda Volpi — the acclaimed restaurant group behind Savio Volpe, La Tana, and Pepino's Spaghetti House — Elio is part of a team recognized for creating some of Canada's most well-regarded dining experiences. Banda Volpi (meaning "gang of foxes") has earned a national reputation, celebrated for emphasizing thoughtful cuisine, warm hospitality, and exceptional service. The group has received numerous accolades, including Michelin recommendations, a variety of Vancouver Magazine awards, Gold at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and placements on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants.

We're looking for a full-time Lead Host to join our front-of-house team — someone who leads with professionalism, calm, and warmth, and who takes genuine pride in creating thoughtful, memorable guest experiences. From managing the reservation book to setting the tone at the door, the Lead Host plays a key role in ensuring a seamless flow of service and a welcoming environment for guests and team members alike.

This is an opportunity to grow with one of the nation's most renowned restaurant groups, with mentorship and support across all Banda locations. If you're passionate about Italian cuisine and hospitality, and ready to help shape the energy of a new and exciting restaurant, we'd love to meet you.

OUR CULTURE PILLARS

We are driven by our Culture Pillars — the values that guide everything we do:

WE SHOW UP FOR EACH OTHER. We value our associates and strive to build trust, communication, and empowerment.

WE CREATE AND GROW. We expand our knowledge and push our boundaries to build a culture defined by creativity, innovation, and collaborative growth.

WE ARE GUEST OBSESSED. We welcome everyone as if they are guests in our own home, placing guests at the forefront of everything we do. Hospitality is in our DNA.

POSITION: LEAD HOST (FULL-TIME):

The Lead Host is the first and last point of contact for our guests and plays a key role in shaping the flow of the dining room and the warmth of the guest experience. This is a leadership role within the host team, responsible for mentoring and supporting hosts, managing reservations and communications, and ensuring a thoughtful, seamless experience from booking to departure. During service, the Lead Host balances high-volume turns with guest comfort, working closely with management and the floor team to deliver the exceptional hospitality Elio is known for.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

LEAD AND SUPPORT THE HOST TEAM

• Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to hosts, setting a standard of professionalism, warmth, and care.
• Oversee all guest communications (phone, email, in person) with efficiency and grace.
• Ensure hosts are confident in floor management, reservation systems, and service standards.

ENSURE EXCEPTIONAL GUEST EXPERIENCE

• Manage pacing and seating to balance guest satisfaction with operational flow.
• Greet and seat guests with warmth and attention to detail, taking into account special requests and preferences.
• Handle large party bookings and reservation inquiries in collaboration with management.
• Model hospitality and guest care across all interactions.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL DUTIES

• Monitor callback logs, emails, and voicemails during opening and service.
• Oversee deposits and no-show policies for large parties.
• Maintain knowledge of FOH policies (corkage, service charges, waitlists, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a host or guest services role; leadership or training experience an asset.
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Calm under pressure and confident in managing a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Positive, collaborative, and hospitality-driven mindset.
• Familiarity with reservation platform, OpenTable, an asset.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• $ $21.00 per hour
• Plus gratuities
• Daily staff meal
• Extended health benefits program
• Staff recognition and milestone program
• Generous staff dining discounts
• Ongoing professional development and opportunities for advancement

AVAILABILITY:

• Three to five shifts per week
• Must be available weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

We are excited to meet individuals who share our love for Italian hospitality and are ready to grow with us.