O’Rourke Family Estate (OFE) is a 300-acre property with panoramic views of surrounding orchards, vineyards, rolling mountains, and the glistening water of Okanagan Lake. Inspired by Europe’s most famous wineries, the property features 110 acres of vines, 300 meters of winding tunnels, and 12,000 square feet of cave space to store and age wines.  In addition to OFE, the O’Rourke portfolio includes Peak Cellars. Located on a 7-acre property in Lake Country, and is home to our Goldie Road Vineyard. Wine isn’t the only thing the property produces; the half-acre organic vegetable garden and two greenhouses supply the highest quality fruits and vegetables for the Garden Bistro.

Role type:  Contract, Full-time

Location: Lake Country, BC

Reports To: Restaurant Manager

Role Scope: The Maître D’hôtel is the face of hospitality at Row 188 and is responsible for ensuring exceptional guest experiences. This role oversees the front-of-house team, coordinates service operations, and maintains a welcoming and professional atmosphere. The Maître D’hôtel acts as a liaison between guests, staff, and management to uphold the restaurant's high standards and refine its reputation as a premier fine dining destination.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Guest Experience Management:

• Greet guests and enthusiastically represent our brand, providing service that goes above and beyond the expectations of our guests.
• Anticipate guest needs and preferences, offering personalized recommendations and resolving issues promptly.
• Manage reservations, special requests, and private dining events in collaboration with the restaurant and estate teams. Maintain knowledge of order input POS system for both restaurant and retail sales as required.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain and update reservation systems, guest profiles, and feedback logs.
• Monitor inventory for front-of-house operations and coordinate with purchasing as needed.
• Assist in budget management, identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue enhancement.
• Assist with scheduling and time clocking hours approvals.

Service Excellence:

• Acts as Manager-on-Duty while present on shift.
• Floor oversight, presence during service to be the primary point of contact between the front expo, and back of house teams.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the wine and bar portfolio offerings.
• Uphold service standards to ensure consistency and attention to detail at every touchpoint.
• Collaborate with the Restaurant Manager and Head Chef to refine operations, enhance guest experiences, and achieve financial goals.
• Promote estate products such as retail wine purchases or upcoming events.
• Special function / event coordination and set up.

Health and Safety:

• Adhere to health and safety regulations and maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Ensure proper handling of all food and beverages to meet fine dining standards set by O’Rourke Family Estate.
• Maintain a professional and clean personal appearance including arrival with all uniform requirements.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Supervise, train, and mentor front-of-house staff, ensuring exceptional service delivery.
• Assist in seasonal hiring and performance reviews of the FOH team.
• Lead daily pre-service briefings, providing updates on menu changes, special events, VIP guests, and other communications.
• Foster a collaborative environment by promoting teamwork and professional development.
• Oversee the execution of service standards, ensuring consistency and excellence.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• A minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role within a fine dining establishment.
• A passion and expertise in fine dining service standards, wine pairings, and guest relations (certifications such as WSET are an asset).
• Dedicated to providing personalized and professional service to all guests, and to showcasing the local region and estate offerings.
• Able to operate in a high-pressure environment and remain calm and focused in urgent situations.
• Charismatic, detail-oriented, adaptable, and committed to providing outstanding service.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• A Serving it Right certification, and ensures responsible service of alcohol.

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Able to withstand extended periods of standing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as overtime from time to time.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• On-site parking
• Compensation: $24.00-$28.00 per hour plus gratuities.
• Employee Perks & Benefits program (discounts on food, wine, merch).
• Eligible to join the Hour-Bank Employee Health and Benefits program for Full-time employees (minimum 30 hours/week worked required).
• Accommodation may be available for the right candidate.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email your resume and cover letter to info@ofestate.com.

Visa Requirements:
To be eligible for employment at O’Rourke Family Estate, you must hold a valid working visa for Canada. We do not provide offer letters to applicants seeking a work visa. Applicants must have their work visa in place before applying.

O'Rourke Family Vineyards adheres to employment equity and equal opportunity programs and encourages all candidates to apply. We would like to thank all applicants for submitting their resume; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.