Overview

The Host is a critical member of the Phoenix Mercury WNBA Player Performance Dining team, directly supporting athletes, coaches, and staff by ensuring seamless delivery of meals and hydration that contribute to peak performance and recovery. This role is more than food service — it is about fueling athletes with precision, supporting sports nutrition goals, and creating an environment that maximizes focus, energy, and recovery.

This position reports directly to the Team Chef and also takes additional direction from coaches, nutrition staff, and the broader Mercury team as part of its integrated performance mission.

This role will pay an hourly rate of $27.00

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until January 2, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Deliver meals and hydration with accuracy and timing that align with training, practice, and recovery windows for Mercury athletes.
• Anticipate and accommodate athlete fueling needs by coordinating with chefs, nutrition staff, and trainers on substitutions, portion adjustments, or recovery-focused items.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of nutritional components, allergens, and dietary restrictions for all menu items, ensuring compliance with team nutrition protocols.
• Oversee hydration stations, ensuring water, electrolytes, performance drinks, and recovery beverages are always fresh, rotated, and presented to encourage optimal fueling.
• Monitor snack and fueling stations, maintaining product variety, freshness, and alignment with athlete preferences and nutrition plans.
• Create a professional, discreet, and athlete-centered dining atmosphere, greeting Mercury players and staff with respect, focus, and confidentiality.
• Keep all dining areas spotless and organized, resetting tables, chairs, and service stations quickly to maintain flow between training sessions.
• Ensure plates, utensils, and to-go containers meet sanitation and quality standards, immediately removing any chipped or damaged items.
• Update signage and menu boards to provide accurate, real-time information on menu offerings and specials.
• Track product usage and alert chefs when items need to be reordered to prevent service interruptions.
• Enforce compliance with food safety, health, and sanitation standards in all FOH areas.
• Support special events, team meals, and recovery-focused functions as directed by the Team Chef and Mercury staff.
• Perform other duties as directed to ensure the dining program supports athlete fueling and performance outcomes.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years in restaurants, hotels, or athlete/VIP dining; experience in sports nutrition-focused environments highly valued.
• Strong understanding of dietary needs, allergens, and the relationship between nutrition and athletic performance.
• Excellent multitasking skills and composure under pressure, especially during peak training and competition times.
• Professional communication skills with the ability to work closely with athletes, coaches, chefs, and nutritionists.
• Self-directed yet collaborative, able to anticipate needs and solve problems proactively.
• Flexible availability to align with WNBA schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and travel periods.