Head Waiter

Roles and responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Head Waiter to join our dynamic team. As a Head Waiter, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our guests receive top-notch service while leading and mentoring our waiters.

Responsibilities:

Supervise and coordinate the activities of the waiters to ensure excellent service.
Welcome and escort guests to their tables, providing menus and answering questions about menu items.
Accurately take and deliver orders, ensuring timely service.
Train and mentor new staff members on service standards and menu knowledge.
Address guest concerns and feedback in a professional manner.
Maintain a clean and organized dining area, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure a seamless dining experience.
1. Supervising and Leading the Waitstaff
Team Leadership: Supervise and coordinate the activities of servers, ensuring they provide excellent customer service to guests.
Training and Mentorship: Train new waitstaff on restaurant policies, service standards, and menu knowledge. Provide ongoing support and mentorship to junior staff.
Shift Management: Assign tasks to waitstaff, manage shifts, and ensure that the team is working efficiently during service periods.
Monitoring Service Quality: Ensure that service standards are maintained throughout the shift. Monitor the performance of the waitstaff and provide constructive feedback when necessary.
2. Guest Interaction and Customer Service
Greeting and Seating Guests: Greet guests as they arrive, ensuring they are seated promptly and comfortably. Assist in seating arrangements based on table availability and guest preferences.
Taking Orders and Recommending Dishes: Take orders from guests, suggest food and drink pairings, and ensure that the guests' dietary preferences or restrictions are noted.
Handling Special Requests: Respond to guest needs or special requests, such as adjustments to orders, personalized services, or accommodations for special occasions (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries).
Resolving Complaints: Address any guest complaints or concerns in a professional and calm manner, working to resolve issues to the guest’s satisfaction.

Desired candidate profile

Minimum of 2-3 years experience in a fine dining or upscale restaurant setting.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
In-depth knowledge of food and beverage service.
Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
Excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanor.
Leadership Skills: Ability to manage, motivate, and guide a team of servers, ensuring that they perform at their best and provide exceptional customer service.
Excellent Communication: Strong verbal communication skills are essential for liaising between guests, waitstaff, kitchen staff, and management.
Customer Service Expertise: A focus on delivering a high level of customer service, resolving guest concerns, and ensuring a positive dining experience.
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities during a busy shift while ensuring service quality and guest satisfaction.
Problem-Solving: Quick thinking and the ability to handle unexpected situations, such as complaints, errors in orders, or changes in guest needs.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring that every aspect of the dining experience, from food quality to table settings, is perfect.
Multitasking: Ability to oversee service operations, manage staff, handle guest requests, and communicate with the kitchen while staying organized and calm.
Knowledge of Food and Beverage: Deep knowledge of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and wine or beverage pairings, to make informed recommendations and answer guest questions.
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long hours, carry trays, and manage a physically demanding job in a fast-paced environment.