Head Waiter

Job Title:Head Waiter
Reporting to:Founder
Location:Central London Mayfair
Contract Type:Fixed-term contract - 6 months (Possibility of permanent role)
Salary:per annum bonus scheme (based on performance and customer satisfaction)

About the Client / Firm

The Client is a long-established family-run restaurant located in the heart of Mayfair Central London.
The restaurant serves Lebanese-inspired tapas in a relaxed café-style setting with a strong emphasis on presentation calm service and guest experience.
Having operated under the same ownership for nearly two decades the business is now reopening with a refreshed concept a brand-new team and a renewed focus on professional personable hospitality.
The venue benefits from a high tourist footfall and a Parisian-style terrace offering a unique and enjoyable working environment.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the reopening team and help shape service standards and culture from day one.

Role Overview

The Head Waiter will play a key leadership role within the front-of-house team supporting the reopening of the restaurant and setting the standard for service and guest experience.
This role is focused on calm confident hospitality not rushed service. You will lead by example on the floor support and guide the front-of-house team and ensure guests receive a warm professional and consistent experience at all times.
Strong performance will be recognised with a clear progression route into management roles as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead front-of-house service and set service standards from reopening
• Deliver exceptional customer service in a calm relaxed environment
• Maintain high standards of professional presentation for yourself and the team
• Support training and development of a newly formed front-of-house team
• Work closely with the kitchen leadership to ensure smooth service
• Handle guest queries and concerns confidently and professionally
• Ensure service is delivered in line with agreed systems and procedures
• Support peak service periods while maintaining a composed and welcoming atmosphere

Performance & Key Deliverables

• High levels of customer satisfaction and positive guest feedback
• Consistency of service standards and professionalism
• Effective leadership and support of the front-of-house team during service
• Smooth handling of busy periods without compromising guest experience
• Active contribution to building a positive reopening culture

Candidate Profile

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Senior Waiter or Head Waiter
• Strong customer service skills with a calm leadership presence
• Excellent communication and team coordination abilities
• High standards of professional presentation and conduct
• Willingness to learn follow systems and support a reopening environment

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience in high-footfall or tourist-focused Central London venues
• Experience supporting training onboarding or reopening teams

Training & Progression

• Full training provided as part of the reopening
• Rapid progression opportunities for strong performers
• Clear front-of-house progression route:
  Head Waiter Assistant Manager

Additional Responsibilities

• Uphold restaurant standards values and service expectations at all times
• Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude on shift
• Comply with all health & safety regulations and internal policies
• Treat colleagues fairly and work in line with equal opportunity principles
• Demonstrate flexibility when required to support business needs
• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve service quality and team performance

Working Pattern

• Operating hours: 10:30am - 11:00pm
• Typical shifts:
  • Opening: 08:30am - 5:00pm
  • Closing: 4:30pm - 11:30pm
  • Double shifts may be available
    

Step Ahead is acting as an Employment Agency. Step Ahead is committed to preventing discrimination in its recruitment practices by stimulating genuine equality of opportunity.
This means that everyone is treated solely on the basis of competence and merit regardless of age gender marital status sexuality ethnicity racial religious or disability considerations and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.