Head Waiter/Waitress

Head Waiter/Waitress

City of London Full-Time 24600 - 41000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional dining experiences and wine service.
  • Company: Join a 5-star luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chelsea.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, increased holiday, discounts, and health plans.
  • Why this job: Be part of a unique legacy with a focus on French cuisine and wine.
  • Qualifications: 1 year experience in luxury dining; strong wine knowledge is essential.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts required; opportunity to grow and make an impact.

The predicted salary is between 24600 - 41000 £ per year.

What will I get?

  • Salary: Up to £41,000 gross per annum (£19.71 per hour), based on a 40-hour work week. This includes the service charge and is dependent on experience.
  • Increased holiday allowance with length of service
  • Complimentary meal while on duty
  • HSF Health Plan
  • Dental cost reimbursement
  • Optical cost reimbursement
  • Complimentary coverage for your partner and children
  • High street and grocery shopping discounts, as well as discounted cinema tickets and more.
  • Gym membership discounts.
  • Access to a 24/7 GP advice line and counselling services, including support for dependents.
  • Employee referral program for line employees.
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Learning and development opportunities.

As a Head Waiter/Waitress at Sloane, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring an exceptional dining experience for our guests with your focus being not only your section, but passionate knowledge of French Wines. We are a unique property, blending a service style of gastro precision with dining room warmth, and Parisian glamour. Our menu has existed for 25 years, delivering precise dishes that cannot be found outside of us in London. This iconic menu comes from Hotel Costes in Paris, meaning we have a legacy to uphold. It is this unique legacy that draws people to us, requiring irreproachable standards, so we are strict on set up, service, intervention on a table, and guest relations.

What sets apart our more junior waiters/waitresses and our head waiters/waitresses besides an elevated service style is their wine and food knowledge, and ability to sell. Strict sommelier service is not our style. Our wine-list is French focused, so a real passion for French wine is a must, without the fluff. Honest knowledge, care, and attention when describing and serving wine, but without fanfare or dramatics.

You will collaborate closely with our Restaurant Manager, Floor Manager, and Supervisors, as well as the rest of the team to enhance guest satisfaction and foster a culture of continuous improvement. In this role you will work hard to become part of something truly unlike anywhere else in London.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence:

  • Be a dynamic and visible presence on the floor—working a section while supporting the wine sales and service of more junior waiters in their sections.
  • Deliver personal, intuitive service that reflects the calm elegance of our hotel and the individuality of each guest.
  • Lead by example through your service, setting the tone for energy, professionalism, and guest care.
  • Direct more junior members of staff on SOPs.
  • Help develop junior staff by sharing deep knowledge of food, wine, and service etiquette.
  • Handle guest feedback efficiently and resolve any service issues with care and urgency.
  • Engage with VIP guests discreetly and professionally, maintaining the high standards expected in our unique setting.

What are we looking for?

  • Minimum 1 year of experience in a similar role within a luxury dining room/property.
  • Someone who is not afraid of a quiet service, where focus and commitment must still be maintained.
  • Excellent knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines and champagne. Strong French wine knowledge with an ability to treat our wines with care, but not fuss. A desire to learn more about the wines on our list is a must.
  • Someone who feels at home on the dining room floor—personable, gracious, and always guest-first.
  • Excellent knowledge of food with a high aptitude to learning and describing dishes with flair to both guests and team members.
  • Strong upselling skills and ability to tailor service to differing guests’ needs.
  • Someone who stays informed about new trends, fashions, art, and culture.
  • Ability to speak and write French is desirable but not essential.
  • Self-starter with creativity, high drive, and result-oriented approach.
  • Strong work ethic and ability to handle tasks under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Strong leadership skills to motivate the team and maintain a high level of service.
  • Calm under pressure, exceptionally detail-oriented, and always aiming higher.
  • Availability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Who are we?

We are a 5-star luxury lifestyle boutique hotel located in the heart of Chelsea. Set in a 19th century building next to Sloane Square station and featuring a rooftop restaurant, an intimate cocktail bar, and thirty exceptionally designed bedrooms, the property has been elegantly restored to create unique experiences. Within one of London’s most stylish interiors, the hotel combines the quintessentially British style of the Cadogan Estate with a unique French touch. Designed as an exceptional and inspiring destination, it highlights the distinguished and historic pedigree of the Sloane Square Conservation Area in a private and intimate setting. Independently run, the hotel employs passionate, focused individuals with a determination to succeed. To assist us in hosting our wonderful clients, we are on the search for the ambassadors of this truly unique property. They will be given the opportunity to make their own mark while delivering an exceptional service of unparalleled quality.

Head Waiter/Waitress employer: ...At Sloane

At Sloane, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values passion and dedication. Our team members enjoy competitive salaries, increased holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits, alongside unique opportunities for personal and professional growth in a luxurious setting. With a focus on delivering unparalleled service and a commitment to excellence, we empower our staff to thrive in their roles while being part of a legacy that blends British elegance with French sophistication.
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Contact Detail:

...At Sloane Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/Waitress

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with French wines and the specific offerings of the restaurant. Being able to discuss the wine list confidently and knowledgeably will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Demonstrate your leadership skills during the interview by sharing examples of how you've successfully trained or mentored junior staff in previous roles. This will show that you can lead by example.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your approach to guest relations and service excellence. Think of specific instances where you went above and beyond to enhance a guest's experience, as this aligns with the hotel's values.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends in the dining and hospitality industry. Showing that you are informed about new fashions and cultural trends can demonstrate your passion for the role and the environment you'll be working in.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter/Waitress

Exceptional Customer Service Skills
Strong Knowledge of French Wines
Upselling Techniques
Food and Beverage Knowledge
Leadership and Team Management
Attention to Detail
Ability to Handle Guest Feedback
Excellent Communication Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Flexibility in Working Hours
Creativity and Initiative
Knowledge of Cocktails and Spirits
Professionalism and Discretion
Passion for Continuous Learning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in luxury dining and showcases your knowledge of French wines. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in guest relations and upselling.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the hospitality industry and your understanding of the unique service style at Sloane. Mention your ability to lead by example and your commitment to guest satisfaction.

Showcase Your Wine Knowledge: In your application, emphasise your expertise in French wines and your ability to describe and serve them with care. This is crucial for the Head Waiter/Waitress role, so be specific about your experiences.

Highlight Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership abilities by providing examples of how you've trained or supported junior staff in previous roles. This will show your potential to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

How to prepare for a job interview at ...At Sloane

✨Showcase Your Wine Knowledge

Since the role requires a strong understanding of French wines, be prepared to discuss your knowledge and passion for them. You might want to mention specific wines you enjoy or have experience with, and how you would describe them to guests.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Head Waiter/Waitress, you'll need to lead by example. Share experiences where you've successfully managed a team or trained junior staff. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain high service standards.

✨Emphasise Guest Experience

The focus is on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Prepare examples of how you've gone above and beyond for guests in previous roles. Discuss how you handle feedback and resolve issues to ensure satisfaction.

✨Prepare for a Quiet Service Scenario

The job may involve quiet periods where focus is key. Be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards and keep the team motivated during slower times. This shows your commitment and adaptability.

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