Head Waiter/Waitress

Head Waiter/Waitress

Slough 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 perks.
  • 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, and leadership skills.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts required; opportunity to make your mark in a stylish environment.

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 unique blend of luxury service and a supportive work environment in the heart of Chelsea. Our team enjoys competitive salaries, increased holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth within our iconic establishment. With a focus on excellence and a commitment to fostering talent, we empower our staff to deliver unparalleled dining experiences while embracing the rich legacy of our French-inspired menu.
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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 on the menu. Being able to discuss these wines confidently will set you apart from other candidates and show your genuine passion for the role.

✨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 highlight your ability to lead by example and enhance team performance.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your knowledge of current dining trends and customer service excellence. Discussing recent experiences or observations can illustrate your commitment to staying informed and improving guest satisfaction.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to engage in role-play scenarios during the interview, where you might need to handle guest feedback or resolve service issues. This will demonstrate your calmness under pressure and your problem-solving abilities.

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
Personable and Gracious Demeanour
Commitment to Continuous Improvement

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 service excellence.

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 experience with wine and food, and how you can contribute to their legacy.

Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, emphasise your expertise in cocktails, spirits, and particularly French wines. Consider including a brief section on your favourite wines and why they resonate with you, as this will show your genuine interest.

Highlight Leadership Skills: Since the role involves leading junior staff, make sure to mention any previous leadership or mentoring experiences. Provide examples of how you've motivated a team and maintained high service standards under pressure.

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

✨Showcase Your Wine Knowledge

Since a strong knowledge of French wines is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with different types of wines. Share specific examples of how you've recommended wines in the past and how you can enhance the guest experience through your expertise.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Head Waiter/Waitress, you'll need to lead by example. Highlight any previous experiences where you've trained or guided junior staff. Discuss how you motivate your team and maintain high service standards, especially during busy periods.

✨Emphasise Guest Experience

This role is all about providing an exceptional dining experience. Prepare to share stories that illustrate your commitment to guest satisfaction. Talk about how you've handled feedback or resolved issues in a way that left guests feeling valued.

✨Be Personable and Gracious

The ideal candidate should feel at home on the dining room floor. Practice your interpersonal skills and be ready to demonstrate how you connect with guests. Show that you can adapt your service style to meet the unique needs of each individual.

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