Head Waiter/Waitress

Position

Head Waiter/Waitress

Benefits

• A competitive salary of £40,000-£41,000 per annum (gross), based on a 40‑hour working week and inclusive of service charge
• £1,000 “Refer a Friend” bonus scheme
• Enhanced annual leave, increasing with length of service
• Complimentary meals while on duty
• Employer pension contribution of 3 %
• Complimentary dry cleaning
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• A vibrant social calendar and engagement programme, including team events, seasonal celebrations and a quarterly Chair’s message
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
• Reward programmes, long‑service recognition and employee appreciation incentives
• Access to the HSF Health Plan*, including:
• 24/7 GP advice line and confidential counselling support, including assistance for dependents
• Dental reimbursement
• Optical reimbursement
• Complimentary cover for your partner and children
• High street and grocery discounts, discounted cinema tickets and a wide range of retail offers
• Discounted gym memberships

Job Overview

As a Head Waiter/Waitress at Sloane, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring an exceptional dining experience for our guests. The focus extends beyond your section to a passionate knowledge of French wines. Sloane is a unique property blending a gastro‑precision service style with a warm, Parisian‑flavoured ambience. Our menu, derived from Hotel Costes in Paris, has existed for 25 years, delivering precise dishes that cannot be found elsewhere in London. This iconic legacy demands irreproachable standards, strict set‑up and service protocol, intervention at the table, and impeccable guest relations.

What sets apart our more junior waiters/waitresses from the head waiters/waitresses is an elevated service style combined with deep wine and food knowledge and the 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 is expected, 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 wine sales and service of more junior waiters in their section
• 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

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of 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