At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the floor team, ensuring seamless service and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Company: Join Big Mamma, a vibrant French-Italian restaurant group with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, daily staff meals, discounts, and mental health support.
- Other info: Enjoy career progression opportunities and work in a diverse, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-energy team and share your passion for Italian food.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Waiter/Waitress and strong leadership skills required.
Big Mamma is a French-Italian restaurant group founded by Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux. For over a decade, we’ve been bringing bold Italian flavours, 100% homemade food and vibrant, high-energy hospitality to life across our restaurants worldwide. Big Mamma is also a certified B Corp, committed to doing business in a way that respects people, producers and the planet. We’re now looking for a Head Waiter/Waitress to lead our floor team!
The role
- As a Head Waiter/Waitress at Big Mamma, you’ll guide the floor with energy, professionalism and flair, ensuring a seamless service for every guest.
- Take care of all guests in your section and set the example for the rest of the team.
- Follow the steps of service, provide recommendations, upsell and go the extra mile.
- Master our menu, wines and cocktails, and help train junior waiters.
- Open and close the floor with professionalism.
- Support the management team with onboarding new runners.
- Maintain cleanliness, organisation and health & safety standards.
- Create memorable moments for guests with a warm, friendly and professional attitude.
About you
- Previous experience as a Head Waiter/Waitress in a busy restaurant.
- Passion for Italian food and excellent customer service.
- High energy, proactive attitude and team spirit.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
What Big Mamma offers
- Competitive pay: £12.71 per hour + 19% of the service charge you generate in your section + 1 tronc point per hour.
- Permanent, full-time position.
- 5-day working week with 2 days off.
- Daily staff meals.
- 15% discount across all Big Mamma restaurants (UK and Ireland).
- £500 employee referral bonus.
- Wagestream – access your pay between paydays.
- Mental health & wellbeing support (Open Up).
- Continuous training and career progression.
- Mobility across UK and European venues.
Big Mamma Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or gender reassignment.
Head Waiter/Waitress - London employer: Big Mamma
Big Mamma is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. With competitive pay, generous benefits like daily staff meals and mental health support, as well as opportunities for career advancement across UK and European venues, working as a Bartender in London offers a rewarding experience in a dynamic environment dedicated to delivering unforgettable moments for guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/Waitress - London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Big Mamma. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Big Mamma
Don't be shy about reaching out to Big Mamma directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Big Mamma and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Big Mamma
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
