At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver a 5-star experience, manage guest needs, and assist with service operations.
- Company: Join The Grill at The Dorchester, a top-rated workplace and award-winning hotel.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary stays, discounts, pension contributions, and well-being support.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team and excel in a vibrant, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills, teamwork, attention to detail, and basic food knowledge.
- Other info: Participate in fun social events and earn bonuses for referrals.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Join us as a Head Waiter at The Grill at The Dorchester, recently recognised as one of the ‘Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024 and ‘Hotel of the Year – London’ at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our success. We care about your career and are proud to have the absolute best people in the industry.
When you join us as a Head Waiter at The Grill at The Dorchester, you will have a unique opportunity to excel in your field. You will learn from your fellow Legends and our award‑winning learning academy to achieve the highest standards in craft, service, and leadership. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.
If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process, please call the People & Culture team on 020 7319 7011 or email PeopleAndCultureLondon.UK@dorchestercollection.com so that we can discuss how we can support you through this process.
What you’ll get:
- Complimentary Stays: Enjoy complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year.
- Dorchester Collection: Enjoy Friends & Family stay discounts at hotels, benefit from discounts at various high street and online shops.
- Employee Perks: Enrol from day 1 into the Aviva Private Pension scheme (we contribute 8% towards your pension); benefit from seasonal ticket loan, rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and eye care vouchers.
- Social Events: Participate in vibrant social events, including a summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, and cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
- Referral Bonus: Earn a £1,000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
- Well‑being Support: Access immediate wellbeing advice because we care about our employees.
What you’ll do:
As a Head Waiter, you will deliver the ultimate 5‑star experience, ensuring that all guest needs are fulfilled during their visit. This includes running a station, greeting guests, demonstrating menu knowledge, and assisting management with order taking and billing to ensure guests receive nothing but the best experience. Sometimes guests have special requests involving dietary requirements or special occasions; most of these requests are fulfilled by you. The items shared are the essence of a day in the life of a Head Waiter, and we’ll provide you with specifics on how we care for our hotel. Operational hours are shift‑based and may be subject to change. We are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What you’ll bring:
- Customer Service Skills: Friendly, polite, and able to make customers feel welcome and comfortable.
- Teamwork: Work closely with waiters and kitchen staff; communicate clearly and help your team.
- Attention to Detail: Ensure orders are correct and the service is smooth; notice small things, such as an empty glass.
- Time Management: Serve customers on time and manage tasks quickly; handle multiple requests without flustering.
- Basic Food & Drink Knowledge: Know the menu well, including dishes and drinks; able to answer simple questions about food, such as ingredients or allergies.
- Professional Appearance: Look neat and presentable at all times; wear uniforms and follow the dress code.
Preferred Skills and Experiences:
- Previous Experience as a Head Waiter or Senior Waiter: Experience in a similar role is a plus.
- Knowledge of Fine Dining Service: Helpful to understand luxury service or fine dining, such as serving different types of wine; training will be provided if needed.
- Problem Solving: Deal with complaints or solve problems quickly; stay calm and find solutions.
Job Location: United Kingdom, 53 Park Lane, Mayfair W1K 1QA London
Head Waiter - The Grill employer: Dorchester Hotel Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Dorchester Hotel Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter - The Grill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might have connections in the hospitality industry. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Head Waiter role at The Grill.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for customer service shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their vibrant culture, so be yourself and share your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you’d handle specific scenarios, like dealing with a difficult guest or managing a busy shift. This will show them you’ve got the skills to deliver that ultimate 5-star experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the perks and opportunities we offer, making it easier for you to see why The Grill is the place to be.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter - The Grill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your skills. A touch of creativity and passion can make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in customer service and teamwork. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for the Head Waiter position at The Grill. Be specific about your achievements!
Attention to Detail: Just like in fine dining, attention to detail matters in your application too! Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure your format is neat and professional. This reflects the high standards we uphold.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Dorchester!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorchester Hotel Ltd.
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Waiter, you'll need to demonstrate excellent food and drink knowledge. Before the interview, make sure you familiarise yourself with The Grill's menu, including ingredients and potential allergens. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to providing top-notch service.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in customer service. Share specific examples of how you've made guests feel welcome and comfortable. Highlight any instances where you went above and beyond to meet a customer's needs, as this aligns perfectly with the values of inclusiveness and respect.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
The role requires close collaboration with both waiters and kitchen staff. Be ready to talk about how you've effectively communicated and worked as part of a team in past roles. Use examples that illustrate your ability to handle multiple requests while maintaining a smooth service.
✨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter, especially in a fine dining environment. Make sure you dress professionally for the interview, reflecting the high standards expected at The Grill. A neat and presentable appearance will not only boost your confidence but also show that you understand the importance of professionalism in the hospitality industry.