At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the restaurant team, ensuring smooth service and a top-notch guest experience.
- Company: Join Medlock Square, a vibrant destination for culture and entertainment in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous holiday allowance, and complimentary meals on shift.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a dynamic, energetic team.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new chapter in Manchester's hospitality scene and make memorable moments.
- Qualifications: Experience as a waiter/server in a premium environment and strong leadership skills.
Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
Department: Hospitality
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Medlock Square
Reporting To: Restaurant Manager
Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus - a vibrant, year round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the landmark Co op Live arena. Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester's industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city defining experiences. Manchester is known worldwide for its sport, music and entertainment - and Medlock Square will build on that legacy, creating a landmark home for exceptional shared moments and elevating the city's position as one of Europe's most dynamic, fast growing destinations. At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.
As Head Waiter, you'll lead the restaurant team, ensuring smooth service, strong team coordination between front of house and back of house, and a consistently high-quality guest experience. This is a hands-on role where you'll take ownership of your section, acting as the key point of contact for both guests and team members during service. You'll support junior staff, maintain service standards, and work closely with management to deliver a seamless operation. You'll play an important role in setting the tone on the floor - combining strong service and menu knowledge with energy, attention to detail, and a natural ability to lead by example.
You will be responsible for:
- Service & Guest Experience
- Deliver a consistently high quality and engaging guest experience throughout every service.
- Take ownership of your section, ensuring smooth service flow, strong coordination, and attention to detail.
- Confidently guide guests through the menu, offering informed recommendations and responding to queries or feedback with professionalism and warmth.
- Anticipate guest needs to create a welcoming, memorable experience that reflects the venue's standards.
- Section Leadership
- Lead and coordinate Servers and Runners within your section, supporting the team to maintain pace, quality, and service consistency.
- Act as a key communication link between Front of House and Back of House, ensuring clear information flow and efficient service delivery.
- Support effective table turns, pacing, and timing to optimise both guest experience and operational performance.
- Operational Excellence
- Support opening and closing procedures, ensuring your section is fully prepared and service ready.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation throughout service.
- Adapt confidently to high volume periods, including matchdays and major events, while maintaining service quality and composure.
- Team Development & Culture
- Support the training and onboarding of new team members through on the job guidance and coaching.
- Lead by example during service, contributing to a positive, energetic, and professional team environment that encourages collaboration and high performance.
- Standards & Compliance
- Uphold all health & safety, food safety, and licensing requirements at all times.
- Ensure company service standards are consistently delivered, maintaining high levels of personal presentation, professionalism, and accountability.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Essential
- Experience as a Waiter/Server in a premium or high-volume environment
- Strong understanding of service standards and guest experience
- Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead a section and support a team during service
- Calm and organised under pressure
- Desirable
- Experience as a Head Waiter / Senior Server
- Knowledge of wines, cocktails, or premium food service
- Experience in high-energy or concept-led dining environments
Why Join Us?
- Private Medical Insurance (Vitality) - including Virtual GP access and rewards
- Group Life Assurance - 4x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
- Birthday Day Off - an extra day to celebrate
- Complimentary Meals on Shift - breakfast, lunch, fruit and hot drinks
- Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Platform - including counselling support
- Company Pension Scheme
- Generous Holiday Allowance - plus bank holidays
- Career Development Opportunities - with progression across the campus
Head Waiter employer: Eastlands Venue Services
Medlock Square offers an exceptional work environment for the Head Waiter role, situated in the heart of Manchester's vibrant cultural scene. With a focus on high-quality hospitality, employees benefit from a supportive team culture, comprehensive training opportunities, and generous perks such as private medical insurance and career development pathways. Join us to be part of a dynamic venue that celebrates Manchester's legacy while shaping its future, all within a lively atmosphere that values both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter
✨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 Eastlands Venue Services. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Eastlands Venue Services
Don't be shy about reaching out to Eastlands Venue Services 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter
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 Eastlands Venue Services 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 Eastlands Venue Services
✨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!
