Head Waiter/Waitress

Head Waiter/Waitress

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Harvey Nichols

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering exceptional dining experiences at a stylish restaurant.
  • Company: Join Harvey Nichols, a renowned brand at the forefront of style and hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, fixed hours, and generous staff discounts.
  • Other info: Opportunities for growth in a fast-paced, creative environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant dining scene and shape memorable guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a senior waiter role and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Harvey Nichols is entering an exciting new chapter. With renewed energy, fresh creativity, and a clear vision for the future, the brand is evolving — reclaiming its place as one of London’s most iconic destinations for style, culture, and hospitality. At the heart of this transformation is the Fifth Floor Restaurant — a vibrant dining space above the energy of Knightsbridge, where modern cuisine, design, and social atmosphere come together. Known for its contemporary feel and dynamic setting, the restaurant is once again becoming a destination for guests seeking exceptional food and memorable dining experiences.

We are seeking an experienced Head Waiter who thrives in a sophisticated, fast-paced environment and has a genuine passion for hospitality. This is a role for someone who understands that great service is both an art and a craft — and who can lead by example, combining attention to detail with warmth, confidence, and personality.

The Role

As part of the Fifth Floor team, you will play a key role in shaping both the guest experience and the performance of the front-of-house team within one of London’s most stylish dining destinations. Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading service on the floor with confidence, presence, and professionalism, setting the tone for warm, engaging hospitality
  • Acting as a beacon of knowledge — bringing the menu to life through the art of storytelling, and guiding both guests and team with clarity and enthusiasm
  • Delivering attentive, seamless service while ensuring exceptional attention to detail and presentation at every stage
  • Supporting, mentoring, and training team members to uphold the highest standards of service and guest experience
  • Anticipating guest needs and resolving challenges with tact, composure, and a solutions-focused mindset
  • Working closely with kitchen and bar teams to ensure a cohesive, elevated and well-paced service
  • Contributing positive energy on the floor, creating a culture that is collaborative, motivated, and guest-focused

From the first welcome to the final farewell, you will help create an environment defined by warm hospitality, where every guest feels recognised, valued, and immersed in a dining experience that is stylish, current, and distinctive.

What We’re Looking For

You are a confident and experienced hospitality professional who combines strong technical ability with leadership, presence, and emotional intelligence. You will likely have:

  • Proven experience in a senior waiter or head waiter role within a quality restaurant or luxury hospitality environment
  • A strong understanding of food, service standards, and elevated guest experience
  • Excellent leadership and training skills, with the ability to develop and inspire others
  • Superb attention to detail and a strong sense of presentation
  • Confidence in engaging guests and acting as a knowledgeable, trusted point of contact
  • The ability to remain composed and professional in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • A collaborative mindset and pride in delivering exceptional standards

Why Join the Fifth Floor

Working at Harvey Nichols means being part of a brand defined by style, creativity, and cultural relevance — and now, its next era. The Fifth Floor Restaurant sits at the centre of that revival: a space where food, fashion, and London’s social energy come together. For those passionate about hospitality, leadership, and the rhythm of a truly stylish restaurant, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping one of London’s most exciting dining destinations.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Fixed hours contracts for greater work‑life balance
  • Opportunities for growth and career development as the business expands
  • Generous staff discounts across fashion and food & beverage at Harvey Nichols and OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie

Head Waiter/Waitress employer: Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols offers an exceptional work environment for those passionate about hospitality, particularly within the vibrant setting of the Fifth Floor Restaurant in Knightsbridge. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, fixed hours for better work-life balance, and generous discounts across fashion and food & beverage, all while being part of a dynamic team that values creativity, collaboration, and personal growth in one of London’s most iconic dining destinations.
Harvey Nichols

Contact Detail:

Harvey Nichols Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/Waitress

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before your interview, pop by Harvey Nichols and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you understand their style and culture, making it easier to connect during your chat.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for hospitality! When you’re talking to the hiring team, share stories about your best dining experiences and how you’ve created memorable moments for guests in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to demonstrate your leadership skills! Think of examples where you’ve trained or mentored others, and how you’ve handled challenges on the floor. They want to see that you can lead with confidence and warmth.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter/Waitress

Leadership Skills
Attention to Detail
Emotional Intelligence
Guest Engagement
Training and Mentoring
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration
Service Standards Knowledge
Presentation Skills
Composure in Fast-Paced Environments
Hospitality Passion
Communication Skills
Cohesive Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your passion and how you’ve created memorable dining experiences for guests in the past.

Be Confident and Professional: Remember, we’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence. Use a professional tone in your application, but don’t be afraid to let your personality come through. We want to see the real you!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Waiter, you’ll be guiding a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about times when you’ve mentored others or taken charge during busy shifts to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Fifth Floor Restaurant!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nichols

✨Know the Menu Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with the menu at Harvey Nichols. Understand the dishes, ingredients, and any unique stories behind them. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the dining experience.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Waiter, you’ll need to lead by example. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully mentored or trained team members. Highlight how you’ve created a positive atmosphere and maintained high service standards in a fast-paced environment.

✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

During the interview, be ready to discuss how you handle guest interactions, especially challenging situations. Share specific instances where you’ve anticipated guest needs or resolved issues with tact and composure. This will showcase your ability to connect with guests and your team.

✨Emphasise Attention to Detail

In hospitality, every detail matters. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure exceptional presentation and service quality. You might want to mention any systems or processes you’ve implemented in previous roles to maintain high standards, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.

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