At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver exceptional dining experiences in a luxury hotel.
- Company: The Fife Arms, an award-winning luxury hotel in Scotland.
- Benefits: 30 days' holiday, free meals, generous discounts, and tailored career development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and elevate guest experiences in a Michelin-starred environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, strong communication skills, and a passion for service excellence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Fife Arms in Braemar - one of Scotland's most celebrated luxury hotels - is seeking a motivated and forward‑thinking Head Waiter to join the supervisory team in our Clunie Dining Room. If you thrive in a guest-focused front‑of‑house environment and enjoy inspiring others to deliver exceptional, memorable service, this is a fantastic opportunity to become part of an award‑winning hospitality destination.
The Role
- Working closely with the Restaurant Manager and wider front‑of‑house team, you will play a key role across Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, and Dinner service, helping ensure every guest experience is delivered to the highest standard.
- Support restaurant management in consistently delivering outstanding service within the Dining Room and Drawing Room.
- Maintain an in‑depth understanding of departmental operations, systems, and service standards.
- Actively contribute ideas to enhance our offering and elevate the guest journey.
- Ensure all guests receive warm, attentive, and professional service in line with SOPs.
- Uphold all in‑house policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Assist with daily maintenance checks and departmental checklists.
- Work collaboratively with management to achieve weekly and monthly cover and revenue targets, identifying opportunities to increase profitability and guest engagement.
You’ll join a close‑knit team recognised for its creativity, passion for quality produce, and commitment to going above and beyond—for our guests, our colleagues, and our community.
About You
You’ll be well suited to this role if you bring:
- Proven experience in a similar hospitality environment (experience with LQA or Forbes standards is an advantage).
- A positive, proactive attitude with a genuine enthusiasm for service excellence.
- Strong communication skills and natural leadership ability.
- A commitment to maintaining exceptional standards within a luxury setting.
What We Offer
In return, you’ll enjoy a rewarding role within a supportive and inspiring environment, along with a generous benefits package that includes:
- 30 days' holiday.
- A complimentary annual guest experience for you and a guest.
- Enhanced pension scheme.
- Free meals and drinks while on shift.
- High‑quality staff accommodation available for those relocating.
- Generous Artfarm‑wide discounts, including stays across Somerset, the Scottish Highlands, London, Los Angeles, Menorca, and Switzerland.
- Life Assurance – health cash plan and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme.
- Tailored training and career development opportunities.
About Artfarm & The Fife Arms
Artfarm is an independent hospitality company founded by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, renowned for reimagining exceptional destinations across the UK, US, and Europe – including the iconic Fife Arms in Braemar. The Fife Arms offers 46 individually designed bedrooms, the Albamhor Spa, and a collection of distinctive dining and bar experiences:
- The Clunie Dining Room – showcasing open‑fire cooking.
- The Flying Stag – local beers and classic Scottish favourites.
- Bertie's Whisky Bar.
- Elsa's Cocktail Bar.
- The Drawing Room – a relaxed, all‑day social space.
Each venue celebrates outstanding local ingredients, craftsmanship, and thoughtful hospitality, brought to life by passionate culinary and front‑of‑house teams.
Head Waiter employer: Job Search Place Limited
The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar is an exceptional employer, recognised for its commitment to quality and service excellence, making it a standout choice for those seeking a rewarding career in hospitality. With a supportive work culture that values creativity and teamwork, employees benefit from generous perks such as 30 days' holiday, tailored training opportunities, and high-quality staff accommodation, all within the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Join our award-winning team and be part of a unique dining experience that prioritises both guest satisfaction and employee 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 Job Search Place Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Job Search Place Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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!
