At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver exceptional dining experiences with precision and warmth.
- Company: Join MA/NA Mayfair, a unique blend of Japanese cuisine and world-class hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career growth, staff meals, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting hospitality concept that values genuine human connection.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine dining and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
MA/NA Mayfair is inspired by the Japanese belief that every ingredient carries an invisible energy shaped by nature and human craft. 'Mana' is a spiritual force that is felt rather than seen. It transforms emotion into experience, and a meal into memory. MA/NA offers a seamless connection between restaurant and bar. Refined Japanese dishes sit alongside a world-class cocktail, wine, and sake programme. Cocktails flow naturally into dinner, and dinner returns to drinks. Every detail - from service and design to sound and light - is intentional and celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.
As Head Waiter / Head Waitress at MA/NA Mayfair, you will play a leading role on the restaurant floor, ensuring service is calm, precise, and emotionally intelligent. The Head Waiter / Head Waitress will guide their section with confidence and warmth, creating a seamless guest journey from arrival through to farewell. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, Head Sommelier, and Bar team, the Head Waiter / Head Waitress will help connect cuisine, beverages, and hospitality into one harmonious experience. This role is ideal for someone who leads by example, values detail, and understands that exceptional service is felt as much as it is seen.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead service within your section, ensuring smooth and attentive guest care
- Maintain exceptional presentation and service standards at all times
- Support and guide Waiters, Commis Waiters, and Runners during service
- Communicate confidently with guests, explaining dishes, cocktails, wines, and sake with clarity and warmth
- Work closely with the kitchen and beverage teams to maintain service flow and timing
- Anticipate guest needs and respond with calm efficiency
- Ensure mise en place and service areas are consistently organised and polished
- Assist with briefings, service preparation, and close-down procedures
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture
What We Are Looking For
- Previous experience as a Head Waiter / Head Waitress or Senior Waiter within a fine-dining or luxury hospitality environment
- Strong understanding of refined service standards and guest etiquette
- Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
- Interest in Japanese cuisine, culture, and service philosophy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Calm, confident, and composed under pressure
- Strong attention to detail and pride in service craft
- Positive attitude and collaborative approach to teamwork
- Full right to work in the UK
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate plus service charge
- Opportunity to join one of London's most exciting hospitality concepts
- Career development and progression within Thesleff Group
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Staff meals while on duty
- Wellness and support initiatives
- Creative, supportive, and people-focused working environment
If you are a passionate Head Waiter / Head Waitress who believes great hospitality is built on balance, precision, and genuine human connection, we would love to hear from you. At Thesleff Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, and we believe diversity strengthens our teams, creativity, and guest experiences.
Head Waiter/ess - MaNa Mayfair in London employer: Ma/Na
At MA/NA Mayfair, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the art of hospitality and the well-being of our team. Our creative and supportive work environment fosters personal and professional growth, with ongoing training opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us in delivering memorable experiences while enjoying competitive pay, staff meals, and a collaborative culture that celebrates every detail of service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter/ess - MaNa Mayfair in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe before your interview. Swing by MA/NA Mayfair, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with staff if you can. This will help you understand their service style and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Head Waiter/ess, you'll need to explain dishes and drinks with confidence. Try role-playing with friends or family to get comfortable with the lingo and delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for Japanese cuisine and culture during your interview. Share any experiences you've had with similar dining environments or dishes. It’ll demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job, but this specific one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and keen on joining our team at MA/NA Mayfair.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter/ess - MaNa Mayfair in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your dedication to creating memorable guest experiences, especially in fine-dining settings.
Be Clear and Confident:Use clear and confident language to describe your previous roles and responsibilities. Remember, we want to see how you’ve led service and communicated with guests, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Highlight Your Attention to Detail:Since we value precision and detail, make sure to mention specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference in service. This could be anything from presentation to anticipating guest needs.
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 MA/NA Mayfair.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ma/Na
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with MA/NA's menu and the philosophy behind it. Understand the ingredients, the dishes, and how they connect to Japanese culture. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Service Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in fine dining or luxury hospitality. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided exceptional service, handled difficult situations, or led a team. This will demonstrate your capability as a Head Waiter/ess.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share instances where you’ve successfully communicated with kitchen staff or other waiters to ensure smooth service. This shows you understand the importance of teamwork in creating a seamless guest experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Hospitality
Let your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry shine through. Talk about what excites you about working at MA/NA Mayfair and how you can contribute to their mission of creating memorable guest experiences. A positive attitude and genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
