Senior Waiter - The Guards Bar

Company Description

Come and join us in bringing the Raffles experience to London. The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Raffles London at The OWO on London’s Whitehall, unites the allure and heritage of Raffles with one of the world’s most historic addresses. This fine Grade II* Edwardian building has been transformed into a spectacular stage for dazzling celebrations; with fine dining, lively bars, the latest in wellness and beauty therapies, the most luxurious suites and rooms, versatile ballroom and event space. Within these much‑storied walls, where legendary statesmen and women once shaped the modern world, guests are now invited to discover new and inspiring emotions and connections. At Raffles, you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as family.

Job Description

The Senior Waiter will be responsible for day‑to‑day service, working alongside waiters and bartenders, supporting them during service with food pick up, table service, clearing tables, station refills, drink service. Responsible for performing tasks to the highest standards from the moment a guest enters to the moment they leave and enhancing their experience with us. Maintain the stations and the bar, act as the communication point between back‑of‑house and front‑of‑house, support hostess and other team members when required, supply guest feedback and requests to management.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of menu and all products served within the Guards Bar.
• Deliver food orders from the kitchen to customers’ tables rapidly and accurately with an explanation of each dish for the guest.
• Act as the contact point between Front of the House and Back of the House staff.
• Assist the wait staff with table setting by fetching and placing appropriate tableware, eating utensils and napkins.
• Explain the dishes to the guest with a knowledgeable and professional manner.
• Check in with customers and take additional orders or refill water, as needed and requested by senior colleagues.
• Responsible for serving food orders and removing used dishes and utensils.
• Ensure food is served in accordance with safety standards.
• Inform restaurant staff about customers’ feedback or requests.
• Commit to best possible sustainable practices daily in terms of waste management and purchasing.
• Additional responsibilities in absence of line manager or senior employee.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned including working in a different department or restaurant than usually assigned.

Health and Safety

• Ensure that all potential and real hazards are reported immediately and rectified.
• Be fully conversant with all departmental Fire, Emergency and Bomb procedures.
• Ensure safety of the persons and property of all within the premises by strict adherence to existing laws, statutes and applicable ordinances, and by anticipating possible hazards and conditions and either correcting them or pre‑planning a defence against them.
• Stimulate and encourage a general awareness of Health and Safety in relation to all tasks and activities undertaken in the department.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in English, both verbal and written.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to delivering and offering the best service and experiences possible in any situation.
• Proven track record of surprising and delighting guests.
• To be detail oriented and to work within a team.
• Flexibility to respond to a range of different work situations.
• Works well within a team environment.
• A proven track record and ability to provide high levels of service under pressure.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi‑task while maintaining an immaculate and professional appearance.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a luxury hotel environment working with LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards.

Why Join the Raffles Team

Not only will you be joining one of the world’s best hotels you will also receive great benefits including:

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays plus a day extra for every year of your service up to 5 years (35 days).
• Staff meals while on duty.
• Free dry cleaning for uniform.
• Employer pension contribution of 3%.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Life Assurance 1x salary.
• Employee assistance program, including virtual GP and financial advice.
• Season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme.
• Colleague gifting to celebrate special occasions.
• Paid days off to move house or give back time to a charity of your choice.
• Internal learning and development programmes tailored to you.
• Fun‑filled events, whether that’s a pub quiz, team run or festive party.
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates of up to 30% at Accor worldwide and Raffles London F&B outlets.
• Worldwide development opportunities across Accor’s extensive brand portfolio.