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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the front of house team and deliver exceptional customer service.
- Company: Lazeez Tapas Mayfair, a family-run restaurant in a prime London location.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and opportunities for rapid progression.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting reopening and shape the guest experience.
- Qualifications: Experience as a senior waiter and strong customer service skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on calm, personable hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 30000 £ per year.
Overview
Reports to: Founder
Functionality responsibility to: Front of House Team
Other regular relationships: Kitchen Leadership, Owners / Senior Management
Location: Mayfair, Central London (opposite Selfridges, minutes from Bond Street)
Salary: £31,000 – £34,000 per annum + bonus scheme (based on performance and customer satisfaction)
About the Restaurant
Lazeez Tapas Mayfair is a long-established, family-run restaurant in one of London’s most prestigious locations. Serving Lebanese inspired tapas, the restaurant combines a relaxed café-style atmosphere with high standards of food, service and presentation. It also benefits from a Parisian terrace setting directly opposite one of the world’s most famous department stores and attracts a largely tourist guest base. The business has operated with the same owners for 19 years and is now moving with the times through an exciting reopening. The restaurant is launching with a brand-new team, a simple, effective menu, and a renewed focus on calm, personable hospitality delivered in a professional, well-presented way.
Role Purpose
The Head Waiter will be a key leader in reopening the front of house operation and setting the standard for guest experience. This is not about rushing guests; it’s about calm, confident hospitality, professional presentation and consistent service. You will lead by example on the floor, help build a new team culture, and deliver a warm, relaxed experience for a high tourist footfall guest base. High performance will be recognised quickly, with genuine progression into higher roles as the business grows.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead service on the floor and set standards from day one
- Deliver exceptional customer service in a calm, relaxed environment
- Ensure professional presentation of self and team at all times
- Support the training and development of a brand-new team
- Work closely with the kitchen to ensure smooth service and great guest experience
- Handle guest questions or concerns confidently and professionally
- Keep service simple, effective and aligned to the restaurant’s systems
- Support peak periods
Performance Metrics & Key Deliverables
- Customer satisfaction and positive guest feedback
- Consistency of service standards and professionalism
- Effective team leadership during service
- Smooth handling of peak periods without losing the relaxed environment
- Contribution to building a positive reopening culture
Training, Reopening & Progression Opportunity
This is a reopening team. You will be part of opening the restaurant back up and setting the tone for service standards and culture.
- Training provided
- Progression can be rapid for high performers
- Clear FOH route: Head Waiter → Assistant Manager
Working Pattern
Operating hours: 10:30am – 11:00pm
Typical shifts: 08:30am – 5:00pm (opening) / 4:30pm – 11:30pm (closing)
Double shifts may be available
The restaurant may close one day per week (day to be confirmed)
Candidate Profile
Essential Skills & Experience required
- Experience in a senior waiter / head waiter role
- Strong customer service skills and calm leadership presence
- Excellent communication and team coordination
- High standards of professional presentation
- Willingness to learn, follow the system, and build something from reopening
Desirable Skills & Experience required
- Experience in tourist-heavy or high-footfall Central London venues
- Experience supporting training, onboarding or opening teams
Team Structure
Works closely with the kitchen leadership team
Supports and leads the wider front of house team during service
General Responsibilities
- Uphold restaurant standards, values and service expectations at all times
- Follow the system and ways of working agreed for the reopening
- Maintain a professional appearance and attitude on shift
- Comply with all relevant legislation and internal policies relating to health & safety
- Support a calm, personable environment while delivering consistently high standards
Universal Personal Responsibilities
- Present a professional image, both on site and to guests, and be an ambassador for the restaurant by demonstrating its values
- Follow the correct processes and understand the consequences of failing to do so, and actively share responsibility with the owners, managers and team for the success of the business
- Treat all colleagues fairly, working according to the principles of equal opportunity and respect
- Willingness to work in excess of usual working hours when the balance of the business needs it, with flexibility where there is a clear benefit to the business
- Comply with all legal requirements relevant to your role and support the team to uphold those standards
Universal Team Participation Responsibilities
- Understand, question where appropriate, and agree the Team Objectives, service standards and your own Personal Objectives
- Explain the expectations of your role and the measures of success
- Attend one-to-one reviews and performance check-ins on a regular basis to ensure your objectives are clear and up to date
- Comply with all processes and procedures to ensure that personal, team and business performance standards are maintained
- Take ownership of work and contribute to making decisions
- Apply problem solving and creative thinking to maximise guest satisfaction and service quality
- Be a team player and support your colleagues as appropriate
- Seek to continuously improve performance by learning and developing new skills and keeping up to date with best practice in hospitality
- Take ownership of personal development, seeking feedback and training to continuously improve performance and contribution
- Undergo appropriate levels of coaching, development and support when needed
- Provide ideas and suggestions for improving your own and team performance
- Remain adaptable and responsive to business needs, demonstrating flexibility in supporting team and organisational goals
- Actively provide constructive feedback and suggestions to support continuous improvement across the restaurant
Head Waiter employer: Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before your interview, pop by Lazeez Tapas and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you understand their service style and give you a leg up when discussing how you can contribute to their reopening.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've led a team in a busy environment. Highlight your calm approach to customer service and how you’ve handled peak periods without losing your cool.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills! Practice answering questions about how you would handle guest concerns or feedback. The ability to communicate effectively with both guests and your team is key for the Head Waiter role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Lazeez Tapas and contributing to their exciting reopening.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your experience. A touch of warmth and a relaxed tone can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in senior waiter or head waiter roles. We’re looking for strong customer service skills and a calm leadership presence, so connect your past roles to what we value at Lazeez Tapas.
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we love a friendly vibe, professionalism is key. Ensure your application reflects high standards of presentation and communication, just like we expect from our team on the floor.
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 reopening opportunity at Lazeez Tapas!
How to prepare for a job interview at Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd
✨Know the Restaurant Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Lazeez Tapas Mayfair thoroughly. Understand their menu, the atmosphere they aim to create, and their customer base. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to their reopening.
✨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 managed a team or handled peak service periods. Highlight your calm leadership presence and how you maintain high standards of service even under pressure.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Customer satisfaction is key for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've gone above and beyond for guests in previous positions. Share specific stories that showcase your ability to handle guest concerns professionally and ensure a relaxed dining experience.
✨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter, especially in hospitality. Make sure you present yourself professionally during the interview. Dress smartly and maintain a polished appearance, as this reflects the high standards expected at Lazeez Tapas Mayfair.
