At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver a 5-star experience and manage a station of tables with flair.
- Company: Join The Dorchester, a top-rated luxury hotel known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary stays, discounts, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Participate in fun social events and access well-being support.
- Why this job: Be part of a legendary team and elevate your hospitality career.
- Qualifications: 1 year in luxury hospitality and strong food & beverage knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Join us as a Head Waiter at The Dorchester's The Artist Bar, recently recognised as one of ‘The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024-2026 and ‘Hotel of the year – London’ at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity.
When you join us as a Head Waiter at The Dorchester Hotel, you will have a unique opportunity to excel in your field. You will learn from your fellow Legends and our award-winning learning academy to achieve the highest standards in craft, service, and leadership.
What you’ll do
As a Head Waiter, you'll enjoy your work and take pride in delighting our guests:
- You will be responsible for delivering the ultimate 5-star experience ensuring that all guest needs are fulfilled during their visit or stay.
- This will include running a station of 3-5 tables, taking orders, making sure all billing is correct, having advanced menu knowledge, ensuring the restaurant is kept clean and tidy whilst following all standards of procedures that are in place to ensure our guests receive nothing but the best experience.
- You’ll also show flexibility and creativity in dealing with our guests’ special requests and in dealing with challenges that may arise during the day.
The operational hours of work are shift-based and may be subjected to change. These currently set as:
- Monday to Saturday: 06:00 - 01:15
- Sunday: 06:30 - 01:15
What you’ll bring
- Previous experience in a similar role - at least 1 year within the Luxury Hospitality sector
- Intermediate to advanced food and beverage knowledge
- Advanced to Fluent in the English language
Preferred Skills
- Strong ability to upsell products
- WSET Certification
What you'll get
- Complimentary Stays: Enjoy complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year.
- Discounts: with our hotels, and benefit from discounts at various high street and online shops
- Employee Perks: Enrol from day 1 into the Royal London Private Pension scheme (we contribute 8% towards your pension); Benefit from seasonal ticket loan, rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and eye care vouchers.
- Training and Development: Advance in your career by accessing various apprenticeships from Level 2 to Hospitality Degree Level 5.
- Social Events: Participate in vibrant social events, including a summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, and cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
- Referral Bonus: Earn a £1000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
- Well-being Support: Access immediate well-being advice because we care about our employees.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.
Head Waiter in City of Westminster employer: The Dorchester
The Dorchester in Greater London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises communication and customer service. Employees enjoy unique benefits such as complimentary hotel stays and robust career advancement opportunities through comprehensive training programmes, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter in City of Westminster
✨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 The Dorchester. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Dorchester
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Dorchester 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 in City of Westminster
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 The Dorchester 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 The Dorchester
✨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!
