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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional dining experiences and collaborate with kitchen and wine teams.
- Company: Join the award-winning Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, a top-rated workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary stays, discounts, and access to training and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team and excel in fine dining service.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and social events.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join us
as a Head Waiter at The Dorchester Hotel, recently recognised as one of ‘The
Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024 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. We
believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our
success.
We care
about your career and are proud to have the absolute best people in the
industry. 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
receives 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 items
shared are the essence of a day in the life of a Head Waiter, but we’ll make
sure you are provided with specifics on how we care for our hotel.
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
Essential Skills and Experience
- 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 : Get 50% off food and beverages
at selected bars and restaurants within the Dorchester Collection: Enjoy
Friends & Family stay discounts out hotels, Benefit from discounts at
various high street and online shops - Employee Perks : Enrol from day 1 into the Aviva
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.
We partner with outstanding nationally recognised Apprenticeship providers. - 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. If you need
us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process (such as
adjustments to how you apply,
alternative formats of information, or adjustments to the assessment process
itself), please do call People & Culture team on or email so that we can discuss how we
can support you through this process.
Head Waiter employer: The Dorchester
Contact Detail:
The Dorchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant's vibe! Before your interview, pop in for a meal or a drink. This way, you can chat with staff and get a feel for the atmosphere, which will help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! During the interview, be sure to demonstrate how you can adapt your communication style to different guests. Share examples of how you've handled special requests or tricky situations in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Teamwork makes the dream work! Highlight your experience working closely with kitchen and front-of-house teams. Share stories that showcase your ability to collaborate and ensure smooth service, as this is key for a 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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for hospitality shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our guests.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Mention any previous roles in fine dining or luxury environments, as this will help us see how you fit into our team at Alain Ducasse.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the Head Waiter position. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Dorchester
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with the menu and wine list. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and can engage with guests about their choices. Practice describing dishes and pairing wines to demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Share examples of how you've adapted your communication style to meet different guests' needs. This is crucial for a Head Waiter, as you'll be the bridge between the kitchen and the guests.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Experience
Talk about your previous experiences working in a team, especially in high-pressure environments. Mention specific instances where you collaborated with kitchen staff or other front-of-house team members to ensure smooth service. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle unexpected situations or special requests from guests. Think of examples from your past roles where you successfully resolved issues. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet, which are essential for a Head Waiter.
