Head Waiter

Position Overview:

The Head Waiter plays a pivotal role in the restaurant or dining establishment, overseeing the service team to ensure guests have an exceptional dining experience. This role involves managing a team of waitstaff, ensuring smooth and efficient restaurant operations, and ensuring high standards of service are met. The Head Waiter is responsible for leading by example, training staff, assisting with menu presentation, and maintaining a professional and positive atmosphere for both guests and team members.

As the lead server, the Head Waiter acts as the primary liaison between kitchen staff and guests, ensuring that guest needs are met promptly, and any issues are handled effectively. This role requires strong leadership, communication skills, and an in-depth understanding of food and beverage service.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Supervision of Waitstaff

• Supervise, motivate, and lead a team of waiters and waitresses to ensure they are providing excellent service to all guests.

• Train and mentor new staff to ensure they understand the restaurant’s standards and expectations.

• Assign tasks to staff, ensuring an even distribution of workload during peak and off-peak hours.

• Monitor team performance, offering guidance and feedback to ensure high service standards are maintained.

• Lead by example, maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service at all times.

2. Guest Service & Satisfaction

• Ensure that all guests are greeted promptly and treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.

• Handle guest inquiries, complaints, and requests in a professional and efficient manner, ensuring any issues are resolved swiftly.

• Maintain a welcoming environment, ensuring that guests’ needs are met promptly and that they have a memorable dining experience.

• Recommend menu items, special promotions, and wine pairings, ensuring a personalized service for each guest.

• Monitor guest satisfaction throughout the dining experience and intervene when necessary to ensure high levels of satisfaction.

3. Coordination with Kitchen & Bar Staff

• Ensure effective communication between the front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) teams to guarantee smooth service flow.

• Coordinate orders with kitchen and bar staff, ensuring that all meals and drinks are prepared and served according to guest preferences and restaurant standards.

• Verify that food and beverages are presented appropriately and in line with the restaurant’s quality standards.

• Address any issues related to food quality, timing, or presentation, ensuring immediate correction.

4. Operational Efficiency & Scheduling

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the dining area, ensuring efficient seating, meal delivery, and overall guest satisfaction.

• Assist with creating staff schedules, ensuring proper coverage during busy periods.

• Monitor the cleanliness and presentation of the dining area, ensuring that it aligns with the restaurant’s standards.

• Ensure that all restaurant equipment is in good working condition and report any maintenance issues to management.

5. Stock Management & Inventory

• Assist in the monitoring of stock levels for food, beverages, and supplies, ensuring that the restaurant has adequate stock for service.

• Notify management of any inventory shortages or issues with supplies to prevent service interruptions.

• Help in the preparation and stock rotation of items, ensuring that nothing is wasted and all food and beverage items are used within their shelf life.

6. Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including food handling, hygiene, and sanitation standards.

• Oversee that staff members are following proper hygiene practices (e.g., handwashing, uniform cleanliness).

• Ensure all health and safety protocols are followed, particularly when it comes to guest allergies, special dietary requests, and food preparation.

• Perform regular checks on food safety standards, reporting any concerns or deviations immediately.

7. Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate records of guest complaints, compliments, and other feedback to share with management for improvement opportunities.

• Assist with billing and payments, ensuring that transactions are processed accurately and quickly.

• Handle cash, card payments, and tipping procedures, ensuring accuracy and adherence to restaurant policies.

• Report to restaurant management on staff performance, customer feedback, and any operational challenges faced.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (a degree in hospitality management or a related field is a plus).

• 3-5 years of experience in a fine-dining restaurant or similar setting, with at least 1 year in a supervisory role.

• Extensive knowledge of food and beverage service, including wine pairing, menu composition, and guest preferences.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership and team management skills to motivate and inspire waitstaff.

• Exceptional communication skills to coordinate effectively with both staff and guests.

• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage, including preparation, presentation, and service standards.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize efficiently.

• Problem-solving abilities to handle guest complaints or service issues promptly and professionally.

• Attention to detail to ensure the dining area, food presentation, and service are consistently excellent.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on customer satisfaction and team collaboration.

Working Conditions:

• The Head Waiter will be working in a fast-paced restaurant or dining environment, often requiring quick thinking and multitasking.

• Evening shifts, weekends, and holidays may be required depending on the restaurant’s hours of operation.

• Physical stamina is required as the position involves standing for long periods, walking, and moving around the dining area.

• The Head Waiter should be able to work in a team environment, collaborating closely with kitchen staff, management, and other waitstaff.

Career Growth & Opportunities:

The role of Head Waiter offers several opportunities for advancement within the hospitality industry. With experience and additional training, there is potential to progress to positions such as:

• Restaurant Manager

• Food & Beverage Supervisor

• General Manager

• Operations Manager

With strong performance, the Head Waiter can develop a career in higher management positions or specialized roles within the food and beverage industry.