Head Waiter

Hawksmoor; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tronc paid

Free team meals

50% off Hawksmoor

Income protection

Volunteer days

Early wage access

Referral bonuses

Staff discounts

Welfare support

Job summary

Hawksmoor in Edinburgh seeks a Head Waiter to lead the restaurant floor, delivering confident, knowledgeable service while supporting and developing the waiting team. This hands-on leadership role involves running sections, guiding junior staff and ensuring guests receive warm, seamless hospitality.

You’ll be a senior presence on busy services, maintain top standards, and collaborate with managers to enhance guest experience and service recovery.

Qualifications

• Experienced as a Waiter in a quality, high-volume restaurant.
• Confident leading a section and supporting others.
• Warm, personable and comfortable engaging with guests.
• Calm and organised under pressure.
• Passionate about hospitality and developing your skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional service on the floor, setting the standard for the team
• Lead sections confidently during busy services
• Support, coach and develop waiters and food runners
• Assist managers with guest experience and service recovery
• Maintain strong communication between floor, kitchen and bar
• Uphold Hawksmoor standards of presentation, knowledge and hospitality

Skills

Waiter experience

Leadership

Guest service

Calm under pressure

Hospitality passion

Job description

Since 2006, Hawksmoor has been the UK’s home of ethically sourced, grass‑fed beef, cooked over charcoal and paired with award‑winning wines and cocktails. We’re proud to be a certified B Corp, one of the most sustainable restaurant groups in the industry, and to have been recognised as one of the Best Companies to work for year after year.

As Head Waiter at Hawksmoor, you’ll lead by example on the restaurant floor, delivering confident, knowledgeable service while supporting and developing the waiting team. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll run sections, guide junior team members and help ensure every guest receives warm, seamless hospitality.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver exceptional service on the floor, setting the standard for the team
• Lead sections confidently during busy services
• Support, coach and develop waiters and food runners
• Assist managers with guest experience and service recovery
• Maintain strong communication between floor, kitchen and bar
• Uphold Hawksmoor standards of presentation, knowledge and hospitality

Who You Are

• Experienced as a Waiter in a quality, high‑volume restaurant
• Confident leading a section and supporting others
• Warm, personable and comfortable engaging with guests
• Calm and organised under pressure
• Passionate about hospitality and developing your skills

Our Values

• Welcome Everyone – We create warm, inclusive spaces where people feel genuinely welcome.
• Work Hard and Be Nice to People – We set high standards and treat each other with kindness and respect.
• Hit Hawksmoor Standards – We care deeply about quality and consistency every day.
• Keep Evolving – We stay curious, open to feedback and always looking to improve.

Benefits

• Tronc paid for every hour you work, including holidays and breaks
• Free team meals on shift
• 50% off food at Hawksmoor for you and your loved ones
• Income protection and death in service cover
• Paid annual volunteer days
• Stream early wage access and financial wellbeing tools
• Referral bonuses from day one
• Exclusive savings on travel, shopping and experiences
• Restaurant welfare budget for snacks, drinks and support
• Full training and development with clear progression opportunities

We’re building a team that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. At Hawksmoor, we welcome everyone and believe in creating a workplace where individuality is celebrated, kindness is key and high standards are met together. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, please apply anyway. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.