Head Waiter

Hawksmoor Air Street; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tronc for all hours

Free team meals

50% off food

Income protection

Volunteer days

Early wage access

Referral bonuses

Savings on travel

Welfare budget

Training & progression

Job summary

Hawksmoor Air Street in London is seeking a Head Waiter to lead the floor, deliver confident, knowledgeable service and mentor the waiting team.

This hands-on leadership role will run sections, guide junior team members and help ensure every guest receives warm, seamless hospitality, under Hawksmoor standards.

Qualifications

• Experience as a waiter in a quality, high-volume restaurant.
• Ability to lead a section and support colleagues.
• Warm, personable and guest-focused.
• Calm and organised under pressure.
• Passion for hospitality and skill development.

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

Lead a section

Guest engagement

Calm under pressure

Hospitality

Job description

Head Waiter

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.