Head Waiter/Tress

Delano; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Delano London seeks an exceptional Head Waiter/ess to lead the floor on the pre-opening team. Based primarily in Lana Lusa, you will set the service standard, welcome guests with warmth and guide the full dining journey with confidence.

You bring senior waiter experience, strong knowledge of wine, and a passion for training, consistency and guest satisfaction in a high-service environment. This role is on-site and pivotal to launching Delano London.

Qualifications

• You have strong senior waiter or head waiter experience in premium settings.
• Natural host with polished floor presence and excellent communication.
• Solid knowledge of wine and classic service techniques.
• Enjoy developing others and giving direction with warmth and teamwork.
• Organised with the ability to manage multiple tables and priorities.
• Commercial instinct; comfortable recommending and selling in a guest-led way.
• Flexible to work breakfast, evenings, weekends and key hospitality moments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a section during service and set the standard for pace, detail and hospitality.
• Welcome guests and read tables to tailor a personal service.
• Own the dining journey from menu guidance to farewell.
• Develop knowledge of food and beverages and upsell where appropriate.
• Support wine service and introduce guests to the wine list with the team.
• Coordinate with Culinary, bar and runners for accurate orders and pacing.
• Lead pre-service mise en place, briefings and maintain standards.
• Coach junior staff during the pre-opening period and beyond.
• Identify VIPs, regulars and special requests and relay details to the team.
• Handle guest concerns and involve management when needed.
• Support Private Dining, Room Service or other areas when required.
• Follow food safety, health & safety, cash handling and procedures.

Skills

Senior waiter

Wine knowledge

Team development

Communication

Organization

Sales-driven

Flexible shifts

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional Head Waiter/tress to join the pre-opening team of Delano London. Based primarily in Lana Lusa, our all-day restaurant, you'll be a senior presence on the floor, leading by example and helping create a style of service that is polished, warm, intuitive and full of personality.

What you'll do...

• Lead a section during service and act as a role model for waiters and runners, setting the standard for pace, detail and genuine hospitality.
• Welcome and engage guests confidently, reading the table and adapting your style so service feels personal rather than scripted.
• Take ownership of the full dining journey, from menu guidance and order taking through to pacing, check-backs, payment and farewell.
• Develop strong knowledge of food, wine and beverages and use it naturally to make recommendations and drive average spend.
• Support wine service and confidently introduce guests to the wine list and cellar selection in partnership with the beverage team.
• Coordinate closely with Culinary, bar and runners to ensure accurate orders, smooth pacing and excellent table maintenance.
• Lead pre-service mise en place, section checks and briefings and ensure standards remain consistent throughout the shift.
• Coach junior team members in the moment and support training, onboarding and product knowledge during the pre-opening period and beyond.
• Recognise VIPs, regulars, celebrations, allergies and special requests and communicate relevant details clearly to the wider team.
• Handle initial guest concerns confidently and involve management when appropriate.
• Support Private Dining, Room Service or other Food & Beverage areas when operationally required.
• Follow all food safety, Health & Safety, cash handling and company procedures.

Qualifications

What we're looking for...

• You have strong senior waiter/tress or head waiter/tress experience in a premium restaurant, luxury hotel or high-quality lifestyle operation.
• You are a natural host with excellent communication skills and confident, polished floor presence.
• You have strong food and beverage knowledge, including a good understanding of wine and classic service techniques.
• You enjoy developing others and are comfortable giving direction without losing warmth or teamwork.
• You are organised, attentive and able to manage several tables and priorities without making service feel rushed.
• You have commercial instinct and are comfortable recommending and selling in a genuine, guest-led way.
• You are flexible to work breakfast, evenings, weekends and key hospitality moments.

What's in it for you...

• The opportunity to launch Delano London and help shape the Food & Beverage experience from day one, with real influence over the culture and service style.
• Join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that's committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and help create venues that can become both neighbourhood favourites and destinations in their own right, in an environment that is creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that's passionate about creating great hospitality experiences, bringing together design, dining, nightlife and culture in a distinctly Delano way.
• Plenty of opportunity for development as the hotel and the wider brand continue to grow.

Additional Information

Be part of the team bringing an iconic brand into its next chapter. At Delano London, personality counts, ideas are welcomed and everyone plays a part in creating something memorable. We work hard, make it fun and look out for one another, with opportunities to learn, grow and build meaningful relationships across Delano, Ennismore and Accor.

Alongside a supportive and creative team culture, you’ll have access to a range of colleague benefits, hotel stays and experiences across the wider group, and the opportunity to work within a global community of distinctive lifestyle and hospitality brands.

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Head Waiter/tress London, England, United Kingdom