Head Waiter/Waitress

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

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals on duty

Career development

Training opportunities

Wellness program

Team-focused culture

Job summary

MA/NA Mayfair, part of Thesleff Group, is seeking a Head Waiter/Head Waitress to lead on the restaurant floor with calm precision, warmth, and emotional intelligence, delivering a memorable guest journey from arrival to farewell.

You will guide your section, mentor Waiters and Runners, explain dishes, wines, and sake with clarity, and work closely with the Restaurant Manager, Head Sommelier and Bar team to connect cuisine and beverages into one seamless guest experience.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Waiter/Head Waitress or Senior Waiter experience in a fine-dining or luxury hospitality environment.
• Strong understanding of refined service standards and guest etiquette.
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Interest in Japanese cuisine, culture, and service philosophy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, confident, and composed under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in service craft.
• Positive attitude and collaborative teamwork.
• Full right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead service within your section, ensuring smooth and attentive guest care.
• Maintain exceptional presentation and service standards at all times.
• Support and guide Waiters, Commis Waiters, and Runners during service.
• Communicate confidently with guests, explaining dishes, cocktails, wines, and sake with clarity and warmth.
• Work closely with kitchen and beverage teams to maintain service flow and timing.
• Anticipate guest needs and respond with calm efficiency.
• Ensure mise en place and service areas are consistently organised and polished.
• Assist with briefings, service preparation, and close-down procedures.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture.

Skills

Head Waiter experience

Fine-dining

Guest etiquette

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Team leadership

UK work rights

Job description

Head Waiter / Head Waitress – MA/NA Mayfair

About MA/NA

MA/NA Mayfair is inspired by the Japanese belief that every ingredient carries an invisible energy shaped by nature and human craft.

‘Mana’ is a spiritual force that is felt rather than seen. It transforms emotion into experience, and a meal into memory.

MA/NA offers a seamless connection between restaurant and bar. Refined Japanese dishes sit alongside a world-class cocktail, wine, and sake programme. Cocktails flow naturally into dinner, and dinner returns to drinks. Every detail — from service and design to sound and light — is intentional and celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.

The Role – Head Waiter / Head Waitress

As Head Waiter / Head Waitress at MA/NA Mayfair, you will play a leading role on the restaurant floor, ensuring service is calm, precise, and emotionally intelligent.

The Head Waiter / Head Waitress will guide their section with confidence and warmth, creating a seamless guest journey from arrival through to farewell. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, Head Sommelier, and Bar team, the Head Waiter / Head Waitress will help connect cuisine, beverages, and hospitality into one harmonious experience.

This Head Waiter / Head Waitress role is ideal for someone who leads by example, values detail, and understands that exceptional service is felt as much as it is seen.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead service within your section, ensuring smooth and attentive guest care
• Maintain exceptional presentation and service standards at all times
• Support and guide Waiters, Commis Waiters, and Runners during service
• Communicate confidently with guests, explaining dishes, cocktails, wines, and sake with clarity and warmth
• Work closely with the kitchen and beverage teams to maintain service flow and timing
• Anticipate guest needs and respond with calm efficiency
• Ensure mise en place and service areas are consistently organised and polished
• Assist with briefings, service preparation, and close-down procedures
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture

What We Are Looking For

• Previous experience as a Head Waiter / Head Waitress or Senior Waiter within a fine-dining or luxury hospitality environment
• Strong understanding of refined service standards and guest etiquette
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
• Interest in Japanese cuisine, culture, and service philosophy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Calm, confident, and composed under pressure
• Strong attention to detail and pride in service craft
• Positive attitude and collaborative approach to teamwork
• Full right to work in the UK

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate plus service charge
• Opportunity to join one of London’s most exciting hospitality concepts
• Career development and progression within Thesleff Group
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Staff meals while on duty
• Wellness and support initiatives
• Creative, supportive, and people-focused working environment

Join MA/NA Mayfair

If you are a passionate Head Waiter / Head Waitress who believes great hospitality is built on balance, precision, and genuine human connection, we would love to hear from you.

At Thesleff Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, and we believe diversity strengthens our teams, creativity, and guest experiences.