Head Waiter / Waitress

Thesleff Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Staff meals

Dining discounts

Training & development

Career progression

Supportive environment

Team opportunity

Job summary

Sale e Pepe in London is seeking an experienced Head Waiter to lead front-of-house and uphold top-tier service standards. You will guide the waiting team, ensure guests are warmly welcomed and looked after, and contribute to a memorable dining experience.

The role requires strong hospitality experience, a professional appearance, excellent product knowledge, and the ability to manage busy services with poise.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Waiter, Senior Waiter, or experienced Waiter in a quality restaurant.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Good knowledge of food, wine, and restaurant service standards.
• The right to live and work in the UK.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional guest service in line with Sale e Pepe standards.
• Support the management team with the day-to-day running of service.
• Lead, guide, and support Waiters, Commis Waiters, and runners during service.
• Ensure guests are welcomed, seated, and looked after professionally.
• Take orders accurately and confidently, including food, wine, and drinks.
• Maintain strong menu knowledge and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Ensure tables are set, cleared, and maintained to a high standard.
• Handle guest requests, queries, and feedback in a professional and positive manner.
• Support the training and development of junior team members.
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and presentation of the restaurant floor.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen, bar, and management teams.
• Follow all health, safety, hygiene, and licensing standards.
• Help ensure smooth and efficient service from preparation through to close.

Skills

Head Waiter experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Food & wine knowledge

Attention to detail

Job description

Head Waiter – Sale e Pepe

Sale e Pepe is a celebrated Italian restaurant brand, proudly delivering authentic Italian hospitality and exceptional dining experiences. Known for warm service, vibrant atmosphere, and timeless Italian cuisine, Sale e Pepe continues to create memorable experiences for every guest.. . We are now looking for an experienced and confident Head Waiter to join our front-of-house team and help lead service standards across the restaurant.. .

The Role

As a Head Waiter, you will play a key role in supporting the management team with the smooth running of service. You will lead by example, ensuring guests receive professional, attentive, and warm hospitality from arrival to departure.. You will support and guide the wider waiting team, help maintain high service standards, and ensure the restaurant operates efficiently throughout busy services.. . This is an excellent opportunity for a hospitality professional with strong service experience, excellent product knowledge, and natural leadership skills who is looking to develop their career within Sale e Pepe.. .

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional guest service in line with Sale e Pepe standards.
• Support the management team with the day-to-day running of service.
• Lead, guide, and support Waiters, Commis Waiters, and runners during service.
• Ensure guests are welcomed, seated, and looked after professionally.
• Take orders accurately and confidently, including food, wine, and drinks.
• Maintain strong menu knowledge and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Ensure tables are set, cleared, and maintained to a high standard.
• Handle guest requests, queries, and feedback in a professional and positive manner.
• Support the training and development of junior team members.
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and presentation of the restaurant floor.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen, bar, and management teams.
• Follow all health, safety, hygiene, and licensing standards.
• Help ensure smooth and efficient service from preparation through to close.

About You

We would love you to have:

• Previous experience as a Head Waiter, Senior Waiter, or experienced Waiter in a quality restaurant.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering excellent guest experiences.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• A confident, professional, and well-presented approach.
• Good knowledge of food, wine, and restaurant service standards.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive attitude and strong team spirit.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisation.
• A reliable, professional, and guest-focused approach.
• The ambition to develop and progress within the hospitality industry.
• The right to live and work in the UK.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Staff meals while on duty.
• Employee dining discounts across Thesleff Group venues.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Career progression within a growing hospitality group.
• Supportive and inclusive working environment.
• The opportunity to become part of the Sale e Pepe team and contribute to its continued success.

Equal Opportunities

Thesleff Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

If you are passionate about hospitality, have a strong eye for service, and are ready to take the next step in your front-of-house career, we would love to hear from you.

Experience: Required
Employment: Full-time
Salary: £16 – £17 hourly
Starting time: Immediate start!

About Thesleff Group:
Los Mochis fuses Mexican spirit with Japanese elegance across London. Expect exceptional food, cocktails, immersive design and vibrant energy.