Head Waiter/Waitress

Compass Group; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium hospitality group is seeking a Head Waiter/Waitress for their restaurant in London's Royal Opera House. This hands-on leadership role requires proven experience in a high-end venue, excellent communication skills, and a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. Competitive pay of £16-£20 per hour, with ongoing training and development provided.

Benefits

Delicious staff meals on shift

Uniform provided

Ongoing training and career development

Holiday allowance

Life assurance scheme

Pension scheme

Wellbeing strategy

Regular social events

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior waiter or head waiter in a premium hospitality venue.
• A confident and polished presence with excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of food, wine, and service etiquette (Italian cuisine is a plus).

Responsibilities

• Lead the floor during service, ensuring exceptional guest experience.
• Support, mentor, and train junior front-of-house staff.
• Act as the main point of contact for guest feedback.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen, bar, and management teams.
• Uphold a clean, organised, and professional environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Passion for hospitality

Knowledge of food and wine

Job description

Job Title: Head Waiter / Head Waitress

Location:Cicoria by Angela Hartnett, Royal Opera House, London
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Pay: £16-£20 per hour (inclusive of service charge, based on experience)

About Us

We're Company of Cooks, and in collaboration with Angela Hartnett, we've created something truly special on the fifth floor of the Royal Opera House: Cicoria - an Italian-inspired restaurant offering seasonal, ingredient-led dishes, an all-day menu crafted by one of the UK's most respected chefs, and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views over Covent Garden Piazza.

Our mission is to deliver refined hospitality, memorable experiences, and exceptional food in an iconic setting.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Waiter/Head Waitress to lead and inspire our front-of-house team. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-end environment, with a deep love of hospitality and a natural talent for creating seamless guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the floor during service, ensuring exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure
• Support, mentor, and train junior FOH staff, upholding high standards of service and presentation
• Act as the main point of contact for guest feedback, managing any issues with professionalism and discretion
• Have a thorough understanding of our food and drink offerings to confidently make recommendations
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen, bar, and management teams to ensure smooth operations
• Uphold a clean, organised, and professional environment in all guest-facing areas
• Assist in service planning and shift briefings as required

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a senior waiter or head waiter in a premium hospitality venue
• A confident and polished presence with excellent leadership and communication skills
• Passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Deep knowledge of food, wine, and service etiquette (Italian cuisine is a plus)
• Calm, solutions-focused, and able to lead a team under pressure
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Eligibility to work in the UK

We Offer

• Competitive pay: £16-£20 per hour (inclusive of service charge, depending on experience)
• Equal opportunity for full-time or part-time positions
• Delicious staff meals on shift
• Uniform provided
• Ongoing training and career development in a growing hospitality group
• The chance to work in one of London's most iconic venues with a celebrated chef

What's in it for you?

Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• Volunteering days
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers