Head Waiter - InterContinental Riyadh

IHG Hotels & Resorts; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 56,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

InterContinental 62s Group plc is seeking an experienced Senior Waiter / Captain to lead assigned restaurant sections across breakfast, lunch, dinner, buffet and à la carte operations in a luxury hotel setting in Riyadh. You will maintain service standards, manage a team of waiters, and ensure guest satisfaction through attentive, upsell-focused service.

Responsibilities include coordinating with culinary, handling guest requests, maintaining hygiene and HACCP compliance, training colleagues,

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in luxury hotels or high-end dining.
• Previous Senior Waiter or Captain experience preferred.
• Experience in All Day Dining, buffet and à la carte service.
• Good menu, beverage, POS and food safety knowledge.
• Strong guest service and communication skills.
• Good English communication; Arabic is an advantage.
• Previous IHG, luxury hotel or GCC experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned restaurant sections during service throughout breakfast, lunch, dinner, buffet and à la carte operations.
• Ensure all tables, buffet and service stations are fully prepared before service.
• Allocate and coordinate waiters within the assigned section as directed by the Supervisor.
• Ensure consistent IHG service standards and sequence of service.
• Maintain a strong floor presence and actively engage with guests.
• Ensure orders are taken accurately and delivered efficiently.
• Coordinate closely with Culinary regarding guest requests, dietary requirements and buffet replenishment.
• Support achievement of revenue, average check and upselling targets.
• Ensure correct use of POS, billing and payment procedures.
• Handle initial guest concerns and escalate serious complaints to Supervisor/Restaurant Manager.
• Recognize VIPs, returning guests and special occasions and provide appropriate service.
• Report operational, maintenance and service issues immediately.
• Take responsibility for the shift or assigned area in the absence of the F&B Supervisor.

Skills

Guest service excellence

Team leadership

Upselling skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Arabic language (adv)

Tools

POS familiarity

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead assigned restaurant sections during breakfast, lunch, dinner, buffet and à la carte operations.
• Ensure all tables, buffet and service stations are fully prepared before service.
• Allocate and coordinate waiters within the assigned section as directed by the Supervisor.
• Ensure consistent IHG service standards and sequence of service.
• Maintain a strong floor presence and actively engage with guests.
• Ensure orders are taken accurately and delivered efficiently.
• Coordinate closely with Culinary regarding guest requests, dietary requirements and buffet replenishment.
• Support achievement of revenue, average check and upselling targets.
• Ensure correct use of POS, billing and payment procedures.
• Handle initial guest concerns and immediately expedite serious complaints to the Supervisor or Restaurant Manager.
• Recognize VIPs, returning guests and special occasions and ensure appropriate service.
• Report operational, maintenance and service issues immediately.
• Take responsibility for the shift or assigned area in the absence of the F&B Supervisor when required.

TEAM SUPPORT & TRAINING

• Lead by example and support colleagues throughout the service.
• Assist with daily briefings and ensure the team understands operational priorities.
• Support training of waiters on IHG service standards, sequence of service, menu knowledge, beverages, allergens, upselling and guest engagement.
• Support new colleagues during their orientation and on-the-job training.
• Participate in menu tastings and product knowledge sessions.
• Attend and actively participate in daily briefings, departmental meetings and all scheduled training sessions.

FOOD SAFETY, HYGIENE & COMPLIANCE

• Follow HACCP, hotel food safety standards and Saudi Arabian regulations.
• Maintain restaurant, buffet and service station cleanliness throughout the shift.
• Follow allergen, food temperature and hygiene procedures.
• Maintain required personal hygiene, grooming and uniform standards.
• Complete assigned operational and hygiene checklists.
• Report maintenance, hygiene and safety concerns immediately.
• Always keep the restaurant inspection-ready for internal audits, local authority and external inspections.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in luxury hotels, reputable restaurants, buffet or à la carte service is an advantage.
• Previous experience as a Senior Waiter, Captain or similar position preferred.
• Experience in All Day Dining, buffet and à la carte service.
• Good menu, beverage, POS and food safety knowledge.
• Strong guest service and communication skills.
• Good English communication skills; Arabic is an advantage.
• Previous IHG, luxury hotel or GCC experience is preferred.