Head Waiter

ARVEN CONSULTANCY; Fatih; On-site; TRY 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

ARVEN CONSULTANCY is seeking an experienced Head Waiter for a prestigious restaurant project in Istanbul's Tersane district. The role focuses on leading the service team, upholding fine-dining standards, and delivering personalized guest experiences in an evening-heavy operation.

The ideal candidate has 3–4 years in a head waiter or supervisory role, strong table-service expertise, and fluency in English and Turkish. Join a professional team and help shape the guest journey at a premier venue.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of Head Waiter or managerial experience.
• Fine-dining or upscale restaurant background preferred.
• Strong knowledge of table service standards and mise en place.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evening-heavy environment.
• Fluency in English and Turkish is required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure table service aligns with restaurant standards throughout the shift.
• Direct and coordinate commis and waiters within the team.
• Maintain smooth service flow and high guest satisfaction.
• Lead onboarding and training of new team members.
• Monitor hygiene and safety in line with quality standards.
• Collaborate with Restaurant Manager on reservations and seating plans.

Skills

Head Waiter

Team management

Fine-dining service

Guest focus

Leadership skills

English proficiency

Turkish proficiency

Job description

At ARVEN HR Consultancy, we operate in organizational transformation, digitalization, and senior talent management consultancy.

On behalf of our strategic partners, we bring together not only technically strong professionals, but also talent that contributes to the sustainable growth of organizations.

We are building new teams for multiple restaurants at Tersane Istanbul, one of the city's newest destinations for lifestyle, culture and gastronomy. Among the restaurants we advise, each with its own culinary identity, concept and guest experience, some are already open, while others are preparing to welcome their first guests very soon.

Head Waiter

About the Position

For us, a great restaurant does more than serve great food. Through its kitchen, its service, its team and the feeling it leaves with every guest, it creates a signature of its own. That is why we want to meet hospitality and service professionals who don't just practise their craft, but bring care, discipline and character to everything they do.

Our restaurant at Tersane Istanbul offers guests an upscale fine-dining experience through high quality standards and a professional service approach. Service typically begins in the afternoon, with the operation being concentrated in the evening shift.

We are therefore looking for an experienced Head Waiter who will manage service standards in a busy, evening-heavy operation and lead their own team.

Restaurant name, concept and position details will be shared during the first interview.

Purpose of the Role

This role is responsible for ensuring that table service is carried out fully in line with restaurant standards, in a smooth and professional manner; for directing and coordinating the commis and waiters within their own team; and for keeping guest satisfaction at the highest level at every stage.

We are looking for a professional who values not only technical service skills, but also team leadership, disciplined work, guest focus, and command of fine-dining service culture.

Duties and Responsibilities

Service Operations and Management

• Ensuring table service is carried out fully in line with restaurant standards
• Directing and coordinating commis and waiters within their team during daily operations
• Ensuring the service flow proceeds smoothly and consistently throughout the shift
• Reporting directly to the Restaurant Manager to maintain service quality
• Supporting reservation and table planning during busy hours

Team Management

• Taking an active role in the orientation and training of new team members
• Organizing task distribution within the team according to operational intensity
• Monitoring team performance and providing constructive feedback when needed

Guest Experience

• Keeping guest satisfaction a priority at every stage
• Managing guest requests and potential complaints professionally
• Delivering a personalized experience in line with fine-dining service standards

Hygiene and Quality

• Working in compliance with food safety, hygiene and sanitation rules
• Contributing to the maintenance of the restaurant's quality and presentation standards

What We Are Looking For

Technical and Professional Competencies

• 3-4 years of experience as a Head Waiter or in a similar managerial position
• Fine-dining or upscale restaurant experience is an asset
• Command of table service standards, mise en place and service flow
• Team management and organizational skills
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced service environment
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Guest satisfaction-oriented approach
• Ability to work flexible hours (evening-heavy shifts)
• English and Turkish proficiency (required)

Nice to Have

• Experience in international or high-end restaurants
• Involvement in restaurant pre-opening processes
• Wine service or sommelier certification

Why This Opportunity?

This position offers:

• The opportunity to lead the service team of a distinguished restaurant at Tersane Istanbul, one of Istanbul's key gastronomy destinations,
• Being part of the growth journey of an upscale brand in Istanbul,
• Working alongside an experienced restaurant management team,
• Long-term development of your fine-dining service career

At Arven Consultancy, across our distinguished projects in tourism, hospitality and F&B, and alongside our strong strategic partners, we don't simply fill positions; we build the right teams to carry a brand's service culture.

If you have command of fine-dining service culture, team leadership experience, and want to be part of this new gastronomy venture at Tersane Istanbul, we look forward to your application.