Lead Server

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401K plan

Paid time off

Travel discounts

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Olympia Hospitality in Portland, ME is seeking a Lead Restaurant Server who delivers excellent, friendly service and leads by example. You’ll greet guests, take orders, and coordinate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure timely, accurate service.

This role requires strong listening, communication, and multitasking skills, the ability to train staff, and a professional demeanor under pressure. We offer a supportive, values-driven workplace with health coverage, a 401K plan, PTO, and travel

Qualifications

• Experience as a Server preferred; must be of legal age to serve alcohol.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly upon arrival and escort them to tables.
• Take food and beverage orders accurately and enter into POS system.
• Assist guests with menu selections and dietary needs.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Job description

We’re more than just a team - we’re a community dedicated to making a difference every day. At Olympia Hospitality, we create a fun, supportive environment where growth never stops, and success is celebrated together. Guided by our values of continuous improvement, accountability, concern for others, and trust, we foster a culture of collaboration and integrity. If you’re passionate, driven, and ready to thrive, we’d love to have you on our team.

The Lead Restaurant Server safely and efficiently provides excellent customer service with a smile! The employee may direct the work of other servers, delegating tasks and instructing them in proper service and procedures to ensure our guests feel good about their dining experience so that they will tell others and become a loyal customer. The Lead Restaurant Server models guest interaction, assisting in training staff to go out of their way to talk to guests and find out what their needs are before they have to ask.

This employee must display effective listening and communication skills, initiative, ability to work independently and in teams, and lead by example. The employee must be able to exercise good judgment and discretion, display effective problem solving skills, and provide excellent customer service. Additionally, the employee must have the ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and display a high level of professionalism, integrity, and follow through.

Join a Team that Puts Your Well-Being First!

At Olympia Hospitality, we believe in supporting our employees both in and out of the workplace. When you join us, you’re not just getting a job - you’re joining a family-first organization that cares about your health and wellness, your future, and your overall satisfaction.

Here’s how we show our commitment:

• Health Coverage That Works for You: We contribute up to 80% toward individual health plans and offer affordable dental and vision insurance. Plus, with FSA and HSA options, you can plan for your healthcare costs your way.
• Secure Your Future: With our 401K plan and discretionary yearly match, you can build the financial future you deserve.
• Peace of Mind: We provide paid group term life insurance for select positions, 50% shared cost short-term disability, and you have the option to purchase additional employee paid life insurance.
• Time for You: Enjoy our robust PTO plan and 7 paid holidays to maintain work-life balance. Need quick access to your paycheck? Our earned wage access program has you covered!
• Additional Support: From our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to a sober support network, and our commitment to being a recovery-friendly workplace, we're here to help you thrive personally and professionally.
• Perks: Love to travel? Enjoy exclusive hotel travel discounts as a member of our team. Additional benefits may be available based on property specific locations!

We’re more than just a business—we’re a values-driven organization that believes in creating an environment where every team member can thrive. Our core values guide everything we do, from how we interact with each other to how we serve our guests and community. Join us at Olympia Hospitality and take the next step toward a fulfilling, balanced, and supported career.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly upon arrival, escort them to their tables, and present menus, specials, and promotions in a friendly and professional manner.
• Assist guests with menu selections, provide recommendations, and answer questions about ingredients, preparation methods, and dietary restrictions.
• Take food and beverage orders accurately and enter them into the POS (point-of-sale) system promptly, ensuring special requests and modifications are communicated clearly to the kitchen.
• Serve food and beverages to guests efficiently and accurately, ensuring proper portioning, presentation, and temperature of items.
• Monitor tableware, glassware, and utensils for cleanliness and hygiene, and replace or replenish items as needed to maintain a neat and tidy dining environment.
• Anticipate guests' needs throughout their meal and provide proactive assistance and refills to enhance their dining experience.
• Collaborate with kitchen and bar staff to coordinate the timing of food and beverage service, ensuring that orders are prepared and delivered to guests in a timely manner.
• Communicate any special requests, dietary restrictions, or allergies to the kitchen and ensure that meals are prepared accordingly to meet guests' preferences and requirements.
• Relay guest feedback, comments, and concerns to the management team to ensure prompt resolution and guest satisfaction.
• Process guest payments accurately, handle cash and credit card transactions securely, and present bills and receipts promptly at the end of each meal.

Skills Required

• Provide high-level customer service, communicate effectively with guests and team members, follow instructions, ability to learn quickly, pay attention to detail, and maintain composure when working under pressure

Experience / Education

• Experience as a Server is preferred; must be of legal age if serving alcohol

The Olympia Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to qualified applicants without regard to such characteristics as race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable law.