OCEAN - Head Waiter

Viking; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Viking is seeking a Head Waiter in Oakland, CA, who will lead the Restaurant Team to ensure exceptional guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Your role will involve managing service delivery, coaching team members, and maintaining high standards according to Viking’s STAR Service Standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience, be guest-focused, maintain impeccable appearance, and be knowledgeable about public health policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience as Head Waiter or similar role in a premium hospitality environment.
• Must be at least 21 years old and physically fit.
• Excellent English communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food and beverage operations to maintain guest satisfaction.
• Create a guest-oriented service culture.
• Manage staff assignments and ensure operational efficiency.

Skills

Fluent in English

Leadership of multi-cultural teams

Guest-focused service

Positive personality

Job description

Overview

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.

Leadership role

As a Viking Shipboard Leader, you represent Viking’s values and leadership philosophy (Hávamál). You are a hospitality professional who demonstrates passion for excellence, takes ownership for your areas of responsibility, and empowers your team with the skills, knowledge and tools to succeed. You are an exceptional role model for the Viking Family and have strong motivation to achieve the company’s goals and objectives. You are flexible, stress resistant, focused, and a truly committed team member.

Your Responsibilities

• The Head Waiter assists the Restaurant Manager to ensure efficient food and beverage (F&B) operations and maintains productivity, quality, and guest-service standards in accordance with Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• You are required to be self-motivated and run outlets independently, continuously making the effort to coach and develop the Restaurant Team.
• It is your responsibility to create a friendly, guest-orientated service culture to ensure Guest satisfaction and repeat business, which in turn, will increase revenue and profitability of the company.
• Plan, schedule and assign staff to their relevant sections, accordingly; assist the Restaurant Manager with conducting daily menu presentations and organizing & executing F&B related ship functions and special events; greet and welcome Guests and check on their well-being, while on duty.
• Manage and control Guest reservations and seating, when instructed; communicate Guest allergies and special needs to relevant parties.
• Ensure professional and efficient communication with the Executive Chef, Galley Team and Bar Team.
• Conduct accurate monthly inventory’s and assist the Restaurant Manager with creating durable orders.
• Work within set restaurant-cost budgets; manage tasks related to inventory; conduct stock takes.
• Manage and control Restaurant Pest Management Logs in accordance with all Public Health Policies.
• In conjunction with the Restaurant Supervisor, regularly update the Restaurant Manager about the performance of the Restaurant Team; identify opportunities to improve service delivery in accordance with Viking’s STAR Service Standards, by incorporating feedback from the Restaurant Team.
• Minimize equipment loss/damage, and maintain immaculate cleanliness standards in relevant areas, by applying safe working policies and procedures, according to all Public Health Policies, and ensuring that all equipment is sanitized and returned accordingly, after each use.
• Regularly inspect that the mise-en-place for all areas are prepared 15 minutes prior to service.
• Plan, schedule and assign staff to their relevant sections, accordingly; monitor the Time & Attendance System, in accordance to Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006.
• Lead and support a multi-cultural team, maximizing crew satisfaction, productivity and retention; meet with Team Leaders on a daily basis for “The Daily Reunion”, to provide feedback & operational updates as well as to ensure that your department is performing to Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• Provide the highest level of comfort and service to Guests, as per Viking’s STAR Service Standards and all Public Health Policies; manage service according to Guest flow, embarkation & disembarkation, sea day activities & other activities.
• Identify potential STARS, and assist, train & lead them to success; implement and motivate a culture of ownership & responsibility and provide the necessary guidance/training and information to the Restaurant Team, in accordance with company standards and operational needs.
• Provide competent leadership to all direct reports. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Conducting performance reviews, including discipline as needed, ensuring Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) compliance and onboard training, succession planning, crew communication and recognition.
• Ensure you always wear the appropriate and task specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for your duties onboard. Always use correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
• Uphold impeccable grooming standards within your team at all times by complying with Viking’s Image and Uniform Standards.
• Ensure that company property is appropriately secured and protected, especially during rough weather conditions, in order to prevent unnecessary loss or damage.
• Demonstrates outstanding flexibility: able to work at different times of the day, under pressure and reflect a positive can-do attitude and the best image of Viking at all times.
• Become knowledgeable and ensure your team are knowledgeable about itinerary-related ports of call, shore excursions and shipboard activities such as events, entertainment and programs.
• Positively contribute to achieving/succeeding Restaurant KPI goals (quality & financial) for the Restaurant Department; have full knowledge about safety & security procedures and can operate in line with all Public Health, Environmental and Safety & Security Policies; participate in all training concerning onboard training, safety & security, fire prevention, evacuation exercises as required by the company.

Your profile

• A required minimum 2 years’ experience as a Head Waiter, Assistant Maitre’d, or similar position, within a premium brand hospitality environment. Shipboard experience in the position is required.
• Must be a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years old; physically fit and in good health.
• Fluent in English - must have excellent English communication skills to clearly communicate to the Restaurant Team and Guests.
• Must have experience in leading multi-cultural teams and be flexible, stress resistant, and a hands-on team player.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required, with in-depth knowledge of all Public Health Policies; team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills and coaching abilities.

Guidelines and Regulations

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department.
• Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the updated Grooming Standards.
• The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment.

Position: Head Waiter

Supervisor: Hotel General Manager, Restaurant Manager, Asst. Restaurant Manager

Direct reports: Waiter, Asst. Waiter, Café Attendant

Line manager: Restaurant Manager

Application and job relevant information

Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-colored sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case-by-case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company. After submitting your CV, we might ask you to introduce yourself with a personal video recording. We always encourage our candidates to take this step to add their personality to any written application. Please note, however, that this step is optional and not a mandatory part of the recruiting process. For further information, please refer to our Recruitment Guidelines.

Disclaimer
As part of any recruitment process, Viking collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. If you would like to find out more about how your information will be used, please view the privacy notice on our careers page.