Head Waiter

Crew Life at Sea; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Head Waiter to supervise dining services, ensuring exceptional guest experiences aboard cruise ships. Ideal candidates possess strong leadership, organizational skills, and a passion for hospitality, along with comprehensive knowledge of food and beverage service. This role also demands adaptability to different working hours and environments, showcasing a commitment to guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Waiter or similar supervisory role in fine dining.
• Strong knowledge of fine dining etiquette and food/beverage service.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a team, with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all aspects of the dining service.
• Provide personalized and attentive service to guests.
• Maintain hygiene and safety standards in compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Customer Service

Multilingual Skills

Organizational Skills

Food and Beverage Knowledge

Education

Certification in food safety or hospitality

Job description

• Dining Service Management: Supervise and coordinate all aspects of the dining service, including restaurant operations, buffet service, and special dining events, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.
• Guest Relations: Provide personalized and attentive service to guests, creating a welcoming and comfortable dining environment. Address guest inquiries, concerns, and special requests in a professional and prompt manner.
• Team Leadership: Lead and motivate a team of wait staff, providing guidance, training, and ongoing support to ensure high-quality service and a positive work environment.
• Service Standards: Maintain and uphold service standards, ensuring consistency, attention to detail, and adherence to established protocols, enhancing the overall guest experience.
• Food and Beverage Knowledge: Possess comprehensive knowledge of the menu offerings, including ingredients, preparation methods, allergens, and special dietary requirements, to assist and advise guests in their dining choices.
• Order Taking and Processing: Oversee the order-taking process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in recording and relaying guest orders to the kitchen and bar staff.
• Upselling and Promotion: Encourage upselling techniques among the wait staff to enhance revenue generation. Promote specials, signature dishes, and beverage pairings to maximize guest satisfaction and sales.
• Conflict Resolution: Handle guest complaints or concerns professionally, striving to resolve issues promptly and to the guest's satisfaction. Escalate complex matters to the appropriate supervisor or management as needed.
• Hygiene and Safety: Enforce and maintain strict hygiene and safety standards, including food handling, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service, in compliance with relevant regulations and company policies.
• Administrative Tasks: Complete administrative duties such as shift reports, inventory control, ordering supplies, and other related tasks to ensure smooth operations.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Proven experience as a Head Waiter or in a similar supervisory role in a fine dining restaurant, upscale hotel, or cruise ship. Previous experience in a multicultural and fast-paced environment is advantageous.
• Food and Beverage Knowledge: Strong knowledge of food and beverage service, including fine dining etiquette, wine service, cocktail preparation, and menu presentation.
• Leadership Skills: Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to inspire and motivate a team of wait staff. Ability to delegate responsibilities, provide constructive feedback, and maintain a positive work environment.
• Customer Service: A genuine passion for providing exceptional customer service. Strong communication and problem-solving skills to address guest inquiries, complaints, and special requests effectively.
• Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in English is required. Additional language skills are highly desirable, especially those commonly spoken by cruise ship guests.
• Adaptability: Ability to work flexible hours and adjust to changing schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Willingness to work on different cruise ships and accommodate varying itineraries.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Hygiene and Safety Consciousness: Understanding and adherence to hygiene and safety standards, including food safety protocols, sanitation practices, and responsible alcohol service.
• Certification: Possession of relevant certifications in food safety, responsible alcohol service, or hospitality is advantageous.
• Positive Attitude: A positive and professional demeanor, with a genuine passion for hospitality and a commitment to guest satisfaction.