Head Waiter

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea Ltd. seeks an experienced Head Waiter to oversee all dining service aspects aboard our cruise vessels. You will supervise restaurant, buffet, and special event service while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Ideal candidates have proven leadership in fine dining, strong knowledge of F&B service, and a passion for hospitality. Multilingual skills and flexibility for varying itineraries are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience in supervising wait staff in fine dining, hotel, or cruise ship settings.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage service, etiquette, wine service, and menu presentation.
• Multilingual abilities are highly desirable, with English mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Supervise dining service across restaurant, buffet, and special events.
• Provide personalized guest relations and address inquiries promptly.
• Lead and train wait staff, ensuring high-quality service and positive work environment.
• Maintain service standards and adherence to hygiene/safety protocols.
• Oversee order taking and communication with kitchen/bar for accuracy.
• Promote specials and upsell to maximize guest satisfaction and revenue.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Multilingual skills

Adaptability

Organization

Hygiene & safety

Positive attitude

Conflict resolution

Education

Food safety certification

Hospitality certification

Job description

Position: Head Waiter

Responsibilities:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Service Standards: Maintain and uphold service standards, ensuring consistency, attention to detail, and adherence to established protocols, enhancing the overall guest experience.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Administrative Tasks: Complete administrative duties such as shift reports, inventory control, ordering supplies, and other related tasks to ensure smooth operations.

Qualifications:

1. 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.
2. Food and Beverage Knowledge: Strong knowledge of food and beverage service, including fine dining etiquette, wine service, cocktail preparation, and menu presentation.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in English is required. Additional language skills are highly desirable, especially those commonly spoken by cruise ship guests.
6. 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.
7. Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
8. Hygiene and Safety Consciousness: Understanding and adherence to hygiene and safety standards, including food safety protocols, sanitation practices, and responsible alcohol service.
9. Certification: Possession of relevant certifications in food safety, responsible alcohol service, or hospitality is advantageous.
10. Positive Attitude: A positive and professional demeanor, with a genuine passion for hospitality and a commitment to guest satisfaction.