Head Waiter/Waitress - Catering

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 201,000 - 268,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a charismatic Head Waiter/Waitress to lead the service team at catering events in Soweto. You will supervise waitstaff, ensure seamless guest interactions, and act as the liaison between clients, service staff and kitchen.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent customer service, knowledge of wine pairings and etiquette, and the ability to motivate a team under pressure while maintaining top service standards.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Waiter/Waitress or supervisor in catering or fine dining.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of food & beverage service standards and etiquette.
• Ability to manage a team under pressure and remain composed.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the work of waitstaff during catering events, ensuring efficient service delivery.
• Provide guidance and training to service staff on service standards, menu knowledge, and guest interaction.
• Liaise with the Catering Manager and kitchen staff to ensure smooth coordination between FOH and BOH operations.
• Manage table settings, service flow, and guest requests, ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction.
• Handle guest inquiries, complaints, and special requests professionally and efficiently.
• Ensure adherence to all hygiene, safety, and service protocols throughout the event.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Team motivation

Communication

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a charismatic and experienced Head Waiter/Waitress to lead their service team for catering events in Soweto . This leadership role involves overseeing front-of-house operations during events, guiding service staff, ensuring seamless guest interactions, and maintaining the highest standards of service excellence. You will be the key liaison between the clients, the service team, and the kitchen, ensuring that every event runs smoothly and exceeds guest expectations. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, exceptional customer service skills, and a passion for hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the work of waitstaff during catering events, ensuring efficient service delivery.
• Provide guidance and training to service staff on service standards, menu knowledge, and guest interaction.
• Liaise with the Catering Manager and kitchen staff to ensure smooth coordination between FOH and BOH operations.
• Manage table settings, service flow, and guest requests, ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction.
• Handle guest inquiries, complaints, and special requests professionally and efficiently.
• Ensure adherence to all hygiene, safety, and service protocols throughout the event.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Head Waiter/Waitress , Team Leader, or Supervisor in a catering or fine dining environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards, wine pairings, and etiquette.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team effectively under pressure.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations.
• Professional appearance and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for gratuities/bonuses.
• Opportunities for career progression within the catering industry.
• Exposure to a variety of prestigious events.
• Comprehensive training and development programs.
• A supportive and dynamic team environment.