Senior Waiter

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

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea Ltd. is seeking a Senior Waiter to deliver exceptional dining experiences aboard cruise ships. You will lead a team, mentor junior staff, and ensure high standards of service and guest satisfaction across multiple venues.

The role requires fluency in English and welcomes additional languages; flexibility to work on different ships and during evenings, weekends, and holidays is essential. Knowledge of wine service, menu presentation, and safety protocols is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience as Senior Waiter or similar in fine dining, upscale hotel, or cruise environment.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage service, including etiquette, wine service, cocktails and menu presentation.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to mentor junior staff and maintain a positive work environment.
• Excellent customer service with problem-solving abilities and guest-focused mindset.
• Fluency in English is required; additional languages are desirable for cruise guests.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to operate on different ships.
• Good organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.
• Understanding of hygiene and safety standards and responsible alcohol service.
• Relevant certifications in food safety or hospitality are advantageous.
• Positive, professional demeanor and passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional table service to guests with attention to detail.
• Assist and advise guests on menu choices, allergies, and dietary requirements.
• Assist Head Waiter in supervising and coordinating the wait staff; train and mentor staff.
• Take orders accurately and relay to kitchen/bar; coordinate course timing.
• Upsell specials, signature dishes, and beverage pairings to boost revenue.
• Establish rapport with guests and handle inquiries, concerns, and requests professionally.
• Uphold service standards and maintain professionalism in a welcoming dining environment.
• Adhere to hygiene, safety, and responsible alcohol service standards.
• Share knowledge with junior staff through training and coaching.
• Collaborate with kitchen, bar, and management for smooth operations.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as shift reports, inventory, and supplies.

Skills

Customer service

Leadership

Communication

Multilingual

Job description

Job Title: Senior Waiter

Responsibilities:

1. Dining Service: Provide exceptional table service to guests, ensuring their needs are met promptly and with attention to detail. Assist and advise guests in their dining choices, including menu recommendations, food allergies, and special dietary requirements.
2. Team Leadership: Assist the Head Waiter in supervising and coordinating the wait staff team, including training, mentoring, and providing ongoing support to ensure high-quality service delivery and a positive work environment.
3. Order Taking and Processing: Take accurate guest orders and relay them efficiently to the kitchen and bar staff. Coordinate timing between courses to ensure a smooth dining experience for guests.
4. Upselling and Promotion: Utilize upselling techniques to enhance revenue generation. Promote specials, signature dishes, and beverage pairings to maximize guest satisfaction and sales.
5. Guest Relations: Establish rapport with guests, anticipating their needs, and providing personalized and attentive service. Handle guest inquiries, concerns, and special requests professionally and promptly.
6. Service Standards: Uphold service standards, ensuring consistency, attention to detail, and adherence to established protocols. Maintain a high level of professionalism and ensure a welcoming and comfortable dining environment.
7. Hygiene and Safety: Comply with strict hygiene and safety standards, including food handling, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service, in accordance with relevant regulations and company policies.
8. Training and Development: Continuously enhance your knowledge of food and beverage service trends, techniques, and industry developments. Share your expertise with junior staff through training and ongoing coaching.
9. Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other departments, such as kitchen staff, bar staff, and management, to ensure smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.
10. Administrative Tasks: Assist with administrative duties, such as shift reports, inventory control, ordering supplies, and other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Experience: Proven experience as a Senior Waiter or in a similar 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 guide and mentor junior 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