Head Waiter

Position: Head Waiter

Department: Food & Beverage (F&B)

Reports To: Restaurant Manager / Outlet In-Charge

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Job Summary

The Head Waiter is responsible for supervising and coordinating the daily activities of the service team to ensure excellent customer service, smooth restaurant operations, and high guest satisfaction. The role involves leading waiters and waitresses, maintaining service standards, and ensuring that all restaurant operations follow company policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of waiters, waitresses, and food runners.
• Welcome guests warmly and ensure a professional dining experience.
• Assign sections and duties to service staff according to daily operational requirements.
• Monitor food and beverage service to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Handle guest complaints and resolve service-related issues professionally.
• Ensure proper table setup, restaurant cleanliness, and presentation standards.
• Coordinate with the kitchen team to ensure smooth food service and minimize delays.
• Monitor staff grooming, hygiene, attendance, and punctuality.
• Train and guide new employees on service standards, menu knowledge, and company procedures.
• Ensure staff follow proper order-taking, upselling, and suggestive-selling techniques.
• Check menu knowledge, daily specials, promotions, and food ingredients among the service team.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and collect feedback to improve service quality.
• Ensure proper handling of POS orders, bills, payments, and cash transactions as per company procedures.
• Support the Restaurant Manager in daily operations, staff scheduling, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health, hygiene, and company policies.
• Conduct pre-shift briefings and communicate daily instructions to the service team.
• Report operational issues, guest complaints, and staff-related matters to the Restaurant Manager.
• Ensure proper closing duties and handover of the restaurant service area.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in Food & Beverage service, preferably in a hotel or restaurant.
• Previous experience as a Senior Waiter or Head Waiter is preferred.
• Good knowledge of food and beverage service standards.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Good knowledge of POS systems and restaurant operations.
• Ability to handle guest complaints and work under pressure.
• Good English communication skills; additional languages are an advantage.
• Professional appearance, positive attitude, and strong work ethic.

Required Skills

• Team Leadership & Supervision
• Guest Relations & Customer Service
• Food & Beverage Knowledge
• Upselling & Sales Techniques
• Complaint Handling
• Staff Training & Development
• POS & Billing Knowledge
• Communication & Coordination
• Time Management & Problem Solving

Work Location: In person