Head Waiter - The Grill

Dorchester Hotel Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious hotel group is looking for a Head Waiter to join their team in London. In this role, you will provide exceptional service to guests, manage a station, and ensure orders are correctly fulfilled. Ideal candidates possess strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. You will also be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusiveness, along with opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Complimentary stays at Dorchester Collection Hotels

50% off food and beverages

Referral bonus of £1,000

Access to well-being support

Training and development programs

Qualifications

• Friendly and polite customer service skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members.
• Attention to detail for ensuring accurate orders.
• Time management skills to serve customers efficiently.
• Basic knowledge of food and drink menus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a 5-star experience to guests and fulfill their needs.
• Run a station, greet guests, and assist with orders and billing.
• Handle special requests from guests regarding dietary needs.
• Work shift-based hours covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Job description

Join us as a Head Waiter at The Grill at The Dorchester, recently recognised as one of ‘The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024 and ‘Hotel of the year – London’ at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our success.

We care about your career and are proud to have the absolute best people in the industry. When you join us as a Head Waiter at The Grill at The Dorchester, you will have a unique opportunity to excel in your field. You will learn from your fellow Legends and our award‑winning learning academy to achieve the highest standards in craft, service, and leadership.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process (such as adjustments to how you apply, alternative formats of information, or adjustments to the assessment process itself), please call the People & Culture team on 02073197011 or email [e-mail] so that we can discuss how we can support you through this process.

What you’ll get

• Complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year.
• 50% off food and beverages at selected bars and restaurants within the Dorchester Collection.
• Friends & Family stay discounts at hotels; discounts at various high street and online shops.
• Employee perks: enrol from day one into the Aviva Private Pension scheme (we contribute 8%); seasonal ticket loan, rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and eye care vouchers.
• Training and development: advance in your career by accessing apprenticeships from Level 2 to Hospitality Degree Level 5; partner with nationally recognised apprenticeship providers.
• Social events: summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
• Referral bonus: earn a £1 000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
• Well‑being support: access immediate well‑being advice.

What you’ll do

As a Head Waiter, you will deliver the ultimate 5‑star experience, ensuring all guest needs are fulfilled. You will run a station, greet guests, demonstrate menu knowledge, and assist management with order taking and billing so guests receive nothing but the best experience.

Guests may have special requests involving dietary requirements or special occasions; you will fulfil these requests. You will operate on shift‑based hours, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What you’ll bring

Essential skills and experiences

• Customer service: friendly, polite, and welcoming to customers.
• Teamwork: collaborate closely with other waiters and kitchen staff; communicate clearly.
• Attention to detail: ensure orders are correct and service is smooth.
• Time management: serve customers on time and manage multiple requests efficiently.
• Basic food & drink knowledge: know the menu, ingredients and allergies.
• Professional appearance: neat, presentable, wearing uniform and following dress code.

Preferred skills and experiences

• Previous experience as a Head Waiter or Senior Waiter.
• Knowledge of fine dining service (luxury service, wine service).
• Problem‑solving: handle complaints and solve problems quickly while staying calm.

Job location

United Kingdom

Location

53 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QA, London

Who we are

We work with some of the most talented and unique individuals in our business, who always ensure an extraordinary guest experience for the Dorchester Collection and its hotels. Our people bring our vision to life. As a member of the Dorchester Collection Family, you will receive support for your development through transparent culture, personal development planning, and tailored learning opportunities.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of our We Care philosophy. The basis of We Care is to create an environment where all employees feel valued and respected, allowing positive engagement to prosper.

If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process, such as adjustments to how you apply, alternative formats of information, or adjustments to the assessment process, please email [e-mail] so we can discuss how we can support you through the process.

Reference

2022‑3233