Senior Waiter

Roles and responsibilities

A Waiter plays a crucial role in providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafés, and other food service establishments. They are responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining the overall dining experience. To excel in this role, several key skills are required. Below is a breakdown of essential skills for a waiter:

1. Customer Service Skills

• Friendly and Approachable: Greeting customers with a warm, friendly demeanor to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Active Listening: Listening carefully to customer orders, requests, or complaints to ensure they are met correctly.
• Problem Solving: Quickly resolving any issues or complaints to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Attentiveness: Being observant of customers' needs, ensuring they have everything they need without being intrusive.

2. Communication Skills

• Clear Communication: Ability to articulate menu items, special offers, and promotions clearly and confidently.
• Positive Language: Using polite and positive language to enhance the customer experience, even in challenging situations.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Being mindful of body language and facial expressions to convey attentiveness and professionalism.

3. Multitasking and Time Management

• Handling Multiple Tables: Managing multiple tables at once without compromising on service quality.
• Prioritization: Deciding which tasks need immediate attention (e.g., refilling drinks, taking orders) and which can be completed later.
• Efficient Workflow: Organizing tasks to ensure timely and accurate service, especially during busy hours.

4. Knowledge of the Menu

• Menu Familiarity: Having a good understanding of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and any potential allergens.
• Suggesting Items: Recommending popular or new menu items based on customer preferences.
• Specials and Dietary Restrictions: Being aware of daily specials, promotions, and catering to dietary restrictions or preferences (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan).

5. Attention to Detail

• Order Accuracy: Ensuring that all orders are taken and delivered correctly, including modifications or special requests.
• Setting Tables: Ensuring tables are properly set with the correct utensils, glassware, and napkins before customers arrive.
• Cleaning: Keeping tables clean and neat throughout the meal and clearing dishes in a timely manner.

6. Physical Stamina and Endurance

• Standing for Long Periods: Waiters are on their feet for long hours, requiring physical stamina and endurance.
• Carrying Heavy Trays: Ability to carry multiple plates and trays without difficulty or spilling.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Comfort in working in a busy, fast-paced environment, especially during peak dining times.

7. Teamwork

• Cooperation with Colleagues: Working together with other waitstaff, kitchen staff, and management to ensure smooth service.
• Supporting Fellow Staff: Assisting other waiters or employees as needed to help provide the best service to customers.

8. Upselling and Sales

• Suggestive Selling: Encouraging customers to order appetizers, drinks, or desserts to increase sales and enhance the dining experience.
• Promotions and Specials: Informing customers about daily specials, new menu items, or promotions to increase sales and customer satisfaction.

9. Conflict Resolution

• Handling Complaints: Addressing customer complaints professionally and promptly, ensuring issues are resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Managing Expectations: Diffusing tension when customers are unhappy with delays, mistakes, or miscommunications.

10. Cash Handling and Payment Processing

• Accurate Billing: Ensuring that customers are billed correctly for their orders.
• Handling Payments: Processing payments through various methods (cash, card, mobile payment) and providing the correct change when necessary.
• Basic Math: Quickly calculating totals and tips, and ensuring correct payment handling.

Desired candidate profile

Independent is for all ambitious, outgoing, friendly extrovert people who want to advance in their careers or are looking for new job opportunities and we are currently looking to hire Waiters/Waitresses who have a passion for hospitality and providing an exceptional customer experience. Some of the key responsibilities for this role:

• Communicate directly with guests, presenting menus, helping with recommendations and answering any questions they may have
• Handle any customer issues in a prompt and timely fashion
• Work as part of an amazing team, willing to support colleagues who require it and show flexibility when needed
• Remember to represent the brand in the highest manner
  

Our restaurants are busy and to be considered for this role you need to have excellent communication skills, a willingness to work on your feet for long periods of time and a passion for all things hospitality.