Head Waiter

About SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences

SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences is a prestigious 5-star luxury lifestyle hotel, operating under the Ennismore brand within the larger Accor group. It features 946 units across 75 floors, including 254 uniquely designed hotel rooms, 321 hotel apartments, and 371 branded residences. Located in the Downtown District, it stands as one of the tallest hotels and residences in the region, showcasing award-winning architecture and interior design by Paul Bishop.

Role Summary

The Head Waiter plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the restaurant while supporting leadership to achieve exceptional guest satisfaction. This position requires supervising and guiding the service staff, overseeing financial controls such as cash floats, and maintaining operational standards within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations to ensure seamless service flow.
• Assist leadership team in maximizing guest satisfaction and service quality.
• Lead and mentor service staff, including performing supervisory duties regularly.
• Drive sales opportunities through effective upselling strategies.
• Secure and manage cash floats and ensure compliance with company financial procedures.
• Operate within established budgets and minimize costs like overtime and equipment misuse.
• Manage requisition processes for supplies and maintain appropriate stock levels of operating equipment.
• Record voids carefully and report discrepancies to the Restaurant Manager.
• Handle guest complaints courteously and escalate as necessary, liaising with relevant departments including reception and kitchen.
• Ensure proper shift handovers and maintain thorough daily management reporting.
• Foster strong, respectful relationships with regular guests and maintain a positive customer profile.
• Maintain focus on quality and consistency across food, beverage, guest service, and cleanliness standards.
• Support hotel-wide revenue streams including Rooms and Events departments.
• Participate actively in business reviews, strategic sales, management meetings, and regular inspections to protect company assets.
• Represent the business respectfully in the community and collaborate with local influencers.
• Perform any additional duties aligned with the job’s purpose and scope as requested.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• At least two years of managerial experience in restaurant and bar settings.
• One to two years of experience in a public-facing role within an upscale or lifestyle hotel environment preferred.
• Proficiency in using computers and point-of-sale systems for work-related tasks.
• A personable, friendly, and engaging disposition.
• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Capacity to maintain positive, productive relationships across teams and departments.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while promoting a collaborative team atmosphere.