Banqueting Head Waiter

SUMMARY:
We are recruiting an experienced Banqueting Head Waiter for a prestigious hotel in Sandton.
Candidates must have previous Head Waiter experience within a 4- or 5-star hotel, strong banqueting and events experience, and the ability to lead a team while maintaining exceptional service standards.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements

• Hospitality-related qualification advantageous
  - Minimum 2 years’ experience in a Head Waiter capacity within a 5-star hotel environment
  - Previous hotel banqueting, conferencing and events experience strongly preferred
  - Strong leadership and team supervision skills
  - Ability to lead, motivate and support a banqueting service team
  - Good knowledge of food, menus and food pairing
  - Knowledge of wines, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages advantageous
  - Excellent command of the English language essential; additional languages advantageous
  - Professional, well-groomed and polished presentation
  - Friendly, approachable and service-driven with a genuine passion for guest satisfaction
  - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  - Ability to manage guest concerns, conflict and challenging situations professionally and diplomatically
  - Strong attention to detail, organisation and operational efficiency
  - Ability to multitask and remain composed in a busy, pressurised events environment
  - Physically able to work extended periods on your feet
  - Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, public holidays and according to operational requirements
  - Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant F&B operating systems

• Supervise and coordinate banqueting, conference and event service operations
  - Lead, motivate and support the banqueting service team before, during and after functions
  - Conduct pre-function staff briefings covering event details, service requirements and guest expectations
  - Ensure all function venues are correctly set up, clean, organised and presentation-ready
  - Maintain exceptional 5-star service standards throughout conferences, weddings, functions and special events
  - Monitor service delivery, presentation standards and overall guest satisfaction
  - Welcome guests warmly and provide attentive, professional and personalised service
  - Take food and beverage orders and assist with service when operationally required
  - Provide knowledgeable menu recommendations and confidently answer guest questions regarding food and beverages
  - Upsell menu and beverage options appropriately to enhance the guest experience
  - Work closely with kitchen, bar and events teams to ensure seamless service delivery
  - Handle guest requests, concerns and service issues promptly and professionally
  - Ensure tables and service areas are correctly set, maintained and cleared throughout events
  - Assist with stock control, equipment handling and operational reporting
  - Process payments accurately and maintain appropriate cash-handling and billing procedures where required
  - Ensure compliance with food handling, hygiene, health and safety requirements
  - Protect and correctly handle banqueting equipment, operating supplies and hotel property
  - Support the wider F&B operation when required
  - Perform additional duties according to operational requirements