Head Waiter

Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch is seeking a Head Waiter - Coreus by Clare Smythto join the pre-opening team for this highly anticipated new luxury hotel opening later this year.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced luxury hospitality leader to join the founding team and help shape the guest experience at this landmark hotel.

 Located at the end of The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch will feature 100 elegant rooms and suites and 17,500 sqft of private residences. The hotel will open with two signature restaurants - Coreus by Clare Smyth and Café Boulud by Daniel Boulud - bringing together two of the world’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs. Guests will also enjoy a world-class spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and a collection of grand event spaces, including a ballroom for up to 320 guests.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is Hilton’s flagship luxury brand, known for its timeless elegance, iconic properties, and sincerely elevated service that delivers bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the world’s most sought-after destinations.

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES AT THE UK’s #1 GREAT PLACE TO WORK 2026
Proudly voted by our Team Members

A World of Rewards

• Competitive salary + service charge on a 45 hour week contract 
• Complimentary, nourishing meals provided while on duty
• Exceptional development programmes, designed to support and accelerate your growth at every stage
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact through our industry‑leading Corporate Responsibility initiatives
• Team Member Travel Programme, offering exclusive discounted stays and 50% off food & beverage
• High street savings through Perks at Work
• 28 days’ holiday, including bank holidays, rising to 33 days with length of service

We are looking for hospitality professionals who are passionate about delivering an exceptional fives star guest experience, consistently upholding the worldclass service standards recognised by Forbes.

What It Takes to Make the Stay

At Hilton, our core values define what it takes to succeed here and guide the qualities we look for in every team member:

A passion for spreading the light and warmth of Hospitality. Acting with Integrity and always doing the right thing. Inspiring others through Leadership. A belief that Teamwork drives the best outcomes. A sense of Ownership and accountability. And a focus on the Now, bringing urgency and discipline to every moment, knowing it can make a lasting impact.

Here's what you'll do during a typical day:  

As a Head Waiter - Coreus by Clare Smyth, you will curate seamless, refined dining experiences by delivering service that is intuitive, gracious, and impeccably timed. You will demonstrate in‑depth knowledge of culinary and beverage offerings while leading the floor with confidence, precision, and warmth—ensuring every Guest and Member encounter reflects the highest standards of luxury hospitality.

Specifically, you will be responsible for the following:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of Waiters and Commis Waiters, serving as the key liaison between the culinary brigade and the dining room to ensure flawless service execution
• Act as the primary point of contact for restaurant enquiries, resolving concerns with discretion and professionalism while turning moments into memorable experiences for Guests and colleagues
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of menus, ingredients, preparation methods, and product provenance, confidently guiding guest choices
• Adhere to established reporting and escalation procedures, ensuring operational excellence and risk mitigation at all times
• Exemplify Hilton grooming and presentation standards, maintaining immaculate uniform, personal hygiene, and professional bearing
• Manage incoming calls with courtesy and efficiency, accurately recording and relaying messages to the appropriate parties without delay
• Maintain expert knowledge of restaurant layouts and seating plans to optimise guest flow and comfort
• Ensure full compliance with hotel security protocols, fire regulations, and all health, safety, and hygiene legislation

What are we looking for?

A Head Waiter within Hilton’s portfolio of luxury brands is a passionate ambassador for exceptional service, consistently placing Guests at the heart of every decision while collaborating seamlessly with fellow Team Members.

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate the following attributes:

• A naturally positive, composed, and service‑driven attitude
• Polished communication skills, both verbal and written, tailored to a luxury environment
• A genuine commitment to delivering consistently exceptional, personalised guest experiences
• Impeccable grooming and presentation that reflects ultra‑luxury standards
• Flexibility and resilience when responding to the dynamic demands of a high‑end operation
• The ability to perform autonomously while contributing effectively within a high‑performing team

The following qualifications and experience are considered advantageous:

• A degree or professional qualification in Hospitality or a related field
• Proven experience within a luxury Food & Beverage environment
• Previous experience handling cash and financial transactions with accuracy and integrity
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations and best‑practice standards

Salary: Competitive