About this role
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Senior Waiter to join a professional hospitality team in the Western Cape. This full-time role is ideal for a service-driven individual with strong leadership skills, excellent customer service abilities, and experience within restaurant, hotel, healthcare, or retirement village dining environments.
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences, supporting restaurant operations, supervising service staff, and ensuring high standards of hospitality are maintained at all times.
Job Overview
Position: Senior Waiter
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Food, Beverage & Hospitality
Position Summary
The Senior Waiter will support restaurant leadership in the daily operation of dining services while providing exceptional customer care to residents and guests.
This role combines hands-on service delivery with team supervision, stock control assistance, resident engagement, and operational support to ensure seamless dining experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Restaurant Operations Support
Assist management with the daily operation of restaurant and dining services.
Support efficient service delivery during meal periods.
Help maintain operational standards across all service areas.
Contribute to smooth communication between service, kitchen, and management teams.
Assist with operational checks and administrative duties.
Team Leadership and Supervision
Supervise and support waiters and service staff during shifts.
Motivate team members to maintain excellent service standards.
Lead by example through professional conduct and customer service excellence.
Monitor compliance with company procedures and hospitality standards.
Act as relief supervisor when required.
Food and Beverage Service
Deliver professional and attentive food and beverage service.
Ensure meals are served accurately, promptly, and at the correct temperature.
Maintain detailed knowledge of menu items, beverages, and daily specials.
Assist residents and guests with menu selections and recommendations.
Ensure service standards are consistently upheld.
Resident and Guest Experience
Create a welcoming and positive dining environment.
Build strong relationships with residents, guests, and their families.
Welcome new residents and assist them in understanding dining services.
Accommodate individual preferences and dietary requirements.
Ensure all guests receive courteous and respectful service.
Customer Service and Complaint Resolution
Handle resident concerns and service-related issues professionally.
Resolve complaints where possible and escalate when necessary.
Maintain open communication with residents and management.
Gather feedback and identify opportunities to improve service quality.
Promote a culture of hospitality excellence.
Beverage Service and Inventory Control
Provide professional tea, coffee, and beverage service.
Maintain strong knowledge of beverage offerings.
Monitor beverage stock levels and assist with inventory management.
Participate in stock counts and inventory audits.
Report shortages, breakages, and discrepancies promptly.
Billing and Administrative Duties
Process beverage and meal charges accurately.
Ensure resident accounts and billing records are maintained correctly.
Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies according to company procedures.
Support monthly audits and reporting activities.
Assist with restaurant administration tasks when required.
Health, Safety and Compliance
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
Follow company policies and operational procedures.
Promote a safe and clean dining environment.
Maintain high standards of personal presentation and professionalism.
Minimum Requirements
Experience
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in:
Restaurants
Hotels
Hospitality venues
Retirement villages
Healthcare dining environments
Previous Experience
Proven experience as a:
Senior Waiter
Head Waiter
Restaurant Service Leader
Similar hospitality role
Advantageous Experience
Supervisory or team leadership experience
Barista experience
Basic wine service knowledge
Healthcare dining experience
Retirement village hospitality experience
Experience supporting elderly residents, frail care, or dementia care environments
Technical Skills
Basic computer literacy
Restaurant administration
Stock control and inventory management
Billing and account management
Required Skills and Competencies
Leadership Skills
Team supervision
Staff motivation and coaching
Service quality management
Decision-making abilities
Conflict resolution
Hospitality Skills
Food and beverage service
Customer experience management
Restaurant operations
Beverage service
Menu knowledge and recommendations
Communication Skills
Excellent verbal communication
Strong interpersonal skills
Professional customer engagement
Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
Ability to communicate with empathy and patience
Professional Attributes
Strong organizational skills
Attention to detail
Accountability and reliability
Positive attitude
Professional appearance and grooming
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Personal Competencies
Customer-focused mindset
Initiative and problem-solving ability
Team-player mentality
Adaptability and flexibility
Commitment to service excellence
Specific Requirements
Applicants should have:
Clear health record
Clear criminal record
Clear credit record
Contactable professional references
Why Apply for This Senior Waiter Position?
This role provides an excellent opportunity for hospitality professionals looking to advance their careers in a leadership-focused service environment.
Successful candidates will gain valuable experience in restaurant operations, team leadership, customer service excellence, healthcare hospitality, and resident-focused dining services while contributing to a high-quality guest experience.
Application Deadline
18 July 2026
