Job Description

Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is looking for a Head Waiter/ess to join our Italian Restaurant.

Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Located within Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai offers an elevated expression of modern hospitality in the heart of the city. Designed by UNStudio, the tower sets a distinctive architectural tone, while the hotel’s 259 guestrooms and suites reflect contemporary, design-led living with panoramic views across the Dubai skyline.

The hotel’s dining portfolio includes Yù & Mì, Chitarra, Noia by the Pool, as well as Majestas Group concepts Billionaire, Lion in the Sun and FB1, with forthcoming openings including Osaka, Pavilion Dubai by Yannick Alléno, and a street-level urban eatery.

Additional features include a rooftop helipad, a two-story spa and wellness sanctuary, landscaped rooftop pools and versatile event spaces. The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai are set to open by 2027.

About the job

Based at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai within the Italian Restaurant in Dubai, the Head Waiter/ess is responsible to run a section in the restaurant and serve food and beverage in a timely manner and delight and satisfy each and every guest. Head Waiter/ess reports to the Restaurant Manager.

As a Head Waiter/ess, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Manage a designated restaurant station, delivering efficient, friendly, and attentive service while ensuring guest satisfaction from arrival to departure.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the restaurant’s food and beverage offerings, communicate them confidently to guests, and promote products through effective upselling.
• Complete all mise en place, cleaning, stocking, and side duties, ensuring equipment, utensils, and service areas are maintained to hotel standards.
• Accurately process orders, billing, cashiering activities, gift cards, and other payment methods using the POS system and established hotel procedures.
• Support operational excellence by coordinating with supervisors, managers, kitchen teams, and colleagues, while communicating guest preferences, allergies, and special requests.
• Create memorable guest experiences through proactive service, strong teamwork, a positive attitude, attention to guest needs, and adherence to MOHG service standards and quality expectations.

As a Head Waiter/ess, we expect from you:

• High school education preferred; a degree or diploma in Hospitality, Hotel, or Business Management is an advantage.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Senior Waiter/Chef de Rang, preferably in luxury hotels or high-volume restaurants with exceptional service standards.
• Strong ability to understand guest needs and consistently deliver outstanding customer service.
• Knowledge of restaurant operations, including service procedures, POS systems, cashiering processes, and managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work long hours while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence and service quality.
• Fluent in spoken and written English; additional language skills, particularly Arabic, along with basic MS Office proficiency, are advantageous.

Our commitment to you

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
• Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.
• Colleague Comfort and Convenience: Benefit from comfortable accommodation, a duty transportation, and duty meals to ensure your work experience is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
• Competitive Salary and Benefits: We offer a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, fully aligned with UAE industry standards, to ensure your financial well-being and stability.

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