Head Waiter / Head Waitress

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Head Waiter/Head Waitress leads the service team during restaurant operations, ensuring attentive, efficient and polished guest service. Candidates should have previous experience in a high-end hotel, restaurant or hospitality environment, strong knowledge of food and beverage service, and excellent communication skills. Supervisory experience, a professional appearance, good English and the ability to handle busy service periods are expected. The role involves coordinating waitstaff, taking or overseeing orders, resolving guest concerns, maintaining service standards, supporting upselling and working closely with the kitchen and restaurant management. Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays is essential. Knowledge of additional languages and experience with luxury or international brands would be advantageous.

About the employer

SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences is a luxury lifestyle hotel in Downtown Dubai, operated under the SLS brand by Ennismore, part of Accor. The property combines stylish hotel rooms, branded residences, restaurants, lounges, pools and entertainment spaces, creating a vibrant and design-led guest experience. Its dining venues are known for contemporary food, creative drinks and lively service, making hospitality standards and personality especially important. As part of the Accor network, SLS Dubai offers employees exposure to an international hotel group, structured operating procedures and opportunities for career development. The hotel serves leisure travellers, residents, business guests and visitors seeking premium dining and entertainment in Dubai. Team members are generally expected to be polished, guest-focused, collaborative and comfortable working in a multicultural, fast-paced luxury environment.

Working in United Arab Emirates

Although the UAE is not an island, Dubai offers a coastal lifestyle with beaches, warm weather, modern infrastructure and extensive hospitality opportunities. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, airlines, tourism companies and entertainment venues regularly recruit international staff, particularly those with luxury-service experience. Dubai’s culture blends Emirati traditions with a large expatriate community; modest dress and respect for local customs are important, especially during Ramadan. The lifestyle is active and international, with dining, shopping, nightlife, desert activities and water sports, though accommodation and transport can be expensive. For most overseas hires, the employer arranges a residence visa, work permit, medical examination and Emirates ID. Employers may also provide accommodation or an allowance, meals, transport, insurance and annual flight benefits. Candidates should verify the written offer, recruitment fees, contract terms and living arrangements before relocating.