Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Head Waiter
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Head Waiter is responsible for leading daily restaurant service, coordinating the waiting team, maintaining exceptional standards, and ensuring guests receive attentive, personalised service. Candidates should have previous experience in a luxury hotel or fine-dining environment, strong knowledge of food and beverages, excellent communication skills, and the ability to supervise and motivate colleagues. A professional appearance, positive attitude, attention to detail, and confidence handling guest requests are essential. The role requires flexibility to work shifts, weekends and holidays, along with a strong understanding of hygiene, safety and service procedures. Mandarin Oriental expects candidates to demonstrate genuine hospitality, teamwork, discretion and a commitment to exceeding guest expectations.
Can I work in the UK?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Hotel jobs cannot be sponsored since July 2025; only youth schemes remain.
Official source: GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in the UK
Usual for the UK, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Live-in common in rural hotels |
|---|---|
| Meals | Staff meals common |
| Flights | No |
| Service charge | 100% of tips and service charges to staff (by law) |
| Contract | Permanent or seasonal |
| Leave | 28 days |
| Income tax | About 14% in all at GBP 25,000 |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
Working in the UK
Who can work there by passport, what a job usually includes, and island life.
About Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is an international luxury hospitality company known for elegant hotels, exceptional service and highly personalised guest experiences. Its portfolio includes prestigious city hotels, resorts and residences across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, is one of the group’s flagship properties, located beside Hyde Park in Knightsbridge. The hotel combines refined British character with the group’s Asian-inspired approach to hospitality and is recognised for luxury accommodation, acclaimed dining, spa facilities and attentive service. Employees work in a polished, multicultural environment where professionalism, discretion and attention to detail are highly valued. The company typically offers training, career development and opportunities for international mobility, making it attractive to hospitality professionals seeking experience within a globally respected luxury brand.