Head waiter – Mado Dubai

Introduction

Join MADO UAE as a Head Waiter and lead the front-of-house team in delivering warm, efficient, and memorable dining experiences. The Head Waiter is the senior on-floor supervisor responsible for maintaining service standards, coaching staff, and ensuring smooth coordination between the kitchen and the dining room. This role suits a service-driven professional with strong leadership skills, excellent communication, polished guest-facing manners, and a deep understanding of restaurant operations. You will oversee daily service rhythms, manage guest relations for high-value covers, and help shape an environment where guests feel welcomed and teams perform with confidence and pride. The position offers visible leadership responsibility, structured development toward supervisory or outlet management roles, and opportunities to influence service culture across MADO UAE outlets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Service Leadership
  Lead and coordinate the service team during all shifts; set the pace, manage station assignments, and ensure consistent delivery of MADO service standards.
• Guest Relations
  Welcome and greet VIPs and regular guests; personally manage guest recovery for complex complaints and ensure follow-up actions are taken to secure guest satisfaction.
• Training and Coaching
  Train, mentor, and coach waitstaff on service techniques, upselling, table management, menu knowledge, beverage pairings, and etiquette. Conduct pre-shift briefings and post-shift debriefs.
• Floor Management
  Oversee table allocations, reservation flow, and wait times; coordinate with Hosts and Reservations to optimise seating and guest flow during peak periods.
• Quality and Consistency
  Monitor service quality, timing, and presentation; carry out periodic floor audits and provide corrective feedback to maintain high standards.
• Coordination with Kitchen and Bar
  Act as the primary point of contact between pass/expeditor, kitchen, and bar to ensure accurate and timely order delivery and service sequencing.
• Event and Banquet Support
  Assist with planning and execution of private events, large covers, and banquets; ensure service plans and staffing are appropriate to event specifications.
• Cash and POS Oversight
  Support cash handling and POS procedures where required; assist in resolving billing issues and ensure accuracy in guest checks.
• Inventory and Mise en Place
  Ensure side stations and service trolleys are stocked and ready; monitor usage of service consumables and report shortages.
• Health and Safety Compliance
  Enforce hygiene, safety, and licensing regulations on the floor; ensure team adherence to uniform and grooming standards.

Requirements

• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a supervisory front-of-house role in a fast-paced restaurant, hotel, or multi-outlet F&B operation.
• Proven leadership and team-management skills with the ability to motivate and develop junior staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; confident handling of guest complaints and difficult situations.
• Strong commercial awareness with demonstrated upselling and revenue-minded service techniques.
• Solid knowledge of table service styles, course timing, beverage service, and POS systems.
• Professional appearance, polished manners, and a guest-first attitude.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage.
• Basic numeracy for billing and cash-handling tasks.
• Physical stamina to be on your feet for long shifts and to manage busy service periods.

Application Process

• How to Apply
  Email your updated CV and a concise cover note highlighting supervisory experience and notable achievements to info@mado.ae or apply via careers.yalladuka.com.
• Email Subject Line
  Head Waiter Application — [Your Full Name]. Include current notice period, visa status, expected salary, and preferred outlet location.
• Selection Steps
  Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a phone screening, followed by an in-person interview and a practical on-floor assessment or trial shift to evaluate leadership, guest handling, and service execution. Reference checks may be requested.

Benefits from Employer

• Competitive Salary aligned with experience and role responsibilities.
• Performance-Based Incentives and monthly recognition awards.
• Career Development with structured pathways to supervisory and outlet management roles, plus technical and leadership training.
• Staff Meals during shifts and professional uniform provision.
• Supportive Multicultural Workplace that values teamwork, fairness, and career progression.
• Opportunities for Cross-Outlet Experience and participation in special events and menu tastings.
• Fair Rostering Practices where possible to support work-life balance.

If you are a confident leader with a passion for hospitality and a drive to elevate guest experiences, we encourage you to apply and lead the MADO UAE front-of-house team.