About Company
Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket is a contemporary 4-star hotel situated in the vibrant West End of Edinburgh, just a stone’s throw from Haymarket train station. As part of the global Accor group, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service with a local touch. Our hotel offers stylish accommodation, modern meeting facilities, and a welcoming restaurant and bar that serves a delightful menu of Scottish and international cuisine. We are a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests, whether they are visiting for business or leisure. Joining Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket means becoming part of a diverse and supportive family that values teamwork, professional growth, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in fostering a positive work environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to shine, contributing to our reputation as a premier destination in Scotland’s capital.
Job Description
Are you a natural conversationalist with a passion for people and impeccable service? Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Waiter to join our vibrant Restaurant & Lounge Service team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering an unforgettable dining experience for our diverse range of guests. As a Waiter, you will be the face of our restaurant and lounge, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment guests arrive. You will be responsible for taking orders accurately, serving food and beverages with grace and efficiency, and ensuring that every guest’s needs are anticipated and met with a friendly smile. Our ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses excellent communication skills, and has a keen eye for detail. You’ll be working alongside a supportive team, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable service from breakfast through to dinner, including our popular lounge offerings. We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys engaging with guests, recommending menu items, and handling inquiries with professionalism and charm. This role is more than just serving; it’s about crafting experiences, building rapport, and contributing to the overall success and reputation of Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket. If you’re eager to develop your hospitality career within a renowned global brand and deliver service that exceeds expectations, we want to hear from you. We offer comprehensive training, opportunities for career progression, and a dynamic work environment where your contributions are truly valued. Join us and help us create memorable moments for our guests every single day, embodying the spirit of Scottish hospitality with an international flair.
Key Responsibilities
- Warmly greet guests upon arrival and seat them promptly in the restaurant or lounge area, managing reservations effectively.
- Present menus, explain daily specials, and offer informed recommendations on food and beverage selections with confidence and enthusiasm.
- Accurately take food and beverage orders, noting any specific requests, allergies, or dietary requirements and communicating them clearly to the kitchen.
- Serve food and beverages efficiently, gracefully, and professionally, adhering to high service standards and presentation guidelines.
- Ensure tables are clean, properly set, and maintained throughout service, including clearing dishes and resetting between courses.
- Monitor guest satisfaction proactively, respond promptly to inquiries, and resolve any issues or complaints with professionalism and a problem-solving attitude.
- Process payments accurately and efficiently, handling cash and card transactions, and managing the till system.
- Collaborate effectively with kitchen staff, bar staff, and other team members to ensure smooth service flow and guest satisfaction.
- Assist with setting up and breaking down dining areas, including polishing cutlery, glassware, replenishing condiments, and restocking supplies.
- Maintain a clean and organised work environment at all times, including service stations and back-of-house areas.
- Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and hygiene regulations, including food safety standards.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within the hospitality industry.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse guests.
- Strong ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
- Ability to remain calm, efficient, and organised under pressure during busy service periods.
- Impeccable personal presentation and high standards of hygiene.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as per business needs.
- Basic numeracy skills for handling transactions and managing guest bills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Waiter/Waitress in a 4-star hotel or a similar high-volume restaurant establishment.
- Solid knowledge of food and beverage service techniques and protocols.
- Familiarity with POS (Point of Sale) systems for order taking and billing.
- Basic knowledge of wine and beverage pairings and menu ingredients.
- Additional language skills are considered a significant advantage.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for service charge/tips.
- Exceptional opportunities for career development and progression within Accor, a global leader in hospitality.
- Access to the Accor Heartist program, offering significant discounts on hotels and services worldwide.
- Complimentary meals provided whilst on duty.
- Full uniform provided and professionally laundered.
- Comprehensive training and continuous professional development programs.
- A vibrant, supportive, and international team environment.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee assistance program offering support and resources.
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance.
How to Apply
If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career with Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket and contribute to a team dedicated to excellence, we encourage you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you!