Head Waiter

Head Waiter - Cafe Americain at Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American

Step into the spotlight at Café Americain — an iconic Art Deco dining landmark in the heart of Amsterdam’s bustling Leidseplein.

We’re looking for a confident, service-driven Head Waiter (1st Waiter / First Employee) to lead by example on the restaurant floor and help deliver unforgettable guest experiences. As a senior member of our service team, you’ll be the operational backbone of each shift, ensuring smooth service, guiding colleagues, and creating moments that truly “wow” our guests.

Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American, part of the Dalata Hotel Group, is a 4-star, 173-room hotel nestled in one of the most beautiful art nouveau buildings in the Netherlands. Home to the legendary Café Americain and stylish Bar Americain, we serve guests from around the world with a culinary experience that’s as memorable as the setting.

Objective of the Role

As a Head Waiter, you are more than a service professional; you lead by example on the floor. You deliver exceptional, proactive service while supporting and guiding the team to maintain the highest standards.

From hosting guests and overseeing reservations to coordinating the service flow and ensuring every plate, drink, and detail is perfect, you set the tone for excellence. You anticipate needs before guests even voice them, turning every visit into a memorable experience.

You ensure that both guests and colleagues feel supported and that service runs seamlessly, whether on our lively terrace or in our stunning Art Deco restaurant. With your experience, calm presence, and strong communication, you navigate busy moments with confidence and bring out the best in the team.

This is a fast-paced, rewarding role — perfect for those who thrive in dynamic environments, love connecting with people, and are willing to take their next step into leading by example.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Through Service

Act as a point of contact on the floor during service, ensuring smooth operations and a consistent, high-quality guest experience.

Support colleagues during busy moments and guide new team members with confidence and positive energy.

Ensure the service sequence is always followed and standards are maintained across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and terrace service.

Deliver Exceptional Guest Experiences

Welcome and host guests warmly while managing reservations and table planning throughout the day.

Take orders, provide expert recommendations, and ensure accuracy, speed, and completeness of service.

Anticipate guest needs, handle special requests, and resolve issues gracefully using property procedures.

Build guest relationships, using guest history to personalize service for returning visitors.

Be the Expert

Know the full menu, ingredients, allergens, and wine list thoroughly (training provided).

Proactively promote Café Americain and other hotel outlets.

Stay informed about hotel facilities, events, and amenities to confidently assist guests.

Maintain High Standards

Ensure the entire restaurant, including our terrace, is clean, organized, and set up according to standards.

Oversee POS processes, payments, and check closures.

Follow food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and alcohol service regulations at all times.

Use internal systems to liaise with Housekeeping and Technical teams.

Support the Team & the Business

Create a positive, motivating environment where colleagues feel supported.

Participate actively in daily meetings and communicate proactively with both the front-of-house and back-of-house teams.

Operate in line with company policies, standards, and procedures to protect the hotel brand.

Take initiative, offering help wherever needed across the property.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for a Head Waiter with strong service experience, natural leadership skills, and a genuine passion for hospitality. Here’s what makes a great fit:

At least 4 years of experience in hospitality or a similar role, with a passion for delivering exceptional service

Friendly, professional, and presentable, with excellent communication skills

Fluent in English or Dutch (bonus points for any other languages you speak!)

Calm under pressure,…