Head Waiter (Full-Time)

Blacksmith Bar & Grill | voco Melbourne Central

At voco®, we believe great hospitality is warm, confident, and effortlessly professional. Blacksmith Bar & Grill, located within voco Melbourne Central, delivers a vibrant semi–fine dining experience with a strong focus on quality produce, thoughtful wine pairing, and genuine service.

We’re seeking an experienced Head Waiter to lead service on the floor, inspire the team, and elevate the guest journey through strong wine and beverage knowledge.

Your Role

As Head Waiter at Blacksmith Bar & Grill, you’ll be a visible leader during service, setting the pace and standard while ensuring every guest experience is memorable.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading floor service in a high-volume semi–fine dining environment
• Delivering polished, personable, and efficient service
• Providing confident wine and beverage recommendations to enhance guest experience
• Driving upselling through product knowledge and service storytelling
• Training, mentoring, and supporting waitstaff to ensure consistent service standards
• Coaching the team on wine knowledge and service techniques
• Working closely with the Restaurant Manager and kitchen team to ensure smooth operations
• Handling guest feedback professionally and proactively

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a waiter in a high-volume semi–fine dining restaurant
• Experience in a senior waiter or head waiter role preferred
• Strong wine and beverage knowledge with a passion for learning and sharing
• WSET Level 1 preferred (or currently working towards)
• Proven ability to train, lead, and motivate a service team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining service excellence
• Valid RSA

About the Role

• Full-time position
• Rotating roster including nights, weekends, and public holidays
• Based at Blacksmith Bar & Grill, voco Melbourne Central

Why Join voco?

• Be part of a globally recognised hospitality brand
• Work in a stylish, fast-paced restaurant environment
• Access to IHG One Rewards colleague benefits, including global hotel discounts
• Career progression opportunities

At voco, we’re unstuffy but professional, confident but warm—and we’re looking for hospitality leaders who bring that spirit to life every day.

Ready to join Blacksmith Bar & Grill?

Apply now and take the next step in your hospitality career with voco Melbourne Central.

• Leading floor service in a high-volume semi–fine dining environment
• Delivering polished, personable, and efficient service
• Providing confident wine and beverage recommendations to enhance guest experience
• Driving upselling through product knowledge and service storytelling
• Training, mentoring, and supporting waitstaff to ensure consistent service standards
• Coaching the team on wine knowledge and service techniques
• Working closely with the Restaurant Manager and kitchen team to ensure smooth operations
• Handling guest feedback professionally and proactively

• Strong wine and beverage knowledge
• Proven ability to train, lead, and motivate a service team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining service excellence

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a waiter in a high-volume semi–fine dining restaurant
• Experience in a senior waiter or head waiter role preferred
• WSET Level 1 preferred (or currently working towards)
• Valid RSA