Lead Waitperson

About the role

We're looking for a professional waiter who can hold a busy section without breaking a sweat, make a genuinely good coffee (barista skills essential), and set the tone for the floor. This isn't an order-taking job. You'll be the person guests remember, and the person newer staff learn from by watching how you work and interact with our guests.

Key responsibilities

• Delivering warm, attentive, professional table service across a fast-paced à la carte operation

• Running and owning your own section — setting up, maintaining standards through service, resetting cleanly

• Serving wine, aperitivi, cocktails and beer to standard, and recommending confidently from the list

• Knowing the menu inside out — the dishes, regional context, daily specials — and answering dietary and allergen questions accurately

• Leading by example: supporting and mentoring junior staff, and stepping up to lead the floor when required

• Communicating clearly with kitchen and bar so service keeps flowing under pressure

• Handling guest feedback calmly and resolving issues on the spot

• Operating the POS accurately, processing payments, and managing bookings and walk-ins with a smile!

• Maintaining hygiene, food safety and responsible service of alcohol at all times

About you

• Proven experience — 3+ years as a waiter in a busy restaurant or bar; Italian or European venue a strong advantage

• Barista experience — confident on espresso, consistent under volume; latte art a bonus

• Customer service focused — you read a table, anticipate what's needed, and genuinely care whether people leave happy

• Genuine people skills — warm and natural with guests, and easy to work alongside

• Leads by example — reliable, calm under pressure, and the standard-setter on the floor

• Solid knowledge of Italian food, wine and classic cocktails

• Excellent spoken English; Italian or another language a plus

• Immaculate presentation and a professional approach to every shift

• Available for nights & weekends (closed public holidays)

• Current NSW RSA certificate (or willing to obtain before starting)

Benefits

• Above-award hourly rate, + superannuation

• Tips shared across the team

• 30% discounts across all locations for you and your family

• Rosters published in advance, with genuine consideration for your time off

• Ongoing wine, coffee and service training

• A clear path to Restaurant Supervisor and beyond for the right person

• A team that actually likes working together

About us

GRANATA'S is a busy Italian Restaurant and Bar in the heart of Merrylands. We serve Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner including pasta, wood-fired pizza, seafood, steaks, and Italian classics, a considered wine list and cocktails — to a room that fills up most nights of the week. Specialising in boutique Functions & Events. Our team is tight, our standards are high, and we take hospitality seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.