Head Waiter – Akiro Zürich (New Opening)
Location: Gartenstrasse 10, 8002 Zürich (Kreis 1) Job Type: Full-time, permanent Start Date: October/November 2026
About Akiro Akiro is an acclaimed Nikkei-inspired restaurant group with established venues in Madrid and Barcelona, now opening its first Swiss location in Zürich's Kreis 1 in autumn 2026. Our intimate venue is built around four sushi bars, where precision, flavor, and warm hospitality come together.
We're looking for a talented Head Waiter to join our opening team and set the standard for guest experience at Akiro Zürich.
The Role As Head Waiter, you are the guardian of the dining room — its energy, its team culture, and the perfection of every service. You'll lead servers on the floor, ensure every guest feels cared for from door to departure, and work hand in hand with the kitchen to deliver a seamless Akiro experience from day one.
Responsibilities
Guest Experience
- Ensure every service upholds Akiro's hospitality standards: warm greeting, smooth pacing, constant attentiveness
- Deliver friendly, professional door service with a smile in every interaction
- Train servers to explain dishes, recommend how to eat them, and spot genuine upselling opportunities
- Resolve any issue or complaint with elegance and speed
Reputation & Feedback
- Help maintain a minimum Google rating of 4.9★ month over month
- Motivate the team to invite guests to leave a review after each visit
Sales Support
- Contribute to meeting and exceeding monthly sales targets
- Share observations on which dishes and drinks perform well, feeding this back to the Executive Chef and management
Leadership & Team Culture
- Foster a positive, motivated, and professional environment on the floor
- Actively listen to the team and address needs or conflicts before they escalate
- Support training sessions on product, service, wine, and sake knowledge
- Strengthen team cohesion and smooth communication with the kitchen
Operations & Controls
- Support monthly beverage inventory reconciliation — no unexplained losses or discrepancies
- Keep the dining room, bar, and restrooms in impeccable condition
- Oversee opening and closing using the daily checklist
- Verify that sales, payments, and cash drawer reconcile at the end of every shift
- Provide a daily summary noting any significant incidents
- Help coordinate breaks and schedules with a long-term view
What Makes a Great Akiro Head Waiter
- Natural elegance and genuine empathy
- Leads by example, never by authority alone
- Ability to read the room
- An obsession with the small details that create lasting memories
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Head Waiter, Floor Supervisor, or similar leadership role in a premium restaurant environment
- Strong service instincts and a track record of guest-first hospitality
- Comfortable training and motivating a team
- Conversational English, German
- Based in Zürich or willing to relocate, available for an October/November 2026 start
- Valid Swiss work authorization or EU/EFTA citizenship
What We Offer
- The rare opportunity to be part of an opening team and shape a restaurant from day one
- Training and mentorship within an internationally growing group
- Competitive salary aligned with Swiss hospitality standards
- Real development paths as Akiro expands
- A close-knit, professional, and passionate team
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a short note telling us about a service moment you're especially proud of.
Want me to tweak tone, trim length, or adjust anything (e.g., adding the KPI targets from the outline, or softening the sales/ops language for an Indeed posting)?
Pay: CHF5’700.00 - CHF6’500.00 per month
Ability to commute/relocate:
- 8002 Zürich, ZH: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
License/Certification:
- Swiss work permit (or EU/EFTA citizenship) (Required)
Work Location: In person
