Head Waiter, Demi-head Waiter, Waiter (Montreux Jazz Café/Petit Palais Terrace) - Fixed-term contract (M/F/X) - Spring 2026)

About the job

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts

Join a dynamic team and be part of a network of 90 spectacular properties, with 34 more in preparation, in 30 countries worldwide, stretching from the beaches of Hawaii to the preserved national parks of Canada, through the heart of London and the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace:

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva and facing the magnificent view of the Alps, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel is a distinguished hotel establishment, a member of the Accor group, the Fairmont brand, and affiliated with Swiss Deluxe Hotels. Boasting an incomparable worldwide reputation characterized by 236 luxurious rooms and suites and a most refined gastronomic experience, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel is truly an enchanting place. Its six restaurants and bars offer a wide choice of delights to satisfy the most demanding palates. The Montreux Jazz Café is the must-visit spot to feel the rhythm of the Festival 365 days a year in the magical setting of the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, the MP’s Bar & Grill is a high-end restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere specializing in grilled dishes unmatched in the region, and Funky Claude’s Bar is the undisputed place to land late into the night to enjoy an incredible lineup of traditional and exclusive cocktails to the beat of the best live scene in town. Fairmont Le Montreux Palace also specializes in hosting congresses, meetings, and seminars. The Fairmont Spa is a 2000 m² wellness area dedicated to fitness, relaxation, and beauty.

• Constantly offer professional, friendly, and engaging service
• Serve dishes and drinks according to standards
• Be flexible and cooperative in all circumstances, especially if required to work in another department occasionally
• Know service techniques
• Participate in cleaning tasks
• Know the concept of the Montreux Jazz Café (History, Festival history, founder) and the Petit Palais Terrace
• Perfectly know the menu offerings, all dishes of the Montreux Jazz Café and the Petit Palais Terrace, their garnishes, contents, and preparation methods
• Commit to the quality of service, discretion, and perfect honesty
• Maintain a professional attitude, be smiling, and keep calm at all times
• Learn LQA technical and emotional standards and apply them
• Implement all necessary actions to provide quality service
• Respect ergonomic work standards, health & safety rules, hygiene, and sanitary prescriptions
• Respect department and company policies, procedures, and service standards
• Be flexible and cooperative in all circumstances, especially if required to work in another department occasionally
• Perform any other assigned tasks

Specific duties Head Waiter

Reporting to the Supervisor or Assistant Manager, the essential responsibilities and functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Be responsible for the Montreux Jazz Café in the absence of supervisors
• Be responsible, with the waiter assistant, for the proper execution of the requested service tasks
• Check cleanliness and setup before customer arrival and ensure everything meets standards
• Check the order before serving customers and ensure the service is as fast as possible
• Ensure good coordination with the head chef and maintain good relations with him and his team
• Serve customers according to their expectations and ensure their satisfaction through service colleagues
• Adapt service to specific customer needs, such as special dietary requests (allergies, intolerances, preferences)
• Master the wine-by-the-glass offer
• Know how to advise the customer on wine choice according to their menu
• Ensure customers lack nothing
• Master the Silverware tool and use it appropriately
• Handle the cash register and Silverware closing
• Communicate any potential problems to the superior
• Actively participate in inventories in the department

Specific duties Demi-head Waiter:

Reporting to the Head Waiter, the essential responsibilities and functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Be responsible, with the waiter assistant, for the proper execution of the requested service tasks
• Perform all service-related tasks, with the help of dining room assistants and buffet attendant
• Ensure good liaison between the dining room and kitchen
• Serve customers according to their expectations and ensure their satisfaction through service colleagues
• Master the Silverware tool and use it appropriately
• Know all wines by the glass
• Know how to advise the customer on wine choice according to their menu
• Handle reservations according to procedures if the assistant manager or supervisor is busy
• Actively participate in inventories in the department
• Help train waiter assistants and trainees

Specific duties Waiter assistant :

Reporting to the Head Waiter, the essential responsibilities and functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Be responsible for the proper execution of setups and preparation of their sector
• Assist the Head Waiter in all functions and lighten some work tasks
• Participate in smooth service and inform the head waiter of received information
• Check deliveries of drinks, pantry, or other supplies, and ensure stocks are properly stored
• Regularly reload consoles with clean cutlery, clean glasses, and various condiments part of the setup
• Perfect technical and theoretical knowledge to ensure perfect service for demanding clientele

Waiter / Bartender Qualifications:

• Previous service experience of 3 years or more including apprenticeship
• Recognized diploma in service is an asset
• Previous experience in 4* or 5* hotel is an asset
• Fluency in French, excellent knowledge of English
• Knowledge of a third language is an asset
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to motivate a team
• Flexibility and initiative
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and availability in schedules
• Good presentation, neat and conscientious

Demi-head Waiter Qualifications:

• Previous service experience of 1 to 2 years including apprenticeship
• Fluency in French
• Good knowledge of English
• Knowledge of a third language is an asset
• Recognized diploma in service is an asset
• Previous experience in 4* or 5* hotel is an asset
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to motivate a team
• Flexibility and initiative
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and availability in schedules
• Good presentation, neat and conscientious

Waiter assistant Qualifications:

• Previous service experience of at least 6 months
• Fluency in French
• Good knowledge of English
• Knowledge of a third language is an asset
• Recognized diploma in service is an asset
• Previous experience in 4* or 5* hotel is an asset
• Ability to work in a team
• Flexibility and initiative
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and availability in schedules
• Good presentation, neat and conscientious

VISA REQUIREMENTS

To work in Switzerland, the candidate must hold a Swiss work permit or be from an EU-17 or EU-8 European country.

Please note that only applications sent through our recruitment site  https://careers.accor.com/fr/fr  will be considered.

BENEFITS

• Housing possibility depending on availability
• 1 meal per working day (benefit in kind)
• Discounts in various regional businesses
• Preferential rates within the Accor Group, at our points of sale and the Swiss Deluxe Hotels portfolio
• Join us and discover all our other benefits…

Additional Information

Our values

Respect:
We value the needs, ideas, and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity. 

Belonging:
We celebrate our differences. We support each other and are always united.​

Integrity:
We build trust through mutual respect and authenticity.​

Empowerment:
We have the power to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences. ​

Excellence:
We build authentic connections and cherish every opportunity to make those around us feel special.​

Diversity and inclusion

Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talents thrive. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

Employee benefits:
Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive benefits for colleagues, including free upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays at Fairmont and Raffles properties, special discounts on dining and wellness, as well as additional luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe it is important to take care of our team, ensuring your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits.