Food & Beverage Server

Job Summary:

McGowan Hospitality Limited is seeking a motivated and experienced Food & Beverage Server to join our Japanese restaurant based in Christchurch.

This is a full-time position, offering a minimum of 30 hours per week on a rostered basis. The hourly pay rate ranges from $24.00 to $26.00, depending on skills and relevant experience.

We are looking for a reliable, hardworking, and service-focused individual who is committed to maintaining high hospitality standards and working collaboratively within a team environment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Provide professional and attentive table service, including taking food and beverage orders, serving meals, and responding promptly to customer requests.
•  Maintain thorough knowledge of menu items, daily specials, ingredients, and beverage offerings to confidently assist guests.
• Promote menu items using effective upselling and suggestive selling techniques.
•   Liaise closely with kitchen and bar staff to ensure accurate and timely service of food and beverages.
•  Deliver efficient, courteous, and high-quality customer service at all times.
•   Handle customer enquiries and resolve minor complaints professionally, escalating matters to management when required.
•  Ensure accurate billing of all food, beverage, and non-consumable items.
•  Maintain cleanliness and presentation of dining areas, tables, service stations, crockery, cutlery, and equipment.
•   Adhere to health and safety regulations, food handling standards, and company policies.
•  Support restaurant operations as directed by the Restaurant Manager, Supervisor, or Maitre d’.
•  Assist in maintaining a positive and cooperative working relationship between front-of-house and kitchen teams.
•  Attend staff meetings and contribute to maintaining high service standards.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 1 year of experience in a similar front-of-house hospitality role.
• Proven experience providing high-quality customer service in a busy restaurant environment.
• Competency using POS systems and handling payments accurately, with sound basic numeracy skills.
• Ability to multitask efficiently and remain calm under pressure during peak service periods.
• Sound knowledge of Japanese cuisine and beverages, including menu items, allergens, pronunciation, and cultural dining etiquette.
• Strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays as required by the roster.

The successful applicant must be willing to undergo a Ministry of Justice criminal record check and a pre-employment drug test.

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience. If you are not a New Zealand citizen, please include details of your current visa or residency status.

We look forward to welcoming a motivated and service-focused team member to our restaurant.