Service Associate

Job Responsibilities:

• Welcome and acknowledge guests warmly and professionally, creating a refined and personalized first impression.

• Provide attentive, discreet, and highly personalized service throughout the guest journey.

• Assist guests with seating, menus, and other dining requirements.

• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of Japanese cuisine, ingredients, preparation methods, beverages, and dining traditions.

• Present and explain menu items, chef recommendations, seasonal offerings, and specialties with confidence and accuracy.

• Take guest orders accurately while being attentive to preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies, and special requests.

• Ensure proper sequence and timing of service, coordinating closely with the kitchen, bar, and other restaurant teams.

• Serve food and beverages following established fine-dining service standards, and proper presentation techniques.

• Monitor guests discreetly throughout the dining experience and anticipate needs before they are requested.

• Perform table maintenance efficiently and unobtrusively while minimizing interruptions to the guest experience.

• Ensure tables are properly set, maintained, and presented according to UMISHO standards.

• Assist in recommending appropriate food and beverage pairings when required.

• Handle guest inquiries and concerns with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment, escalating matters appropriately when necessary.

• Assist with special occasions, VIP guests, private dining, and other customized guest requirements.

• Process orders, bills, and payments accurately while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the dining area, service stations, equipment, and tableware.

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, hygiene, security, and workplace safety standards.

• Participate in restaurant opening and closing procedures.

• Maintain a polished personal appearance and consistently comply with grooming and uniform standards.

• Work collaboratively with the service, culinary, beverage, and support teams to ensure seamless restaurant operations.

• Continuously develop knowledge of Japanese cuisine, service techniques, products, and hospitality standards.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Restaurant Manager or Supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred.

• At least 1–2 years of experience in fine dining, luxury hotels, premium restaurants, or high-end Japanese restaurants is an advantage.

• Candidates with strong hospitality experience and excellent service orientation may be considered.

• Knowledge of Japanese language or basic Japanese service expressions is an advantage.

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize and anticipate guest needs.

• Demonstrates poise, confidence, warmth, and professionalism when interacting with discerning guests.

• Ability to maintain composure and service excellence in a high-pressure environment.

• Willing to work on shifting schedules, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when required.

• Well-groomed, presentable, and able to represent a luxury restaurant brand professionally.