Head Waiter, Demi-Chef de Rang, Commis de Rang, (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, across 30 countries worldwide, stretching from the beaches of Hawaii to Canada’s preserved national parks, through the heart of London and the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

Fairmont Le Montreux Palace:

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva with magnificent views of the Alps, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel is a distinguished establishment, a member of the Accor group, the Fairmont brand, and affiliated with Swiss Deluxe Hotels. Boasting an unparalleled global reputation characterised by 236 luxurious rooms and suites and an exquisite gastronomic experience, the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is truly an enchanting place. Its six restaurants and bars offer a wide selection of delights to satisfy the most discerning 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; MP’s Bar & Grill is a high-end restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere specialising 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 line-up of traditional and exclusive cocktails to the beat of the best live music scene in town. Fairmont Le Montreux Palace also specialises in hosting congresses, meetings, and seminars. The Fairmont Spa is a 2000 m² wellness area dedicated to fitness, relaxation, and beauty.

• Consistently provide 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
• Have a perfect knowledge of 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 your service, discretion, and perfect honesty
• Maintain a professional attitude, be smiling, and remain calm at all times
• Learn and apply the technical and emotional standards of LQA
• Implement all necessary actions to provide quality service
• Respect ergonomic work standards, health & safety rules, hygiene, and sanitary regulations
• Respect the policies, procedures, and service standards of the department and company
• Be flexible and cooperative in all circumstances, especially if required to work in another department occasionally
• Perform any other assigned tasks

Specific Duties of Head Waiter

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

• Be responsible for the Montreux Jazz Café in the absence of supervisors
• Be responsible, together with your commis de rang, for the proper execution of the service tasks assigned
• Check cleanliness and setup before guests arrive, ensuring everything meets standards
• Check orders before serving guests and ensure the service is as quick as possible
• Ensure good coordination with the head chef and maintain good relations with them and their team
• Serve guests 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
• Be able to advise customers on wine pairing according to their menu
• Ensure guests lack nothing
• Master the Silverware tool and use it appropriately
• Handle the cash register and Silverware closing
• Report any potential problems to your superior
• Actively participate in inventories in your department

Specific Duties of Demi-Chef de Rang:

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

• Be responsible, together with your commis de rang, for the proper execution of the service tasks assigned
• Perform all service-related tasks with the help of the commis de salle and buffet attendant
• Ensure good liaison between the dining room and kitchen
• Serve guests 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
• Be able to advise customers on wine pairing according to their menu
• Handle reservations according to procedures if the assistant manager or supervisor is busy
• Actively participate in inventories in your department
• Assist in training commis de rang and trainees

Specific Duties of Commis de Rang:

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

• Be responsible for the proper execution of setup and preparation in your area
• Assist the Head Waiter in all their functions and lighten their workload
• Contribute to the smooth running of service and inform the head waiter of received information
• Check deliveries of drinks, pantry, or other supplies, and ensure stocks are stored correctly
• Regularly replenish consoles with clean cutlery, clean glasses, and various condiments as part of the setup
• Improve technical and theoretical knowledge to ensure perfect service for demanding clientele

Waiter/Barman Qualifications:

• Previous service experience of 3 years or more including apprenticeship
• Service diploma recognised as 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 working hours
• Good presentation, neat and conscientious

Demi-Chef de Rang 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
• Service diploma recognised as 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 working hours
• Good presentation, neat and conscientious

Commis de Rang Qualifications:

• Previous service experience of at least 6 months
• Fluency in French
• Good knowledge of English
• Knowledge of a third language is an asset
• Service diploma recognised as 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 working hours
• 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 submitted through our recruitment site  https://careers.accor.com/fr/fr  will be considered.

BENEFITS

• Accommodation possibility subject to availability
• 1 meal per working day (benefit in kind)
• Discounts at various local businesses
• Preferential rates within the Accor Group, at our outlets 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.