Captain / Lead Server

  • SuSu Chicago
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Full Time
Required Years of Experience

3 years

Job Details

Position Overview

The Server Captain is a cornerstone of the guest experience and a key leadership presence on the dining room floor. This role bridges hospitality, service execution, and team leadership, ensuring that every service runs seamlessly and every guest interaction reflects the restaurants elevated standards and evolving narrative.

As a Server Captain, you are not only responsible for delivering exceptional service to your section, but also for guiding fellow servers, supporting the service team, and acting as an extension of management during service. You set the tone for hospitality, precision, and professionalism.

This position is ideal for a service professional who thrives in a refined, high-touch environment and takes pride in mentorship, storytelling, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for guests, ensuring a warm, informed, and intuitive dining experience from arrival through departure
  • Confidently guide guests through the menu, beverage program, and experiential elements, using storytelling and thoughtful pacing
  • Anticipate guest needs and resolve issues gracefully and efficiently, elevating moments of service into lasting impressions
  • Maintain full command of service standards, timing, and flow throughout the dining room
Floor Leadership
  • Act as a leader on the floor, supporting servers, runners, and support staff during service
  • Assist in pre-shift meetings, lineup communication, and service briefings
  • Help manage pacing, table turns, and coordination between FOH and BOH
  • Step in proactively to troubleshoot service challenges and maintain composure during peak moments.

Team Development & Standards
  • Lead by example in professionalism, hospitality, and technical service execution.
  • Support training and onboarding of new servers, reinforcing service standards and culture.
  • Provide real-time coaching and constructive feedback to peers when appropriate.
  • Uphold consistency in service language, table maintenance, and guest engagement.
Operational Support
  • Ensure tables, service stations, and dining areas are impeccably maintained
  • Support accurate order entry, coursing, and communication with the kitchen and bar
  • Assist management with sidework oversight, closing procedures, and service documentation as needed

Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience in fine dining or elevated full-service restaurants
  • Previous experience as a lead server, captain, or senior service role strongly preferred
  • Deep understanding of hospitality principles, service flow, and guest psychology
  • Strong knowledge of food, wine, cocktails, and pairing fundamentals
  • Calm, confident demeanor in fast-paced, high-expectation environments
  • Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence
  • Ability to lead peers without ego, fostering trust and collaboration
  • Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and special events
  • Ability to stand and move for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs as needed
W hat Success Looks Like in This Role
  • Guests feel seen, guided, and genuinely cared for
  • Service runs smoothly, even during complex or high-volume moments
  • The service team feels supported, aligned, and confident
  • Standards are upheld without rigidity; warmth and precision coexist
You are viewed as a trusted leader by both peers and management Compensation Details

Compensation: Hourly ($12.52) plus tips

Required Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Customer Service Orientation

Teamwork

Team Support

Conflict Resolution

Team Coordination

Time Management

Training and Development

Organizational Skills

Pacing and Timing Management

Stress Management

High Pressure Performance

Mentoring

Consistency in Service

Interpersonal Skills

Crisis Management

Culinary Knowledge

Flexibility

Pacing and Coordination

Read more

Job ID: 522489251
Originally Posted on: 5/26/2026

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