At a Glance
- Tasks: Create unforgettable experiences for guests while upselling products in a fun, fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Chessington World of Adventures, Britain's biggest wildlife theme park!
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, and 20 free tickets to Merlin attractions.
- Other info: Flexible hours with ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team and make every day an adventure!
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, just a positive attitude and team spirit.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 13 £ per hour.
Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE
Hours: Fixed term contract to 15th November 2026
Please note we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of quality applications. We would therefore recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
Are you passionate about creating memorable experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, fun environment? Then we want YOU to be part of our team. Leave the everyday behind and unleash your imagination as you explore a career at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Britain’s biggest wildlife theme park.
Here at Chessington World of Adventures our 2026 Season is in full swing, and we are looking for Retail Hosts to join team Odyssey! We’re looking for enthusiastic team members who love creating memorable experiences for our guests. You’ll be upselling stock in our Retail units, and helping set the tone for a great day at the park.
Day to day this role will include:
- Deliver high standards of customer service while creating memorable guest experiences
- Work as a positive team player in a fast-paced and unique environment
- Develop strong product knowledge to promote products, upsell, and support guests effectively
- Handle cash and operate tills in accordance with company cash-handling policies while serving guests
- Receive and put away deliveries; this is a physical role involving lifting and carrying
- Replenish stock throughout the day to maintain availability
- Reduce stock loss by preventing theft, rotating stock by date, and minimising waste
- Carry out daily and weekly cleaning within your designated zone to maintain high hygiene standards
- Complete daily compliance checklists accurately and on time
- Report all health and safety concerns using the appropriate procedures
Please note, that this role could include multiskilling of different roles with further training included. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s most exciting attractions. Apply now to join our Team and make every day an adventure!
We need you to come with the right positive attitude, enjoy working as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment, and be able to deliver jaw dropping fun to our Guests! Whilst we do not require any formal qualifications or experience for this role, the following would be desirable:
- A reasonable level of numeracy and literacy, with the ability to problem-solve effectively
- Highly self-motivated with a proactive approach to work
- Enthusiastic, confident, and passionate when engaging with guests and colleagues
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable working independently as well as part of larger teams across a variety of locations
- Friendly and approachable, with a strong desire to learn and develop new skills
- Able to work well under pressure while managing multiple tasks at the same time
- Flexible to work Monday-Friday, full time, including some weekends, holidays, and late shifts on a rota basis
Benefits:
- A competitive hourly rate
- Access to Merlin benefits page with discounts on over 1000 fashion and electronic retailers, restaurants, and travel
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
- 40% discount on Lego
- Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family, and friends to enjoy all our Merlin Attractions across the world
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay Range: Competitive
Retail Host employer: Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Join Chessington World of Adventures Resort, where we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable experiences in a vibrant and dynamic environment. As a Retail Host, you'll enjoy competitive pay, extensive training opportunities, and exclusive discounts, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering fun and excitement to our guests. With a focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, this is the perfect place for those looking to thrive in the heart of one of the UK's most beloved attractions.
Contact Details:
Chessington World of Adventures Resort Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Host
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Chessington World of Adventures Resort:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Chessington World of Adventures Resort! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Chessington World of Adventures Resort and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
