At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure a welcoming and secure environment for all at Christ's College.
- Company: Join the historic Christ's College, known for its vibrant community and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and free meals on duty.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a beautiful setting while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in security or customer service and strong team management skills required.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with access to great facilities like a gym and pool.
The predicted salary is between 43310 - 45865 £ per year.
Christ’s College is seeking applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the post of Head Porter.
The Role
Responsible to the Director of College Services, the Head Porter will lead and manage the College Porters’ Lodge and the team of Day, Night and Relief Porters, ensuring a professional, welcoming, and efficient service to Fellows, students, staff, visitors, and guests at all times. The postholder will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Lodge, the supervision and development of the team, and the delivery of high standards of security, safety, and customer service across the College.
Utilising well-developed leadership and communication skills, the postholder will work closely with other College departments to ensure the smooth running of College operations. The role requires sound judgement, discretion, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to a wide range of situations, including incidents, emergencies, and out-of-hours issues. The postholder will play a key role in maintaining the College’s security arrangements, access control, and health and safety procedures, while also contributing to a positive and supportive environment for students and staff.
The successful candidate will have significant experience in a porterage, security, facilities, or customer-facing operational role, with proven experience of managing teams. The postholder will be confident in dealing with a diverse range of people, able to set clear standards, and be committed to delivering a high-quality service within a historic and busy academic environment.
Job Description
- Salary Range: Spine Points 45 - 47, £43,310 - £45,865 per annum
- Closing Date: Noon on Monday 27 April 2026
- Vacancy Type: Permanent, 36.5 hours per week, Full-time
The benefits on offer are many and include:
- 33 days’ annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays)
- A defined contribution pension scheme with 6% (minimum) employer contribution.
- A health care cash plan funded by the College (allowing you to claim money for routine medical treatments including dental and optical).
- A free meal when on duty.
- The opportunity to work in a beautiful environment.
- Facilities on-site include a College gym, multi-faith prayer room, outdoor swimming pool and limited parking.
How to Apply
Applications may be sent to jobs@christs.cam.ac.uk or posted for the attention of Thorunn Byrne, Head of HR, Christ's College, St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3BU.
It should be noted that a successful candidate, who does not have an automatic right to work in the United Kingdom, will be subject to the visa requirements of the United Kingdom. The College will give informal advice and assistance but ultimately it will be the responsibility of the candidate to obtain the necessary visa. Please note that the College is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Head Porter - Lead Lodge & Security, Guest Service in Cambridge employer: Christ's College Cambridge
Contact Detail:
Christ's College Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Porter - Lead Lodge & Security, Guest Service in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at Christ’s College. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent news. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you tailor your answers to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. Get comfortable talking about your experience in porterage and customer service, and don’t forget to highlight your leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you stay updated on any developments.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Porter - Lead Lodge & Security, Guest Service in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: As the Head Porter, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and ensured high standards of service in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you fit into our College environment and what makes you the perfect candidate.
Be Professional and Personable: This role is all about providing a welcoming service, so let your personality shine through in your application. Use a friendly tone while maintaining professionalism to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people quickly and efficiently. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Christ's College Cambridge
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Head Porter position. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of managing a team, ensuring security, and providing excellent customer service. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Porter, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, dealt with conflicts, or improved service standards. This will show that you have the necessary skills to lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and problem-solving abilities. Think about potential emergencies or challenging situations you might encounter in this role and how you would handle them. Practising these scenarios can help you respond calmly and effectively during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Service
The role requires a strong commitment to delivering high-quality service. Be ready to discuss your approach to customer service and how you ensure a welcoming environment for all. Sharing specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles will make a positive impression.