At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage dining reservations and ensure a smooth guest experience during the Summer Opera Festival.
- Company: Glyndebourne Opera House, an iconic cultural venue in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, free shuttle bus, and onsite parking.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team at a world-renowned venue and create unforgettable experiences.
- Qualifications: Organised, reliable, with excellent communication skills; customer service experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends, with training provided for all new hires.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 13 Β£ per hour.
Glyndebourne Opera House, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, is one of the world's most iconic cultural venues, renowned for its opera, elegant dining, and famous summer picnics. Dining at Glyndebourne delivers high-quality hospitality across restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and outdoor catering.
We are recruiting a Reservations Assistant to join our team for the Summer Opera Festival, running from April to August 2026. This is a casual position, with hours varying week to week based on business needs. During the Festival we operate seven days a week, so flexibility is essential, including regular weekend work.
The role includes:
- Managing dining reservations
- Handling customer enquiries via phone and email
- Accurately inputting booking information
- Liaising with front-of-house and kitchen teams to ensure a smooth guest experience
Specific duties will be aligned to your experience and aptitude. We are looking for organised, reliable individuals with excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a positive can-do attitude. The ability to work calmly under pressure and as part of a team is essential. Previous customer service or reservations experience is beneficial but not essential, as training will be provided.
What We Offer:
- Β£10.90 - Β£12.71 per hour
- Weekly paid tronc
- Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station
- Free onsite parking
- The opportunity to work at one of the UK's most iconic cultural venues
Interviews will be held in February 2026. If your application is successful, we will be in touch at the beginning of February 2026 to invite you to interview. Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates is proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to supporting and developing our people. Apply today to be part of an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
Reservations Assistant - Casual (April - August) in Forest Row employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Reservations Assistant - Casual (April - August) in Forest Row
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know Glyndebourne! Familiarise yourself with the venue, its dining options, and the overall vibe. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be handling customer enquiries, it's crucial to be clear and friendly. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with common questions you might face.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or worked under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy environment like Glyndebourne.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the Glyndebourne team for an unforgettable summer!
We think you need these skills to ace Reservations Assistant - Casual (April - August) in Forest Row
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When you're writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Mention any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for providing excellent service, even if they're not directly related to reservations.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Since the role requires strong attention to detail, make sure your application is well-structured and free of errors. We want to see that you can manage information accurately right from the start!
Highlight Your Communication Skills: As a Reservations Assistant, you'll be handling customer enquiries, so it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Use clear and friendly language in your application to demonstrate how you connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. Itβs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
β¨Know the Venue
Before your interview, take some time to research Glyndebourne Opera House. Familiarise yourself with its history, the types of events they host, and their dining options. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your answers to the venue's unique offerings.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Reservations Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with guests and team members. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled customer enquiries or resolved issues. Practising clear and confident communication will help you shine during the interview.
β¨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since this role requires flexibility with hours and weekend work, be ready to discuss your availability. Highlight any previous experiences where you've adapted to changing schedules or worked under pressure. This will reassure them that you're ready for the demands of the Summer Opera Festival.
β¨Emphasise Teamwork
The ability to work as part of a team is crucial for this position. Think of examples where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Sharing these stories will illustrate your positive can-do attitude and your readiness to contribute to a smooth guest experience at Glyndebourne.