At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage dining reservations and customer enquiries for a world-renowned opera festival.
- Company: Glyndebourne Opera House, an iconic cultural venue in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly wage, free shuttle bus, and onsite parking.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and a chance to work in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and create unforgettable experiences at a prestigious summer festival.
- Qualifications: Organised, reliable, with great communication skills; customer service experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 12 £ 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
- £10.90 – £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
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 (May - August) employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reservations Assistant - Casual (May - August)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Glyndebourne and its vibe! Research the venue, its history, and the Summer Opera Festival. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their unique experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be handling customer enquiries, it’s crucial to sound confident and friendly. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with common scenarios you might face.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you managed multiple tasks or worked under pressure. This will demonstrate that you can handle the fast-paced environment at Glyndebourne.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the team at one of the UK’s most iconic cultural venues.
We think you need these skills to ace Reservations Assistant - Casual (May - August)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 customer 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. Use bullet points to list your skills or experiences, making it easy for us to see how organised you are!
Flexibility is Key: We’re looking for someone who can adapt to varying hours and weekend shifts. In your application, mention your availability and willingness to work flexible hours during the festival period. It’ll show us you’re ready for the hustle!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Glyndebourne.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, do a bit of research on Glyndebourne Opera House. Familiarise yourself with its history, the types of events they host, and their dining options. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Reservations Assistant, you'll be handling customer enquiries and liaising with various teams. Practice clear and confident communication during your interview. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully handled customer interactions in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being organised is key for this role. Think of specific instances where you've managed multiple tasks or reservations effectively. Share these examples during your interview to highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and keep everything running smoothly.
✨Embrace Flexibility
Since the position requires flexibility with hours, be prepared to discuss your availability openly. Show that you're willing to work weekends and adapt to the needs of the business. This positive attitude will resonate well with the interviewers.