At a Glance
- Tasks: Spread Christmas cheer by welcoming visitors and helping them meet Santa.
- Company: Join the festive team at Dobbies, a beloved garden centre with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous discounts, annual leave, and access to financial wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and potential for permanent roles after the season.
- Why this job: Be part of the magic this festive season and create unforgettable memories for families.
- Qualifications: Cheerful, confident, and ready to connect with people of all ages.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
‘Tis the season for greetings, giving and gift lists a mile long. From greeting little ones, keeping Santa's diary running smoothly and making sure every visit feels like magic. If you love Christmas, love people, and have a smile that can charm a queue of both children and parents alike, we'd love for you to join our team and help bring a smile this festive season at Dobbies.
Responsibilities
- Deliver Christmas magic by working as one team to make every visit feel like a moment straight from the North Pole.
- Jingle all the way through the grotto as you welcome excited visitors, sprinkle a bit of Elf magic and help them meet Santa in the most magical way possible.
- Help manage timings so every family gets a great experience without long waits.
- Bring festive fun to the breakfast table as you entertain families with giggles, games and a sprinkle of North Pole mischief while they enjoy their morning with Santa.
- At our special Santa Paws events, you will also help treat our four-legged visitors to a magical moment with Santa, wagging tails, and all.
- Help keep our Grottos clean, tidy and stocked; ready to welcome everyone.
- Helping issue photos through our machines capturing the experience.
- Work closely with the wider team (and Santa!) to keep the Christmas magic alive, even on the busiest days.
Who we are looking for
- Cheerful Elves who are bursting with Christmas spirit.
- Full of energy, kindness and just the right amount of charming mischief who is ready to make this festive season unforgettable.
- A natural at connecting with people of all ages: from wide-eyed Toddlers to merry grandparents (and everyone in between).
- A true team player, comfortable in a fast-paced, customer service role: building great relationships, spreading positivity and always ready to celebrate the magic of a job well done.
- Punctual and reliable: arriving on time, looking the part, and bringing a can-do attitude, a strong work ethic and plenty of Christmas cheer with you each day.
- Previous customer service, retail, hospitality, childcare or performance experience is a bonus, though not essential.
- Able to always demonstrate our values: We're one team, getting better every day; We bring a smile; We make it work for our customers.
Essential Requirements
- Must be 16 years or over when applying.
- Due to safeguarding, a PVG/Disclosure (Scotland) has to be completed & evidenced before your start date (we'll guide you through this, as it’s just a few steps).
- Right to work in the UK.
- Willingness to attend a short induction/training session before the grotto opens.
Start/End Dates
- Start Date from 9th November.
- End Date 24th December.
- If you are interested in staying with the team as a permanent Customer Advisor, this will depend on role availability in Dec/Jan.
What we offer
- Generous annual leave entitlement. Use your holidays when you want with limited statutory days off required.
- Treat yourself with generous uncapped discount across our stores with 50% off in our Restaurants, 25% off in the Garden Centre and 10% off in our food halls.
- Access to Wagestream: support your financial wellbeing, with ability to access earnings ahead of pay day, save for future and financial advice.
- Access to Retail Trust: seek confidential support, access to a virtual GP, free counselling service and discounted retail rewards with our employee wellbeing platform.
- Access to Dobbies Academy: continue your development with our eLearning platform and seasonal sessions like Santa School & North Pole Academy.
- Thriving culture; the Dobbies team are passionate, diverse and committed to making it work for our customers.
About Us
At Dobbies, we’re proud to have a history dating back to 1865. We were founded by James Dobbie and are the only garden centre retailer to have stores in every nation across the UK. Our passion and joy for gardens and plants is what makes us special. In our stores, we showcase this through own brand and branded products, concession partners and services. We champion garden living all-year-round. Many of our stores feature a restaurant or coffee shop, where customers can enjoy refreshments or meals in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We offer a calendar of events and experiences that bring people and communities together, and we have a national charity partner that both our colleagues and customers raise money for. We’re committed to being a great place to work. We’re one team and we encourage our colleagues to be the best version of themselves, every day; to share their wins and celebrate success. Together, we make it work for our customers.
Performer - Elf (Seasonal) in Edinburgh employer: Dobbies Edinburgh
Dobbies is an exceptional employer, especially for those looking to spread festive cheer as a Performer - Elf this holiday season. With a thriving culture that values teamwork and positivity, employees enjoy generous benefits including uncapped discounts, access to financial wellbeing support, and opportunities for personal development through Dobbies Academy. Join us in creating magical moments for families while being part of a passionate and diverse team dedicated to making every visit special.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performer - Elf (Seasonal) in Edinburgh
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like Dobbies Edinburgh are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at Dobbies Edinburgh.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Dobbies Edinburgh. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dobbies Edinburgh
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
