At a Glance
- Tasks: Bring Christmas magic to life by greeting families, listening to wish lists, and posing for photos.
- Company: Join Dobbies, a beloved garden centre with a festive spirit and rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, and access to financial wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts from 16th November to 24th December with potential for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Spread joy and create unforgettable memories for families this festive season.
- Qualifications: A warm personality and love for Christmas are essential; experience is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
'Tis the season for magic, mince pies, and gift lists a mile long. Don't have the big red coat? Don't worry, we provide a full costume, training and guidance, so it's personality that counts to bring an authentic experience to life! If you love Christmas, love people and have a presence that can charm a queue of children and parents alike, we'd love for you to join our team and help bring the magic this festive season.
Rate of Pay
- First time leaving the North Pole with limited experience? £17p/h
- Coming to see us again or with similar proven experience? £20p/h
Responsibilities
- As Santa, you’ll deliver Christmas magic to the whole family through:
- Bringing Christmas to life for every family who visits the grotto: greeting children and their families, listening to Christmas wish lists, posing for photos, and handing out gifts with the warmth, charm and festive spirit that makes each visit an inclusive experience they'll never forget.
- Hosting our enchanting Santa's Breakfasts: welcoming families to magical mornings full of laughter and storytelling, turning breakfast at Dobbies into an unforgettable festive experience for children and grown-ups alike.
- Acting as our ambassador of festive cheer at Santa Paws: bringing twinkling smiles to children, adults and four-legged friends alike.
- Delivering a truly inclusive grotto experience: with training and support from your fellow Santas and Elves, adapting your approach to each visitor's individual needs and preferences, so every family, however they experience the grotto, gets a magical visit.
Who we are looking for
We’re on the lookout for the real Santa Claus. You’ll have a heart full of kindness, a laugh that rumbles like sleigh bells and a natural ability to make everyone you encounter, believe in the magic of Christmas.
- You are:
- A wonderful listener, a master storyteller, and endlessly patient: being intuitive with the different needs of those coming to see you (and not at all fazed by long wish lists or tricky questions).
- Warm, jolly and full of festive cheer as well as calm, gentle, and full of genuine care: whether you’re engaging with young children, grown adults or even dogs.
- Punctual and reliable: ready for each shift in costume and character, helping keep the grotto looking magical throughout the day.
- Previous panto, am-dram, customer service or event-hosting experience is a bonus, though not essential. Santa experience isn't required, just warmth and presence.
Essential Requirements
- Due to safeguarding, a basic DBS has to be completed & evidenced before your start date (we'll guide you through this, as it’s just a few steps & is expensed to us).
- Right to work in the UK
- Willingness to attend a short induction/training session before the grotto opens
Start/End Dates
- Start Date from 16th 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.
Father Christmas (Seasonal Santa) in Swansea employer: Dobbies Swansea
At Dobbies, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and festive work environment where every team member plays a crucial role in delivering Christmas magic. As a seasonal Elf, you'll enjoy generous employee benefits, including uncapped discounts and access to our wellbeing resources, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to making every visitor's experience unforgettable. With opportunities for personal growth through our Dobbies Academy and a culture that celebrates teamwork and positivity, this is the perfect place to spread joy this festive season.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Father Christmas (Seasonal Santa) in Swansea
✨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 Swansea are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Father Christmas (Seasonal Santa) in Swansea
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 Swansea.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Dobbies Swansea. 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 Swansea
✨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.
