At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our company, helping guests with ticketing and boarding.
- Company: Join Hornblower Group, a leader in unforgettable experiences across the globe.
- Benefits: Seasonal role with flexible hours and opportunities to meet new people.
- Other info: Work at iconic London piers and enjoy a fun, team-oriented atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in guests' experiences while working in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation, offering water‑ and land‑based experiences and ferry services across more than 10 countries and 50 U.S. cities.
Position Assignment
Please note this is a seasonal position until the end of September, working on our Piers. You could at any time be working at any of our Pier locations, which include: Tower Millennium Pier, Westminster Millennium Pier, London Eye Waterloo Pier and Greenwich Pier. Please bear this in mind when applying.
Position Summary
Operating as the first point of contact for our visitors, the Guest Experience Assistant – Pier Crew supports us in our mission to create amazing experiences for our guests by delivering a professional, polite and proactive service at the Ticket offices and across the Piers. As a member of the Pier Crew, you will rotate between working as a sales agent in our ticket office, managing passenger flow and assisting guests with boarding and disembarking of our vessels.
Customer Service
- Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as prescribed in our RESPECT service system.
- Ensure that the highest level of customer care is shown at all times to ensure a clean, comfortable and safe environment for all our passengers.
- Process pre‑booked Voucher and Trade customers accurately and efficiently at the ticket office.
- Deliver clear and effective communication to customers regarding service delays or cancellations.
- Troubleshoot discrepancies with customers’ tickets / boarding information.
- Respond to customer queries using your knowledge of London, its attractions and City Cruises products.
Safety
- Adhere to all Health and Safety requirements in accordance with the company’s Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring the safety of passengers is protected at all times.
- Participate in routine safety drills to prepare for major incidents.
- Maintain the cleanliness and safety of all common areas.
- Manage visitor flow, especially when large groups of passengers are on board the vessel.
- Work as part of the Pier team to ensure that Daily Revenue Targets are met by selling a variety of tickets for our local Sightseeing, Attractions and Dining products.
- Actively promote our local and global products and services.
- Strive to meet daily targets through a proactive and planned approach, actively promoting on‑board/ticket promotions as appropriate.
- Account for all cash handling and credit card payments accurately and in accordance with company policy and procedures.
Administrative / Other
- Completion of all pre‑departure forms and checklists.
- Full completion of all daily forms and logs.
- Support with the delivery of Special Events.
- Be prepared to begin work at scheduled time.
- Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
- Additional duties as may reasonably be required.
- Be an Ambassador for our RESPECT Service System.
Requirements
- Previous experience in a guest services/customer facing role within the visitor attraction/hospitality industry.
- Previous experience of providing an “At Seat” service with a willingness to proactively approach guests.
- Customer Service oriented – Actively looks for ways to promote our business and enhance the guests’ experience.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team to achieve on‑board sales/revenue targets.
- Excellent communicator with the ability to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to guests and coworkers.
- Demonstrable experience in upselling and cross‑selling multiple products and services.
- Flexible “can do” approach with the ability to stay calm and work well under pressure.
- Intermediate level Maths and English language skills (minimum A‑C at GCSE level or equivalent).
- Available to work shift patterns covering Monday to Sunday and inclusive of public/bank holiday and some evenings to assist with special events.
- Able to work for extended periods of time without sitting.
Desirable Though Non‑Essential
- Experience with POS systems, apps and software highly desirable.
- Ability to speak a second language.
- Relevant industry/customer service related qualifications.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures and/or first aid qualified.
RESPECT Values
- Respect – We will value, appreciate and respect each other. We will foster diversity and inclusivity.
- Environment – We will Respect our planet. We will conserve, protect, and educate. We will practice environmental stewardship.
- Safety #1 – We will think and work safely. We will follow safety standards and instructions. We will create a safe and secure workplace.
- Professionalism – We will conduct ourselves professionally. We will take responsibility for our actions. We will own the problem until it is solved.
- Exceed – We will continuously improve. We will exceed standards and expectations.
- Communication – We will be open and honest. We will choose a respectful approach. We will share information with others effectively.
- Teamwork – We will exist to serve others. We will anticipate the needs of others. We will have fun and practice “enthusiastic friendliness.”
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to create a diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates for employment or promotion will be assessed objectively against the requirements for the position.
Customer Service Assistant - Pier Crew employer: Hornblower Corp
Hornblower Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises respect, teamwork, and professional growth. As a Customer Service Assistant - Pier Crew, you will enjoy the dynamic environment of London's iconic piers while receiving comprehensive training and support to enhance your customer service skills. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee development, Hornblower Group provides a rewarding seasonal opportunity to engage with guests and contribute to unforgettable experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Assistant - Pier Crew
✨Hit the Ground Running with Seasonal Hiring!
Many customer support roles, especially seasonal ones, ramp up around holidays or special events. Keep an eye out for hiring fairs or open days in your area. Local businesses often need a boost during peak times, so don’t hesitate to drop in and chat directly with the team at places like Hornblower Corp.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities focused on customer support, like forums or social media groups. This is a fantastic way to connect with others in the field, learn about unadvertised roles, and share experiences. Plus, you never know when a connection might lead to an opportunity at places like Hornblower Corp.
✨Show Off Your Skills!
Since you're targeting a seasonal role, create a quick online portfolio showcasing your customer support skills. Whether it’s resolving customer queries, handling difficult conversations, or just general customer engagement – put it all out there! Make sure to share the link when you apply to Hornblower Corp.
✨Be Prepared for the Busy Season
You know seasonal work can get intense, so brush up on common customer queries and best practices before interviews. When you’re prepared to talk about handling high-stress situations, it shows you’re ready to step in during the crunch periods. This is likely to impress the team at Hornblower Corp!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Assistant - Pier Crew
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Support Skills:In your CV, make sure to highlight any previous experience you've had in customer support or related fields. This could include resolving customer issues, handling complaints, or even just being a go-to person for friends and family. Use specific examples that demonstrate your capability to help others effectively—the more relatable, the better!
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Enthusiasm:For a seasonal role at Hornblower Corp, we want to see your excitement for both the job and the company. Use your cover letter to express why you're interested in customer support specifically and how you're eager to help customers during peak times. Mention any relevant skills or experiences that make you a perfect fit!
Flexibility is Key:Seasonal positions often require adaptability, so emphasise your willingness to work varying shifts or tackle new challenges. Let us know about your flexibility in your cover letter, as it shows you're ready to jump into action when needed and helps us understand your availability throughout the season.
Emphasise Soft Skills and Teamwork:In customer support, your soft skills are just as crucial as your experience. Highlight qualities like patience, empathy, and communication in your CV and cover letter. If you have examples of working in a team to solve problems or improve processes, shout about them—they'll show us how you can contribute to a great atmosphere at Hornblower Corp!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hornblower Corp
✨Showcase Your Customer Empathy
In customer support, empathy is key! Come prepared with examples from past experiences where you handled customer issues. Think of specific situations where you turned a frustrated customer into a satisfied one, because those real-life stories will show Hornblower Corp that you've got the right attitude for their team.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with popular customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk. If you've used any chat or ticketing systems before, be ready to discuss how you navigated them and any challenges you overcame. This will demonstrate that you're not just a people person but also tech-savvy, which is super important in this field.
✨Prepare for Role-Playing Scenarios
Expect some role-playing during your interview where you'll be asked to deal with a hypothetical customer scenario. Practise handling common issues, such as a complaint about a product or service delay. This will give you a chance to display your problem-solving skills and how you maintain professionalism under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Enthusiasm
As this is a seasonal position, let your passion shine! Talk about your willingness to dive into the role, your adaptability to busy periods, and how you thrive in high-pressure environments. Share why you're excited to join Hornblower Corp during this peak time and how you can be an asset to their team.