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- Tasks: Serve food and beverages, ensure guest satisfaction, and assist in housekeeping.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, home to John Lewis and Waitrose.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a unique country club environment.
- Why this job: Experience a charming hotel by the River Thames while making guests feel at home.
- Qualifications: Customer-facing experience is essential; hospitality knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: Positions available until September 2025; apply early as vacancies may close quickly.
As a Hotel Leisure Assistant within the Front of House department, you will be an integral part of the hotel team, dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences through outstanding customer service. You will play a key role in the summer operation of the Odney Hotel, serving food and beverages and ensuring the efficient and profitable running of the department.
Pay Rate: £12.40 per hour
Contract type: Permanent & Fixed Term contract until September 2025
Location: Odney Club, Cookham
Hours: Full & part time positions available. A mix of shifts on a rota basis, including weekends - earliest start time: 07:00 and latest finish time: 22:30 for over 18's (22:00 under 18's)
If you are looking for a country club hotel with something different and some history to work in, then The Odney Hotel, our Place by the River, could be for you. This is a beautiful and unique John Lewis Partnership-owned hotel, set on 130 acres by the River Thames in Cookham, Berkshire. It offers both character and charm to our guests.
The guests can stay in one of 5 beautiful houses on the site, or one of Airbnb's each maintaining the period look of its time with access to the picturesque grounds including a private stretch of river, water gardens, a pool, and sports facilities. The main house, Lullebrook Manor and its grounds are thought to have been the inspiration for the classic novel The Wind in The Willows bringing history along with relaxation.
Key responsibilities:
- Food service - serving guest orders from kitchen to table, clearing tables daily and weekly hygiene checks.
- Cleaning down and resetting rooms in readiness for the next service.
- Being a brand ambassador by being a warm and friendly Partner who provides a consistently outstanding customer experience that is unrivalled in the marketplace.
- Resolving guest queries/complaints at the first point of contact.
- Interacting with guests, sharing product knowledge on drinks and food.
- Flexibility to support other departments, where needed.
- Assisting with housekeeping: stripping the rooms after guests depart, changing towels and linen, remaking beds, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting, general cleaning and changing the teas and coffees.
- Assisting where needed at the pool and amenities operation.
- Knowledge of the chemicals required, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations (training provided).
Essential skills/experience you'll need:
- Experience in a customer-facing role
- Confidence and resilience to manage guest queries and feedback.
- Experience to meet the multiple needs of customers, often simultaneously.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- Level 2 Food Safety
- Experience of the Hospitality industry
Important points to note:
- Some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates).
- If required, you'll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process.
- We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working.
Hotel Leisure Assistant employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hotel Leisure Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Odney Hotel and its unique offerings. Understanding the hotel's history and the services it provides will help you engage with guests more effectively and demonstrate your enthusiasm during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous customer service experience you have, especially in hospitality. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've handled guest queries or complaints, as this will show your confidence and resilience in a customer-facing role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your flexibility and willingness to support various departments. Mention any experience you have in roles that required you to adapt quickly, as this is crucial for a position that involves assisting in multiple areas like housekeeping and food service.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of food safety regulations, even if you haven't worked in a similar role before. If you have a Level 2 Food Safety qualification, make sure to mention it, as it can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Hotel Leisure Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and any roles where you've interacted with guests. Emphasise skills like confidence, resilience, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Hotel Leisure Assistant role. Mention specific aspects of the Odney Hotel that appeal to you, such as its unique history and beautiful setting, and how you can contribute to providing exceptional guest experiences.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight any experience you have with food service or hospitality, especially if you have Level 2 Food Safety certification. Discuss how your past roles have prepared you to handle guest queries and complaints effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the hospitality industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Hotel Leisure Assistant, exceptional customer service is key. Be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled guest queries or complaints, demonstrating your ability to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
The role requires supporting various departments, so highlight your adaptability. Discuss instances where you've worked collaboratively with others, showcasing your willingness to pitch in wherever needed, whether it's in food service or housekeeping.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Venue
Research the Odney Hotel and its unique features. Being knowledgeable about the hotel's history, amenities, and services will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role and the establishment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to resolve guest issues or manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
