At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional service and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
- Company: Join Knepp, a pioneering rewilding estate with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, staff discounts, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Perfect for students with weekend availability and a love for nature.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary project and share our sustainability story.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced environments and a passion for great service.
The predicted salary is between 16640 - 22720 € per year.
Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application.
Location: Dial Post, Horsham (applicants must be able to drive to the site as there is no public transport available)
Salary: 16-18 £8 per Hour; 18-20 £11 per hour; 21+ £13 per hour
Job Type: Part time and/or seasonal contract (Season lasts between May - End Of September)
Overseas candidates will NOT be considered for this role. We are not sponsoring Visa's at this time, so please refrain from applying unless eligible to work in the UK.
About Us: Knepp is a 3,500 acre estate just south of Horsham, West Sussex. Since 2001, the land - once intensively farmed - has been devoted to a pioneering rewilding project. Using grazing animals as the drivers of habitat creation, and with the restoration of dynamic, natural water courses, the project has seen extraordinary increases in wildlife. As part of this project Knepp has created a butchery, providing award winning beef, venison and pork that are biproducts of the project. As part of this new venture, the restaurant will utilise the high-quality produce coming off the project as well as our new 3 acre market garden. It is our hope that we can create an exciting and sustainable culinary destination.
About The Role: We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic and passionate team member with a passion for great service, produce and sustainability to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to get stuck into a brand-new project and work alongside growers, stockman, ecologists, and chefs. The right candidate will be experienced in running a fast-paced section, eager to learn and comfortable in sharing our rewilding story with guests.
Responsibilities:
- Operations:
- To run your own section
- To ensure table's turn on time
- To create a welcoming and relaxed style of service for your guests
- To learn relevant information about produce and dishes to guide our guests through the menu and upsell
- To ensure the Wilding Kitchen environment is clean and well maintained, meeting internal Brand standards
- To maintain a safe workplace
- People:
- To work together within the team to deliver the highest standard of service possible
- To bring fun to the workplace and be part of a happy, motivated and focused team
- To be involved in giving clear feedback between guests and the kitchen team
- Customer experience:
- To ensure high customer experience and promote our ethos
- To help achieve and sustain a minimum 4.5 star google review
- To champion swift, efficient, knowledgeable and engaging restaurant
- To engage with the wider Estate team in the delivery of events
- Statutory:
- To help in the cleaning after service to ensure the site operates to 5* EHO compliance
- To make the kitchen team aware of any allergy and dietary requirements
About you:
Job Requirements:
- Ensure all customer service standards are met
- Great personality and passion for giving our customers excellent service whilst creating an inviting atmosphere
- Team player
- Experience working in a busy environment
- Table service experience (1 year minimum)
- Ability to use ordering systems and till software
- Barista skills are preferred but training will be given
- Flexibility and adaptability to work within different sections of FOH in our busy restaurant & event environment
Essential skills:
- Work ethic
- Enthusiastic about sustainability
- Great communication skills
Estimated Weekly Hours: This role is part time and/or seasonal. We are flexible and want to accommodate our team and will try to maintain a fixed rota where possible, but expect our staff to be flexible around sickness and holiday.
Shift and Schedule:
- Weekend availability.
- Day shift (we are a predominantly daytime venue only)
- Holidays (particularly suited to university students)
- Weekends only (suited to people in full time education)
Employee Perks Benefits:
- Option of contracted hours with regular days of work
- Wine training/tastings
- Share of tips where appropriate (In spring 2025 this was up to £3 per hr for busy shifts)
- 28 days holiday a year (full time or pro rata'd holiday for part time staff)
- Access to pension scheme
- Culture of training, development with lots of scope for progression
- Generous staff discount (50% off each month, 20% off across site businesses)
Please click on the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role.
Experienced Waitress / Waiter in Crawley employer: Knepp Swallows Ltd
Knepp offers a unique opportunity to work in a pioneering rewilding project set in the beautiful West Sussex countryside, where sustainability and high-quality produce are at the heart of our culinary experience. Our team-oriented culture fosters personal growth and development, with flexible working hours that cater to students and those seeking part-time roles. Enjoy generous employee perks, including a substantial staff discount and opportunities for wine training, all while contributing to an exciting new venture that champions exceptional service and environmental stewardship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Waitress / Waiter in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around Knepp and soak in the vibe. Familiarising yourself with the estate and its rewilding project will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your service skills! Brush up on your table service techniques and be ready to demonstrate your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere. Remember, it’s all about making guests feel special and engaged.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for sustainability! Knepp is all about great produce and eco-friendly practices, so be prepared to chat about why sustainability matters to you and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Knepp.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Waitress / Waiter in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for great service and sustainability shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about being part of our rewilding project and the culinary experience we’re creating.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in fast-paced environments. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your table service experience and any barista skills you might have!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Knepp. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knepp Swallows Ltd
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the produce used in the dishes. Being able to discuss the ingredients and their origins will show your passion for sustainability and enhance your credibility during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about specific situations where you went above and beyond for a guest, as this role is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Be ready to talk about your experience working in a team. Highlight instances where you collaborated effectively with colleagues to ensure smooth operations, as teamwork is crucial in a busy restaurant environment.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role requires flexibility in working different sections, be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous jobs. This will show that you're ready to take on various responsibilities and thrive in a dynamic setting.
