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 flexible shifts and a fun team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary project and share our sustainability story.
- Qualifications: 1 year of table service experience and a passion for great customer service.
The predicted salary is between 16640 - 27120 € 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 byproducts 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 tables 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 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 benefits, including a substantial staff discount, wine training, and a supportive environment that values your contributions while promoting a fun and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Waitress / Waiter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue before your interview! Swing by Knepp, soak in the vibe, and chat with staff if you can. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you tailor your conversation during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your service skills! Whether it's taking orders or upselling dishes, being confident in your abilities will shine through. Maybe even role-play with a mate to get comfortable with the flow of service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for sustainability! Knepp is all about rewilding and quality produce, so share your thoughts on eco-friendly practices and how you can contribute to their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Waitress / Waiter
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 not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the experience you provide to our guests.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in fast-paced environments. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this position, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. This helps us get a quick grasp of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Knepp!
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 ability to upsell.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your experience working in a team, especially in fast-paced environments. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive atmosphere and collaborated effectively with colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you provided excellent customer service. Highlight your ability to create a welcoming environment and handle any challenges that arose during service.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Sustainability
Since the role is tied to a rewilding project, be prepared to talk about your views on sustainability in the food industry. Showing genuine interest in the ethos of the restaurant will set you apart from other candidates.
