At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with various duties, from maintenance to customer service during night shifts.
- Company: Join OCS Group UK, a leader in facilities management, partnering with the University of Sussex.
- Benefits: Flexible night shifts, competitive pay, and a chance to make a difference on campus.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face that supports students and enhances their university experience.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK and strong customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
About The Company: This recruitment campaign is being managed by OCS Group UK on behalf of Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP (SEF) - which is a partnership formed between OCS and the University of Sussex. SEF is the direct employer for this role and is responsible for delivering facilities management services across the University of Sussex estate. OCS is proud to partner with the University of Sussex in this long-term collaboration. Our shared mission is to enhance the University campus by ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently, aligning with the University's values and commitment to sustainability.
About The Role: Days of Working: 19.00 - 07.00 on a rolling 3 nights on, 3 nights off rota. This is a student-facing role supporting the residents with varied duties from pastoral care to maintenance tasks during the night. Porters provide front‑line support to students and visitors by handling enquiries, carrying out minor maintenance, assisting residents and guests, and undertaking cleaning, patrolling, and related duties.
As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Reception & Customer Service - Provide front‑desk support to staff, students, visitors, and contractors, handling queries, giving directions, and maintaining a friendly, efficient reception environment.
- Deliveries & Stores - Receive deliveries for the residence and housekeeping stores, keeping storage areas clean and organised.
- Maintenance & Repairs - Record and investigate maintenance issues, completing minor repairs and reporting complex issues to the Helpdesk.
- Keys & Access Control - Manage all student and visitor keys, update records, and respond to lockouts.
- Safety & Security - Ensure building security by keeping doors/windows secured and reporting suspicious activity.
- Student Check‑in/out & Room Management - Liaise with Housing Office on arrivals/departures, update records, and inspect rooms for damages or missing items.
- Incident Reporting & Student Support - Complete incident reports and notify managers of accidents or welfare concerns.
- Cleaning & Grounds Care - Maintain clean and tidy reception, office, public areas, and immediate outdoor surroundings.
The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:
- Must have Right to Work in the UK.
- A DBS will be completed for the successful candidate.
- Committed to delivering consistently high standards of customer service.
- Holder of valid SIA licences with a responsible and professional approach.
- Clear, concise, and timely communicator, both verbally and in writing.
- Confident and competent PC user with strong administrative capability.
- Tactful, flexible, and able to work effectively with young people and the public.
- Strong interpersonal and pastoral care skills, delivered with professionalism.
- Able to work under pressure and remain calm in challenging situations.
- Experience performing minor maintenance tasks.
- Physically capable of moving loads up to 15 kg in line with health and safety guidelines.
Pre-Employment Assessment: As part of our recruitment process, candidates will be asked to complete a short English and Mathematics assessment. This is to ensure that the essential skills required for the role can be demonstrated.
Equal Opportunities Employer: We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals.
Porter (Nights) employer: Manchester Arndale
At Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. As a Porter, you will play a vital role in enhancing the University of Sussex campus experience for students and visitors, while benefiting from opportunities for personal growth and development within a large, dynamic organisation. With a commitment to sustainability and excellence, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Porter (Nights)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research OCS Group and Sussex Estates and Facilities. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a Porter, you'll be interacting with students and visitors. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle queries with ease.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities! Think of examples from past experiences where you've tackled maintenance issues or provided support under pressure. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen on joining the team at Sussex Estates and Facilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Porter (Nights)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your experiences align with what we’re looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Porter role. Mention specific duties from the job description that you’ve done before or are excited to take on!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a straightforward approach! Use clear language and keep your application focused. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Porter. Familiarise yourself with tasks like customer service, maintenance, and safety protocols. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Porter, you'll be interacting with students and visitors regularly. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and your experience working with young people, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've handled maintenance issues or challenging situations before. Think of specific examples where you identified a problem and took action. This will illustrate your proactive approach and ability to manage incidents effectively.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since there’s an English and Mathematics assessment as part of the recruitment process, brush up on your skills beforehand. Practise basic maths and ensure you can communicate clearly in writing. This preparation will help you feel more confident during the assessment.
