At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome audiences and provide exceptional customer service at our vibrant venues.
- Company: Join the largest theatre on the South Coast, known for diverse shows and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, volunteer days, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts include evenings and weekends; perfect for students!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and create memorable experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 10.8 - 13.2 £ per hour.
We are looking for enthusiastic and customer-focused individuals to join our Front of House team. You'll welcome audiences to our two venues Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios. Providing exceptional customer service, assist with bars and merchandise sales, support events and functions, and help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who visits. If you enjoy working with people and thrive in a busy, team-oriented environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Roles will be offered based on an annualised hours contracts of 624 hours per year - an average of 12 hours per week (3-4 shifts on average) – this will include afternoons, evenings, and weekends. All applicants must be available for weekend work (including Sundays) and must be available to work over the busy Christmas period, including performances on Boxing Day.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Deliver exceptional customer service by providing a friendly, welcoming and helpful experience for all visitors.
- Assist customers with enquiries, resolve issues professionally, and ensure a positive theatre experience.
- Enforce venue policies, show-specific requirements, licensing regulations, and health and safety procedures.
- Support bar, retail and merchandise sales, accurately handling transactions and stock.
- Assist with the setup, delivery and clearing of events and functions within Front of House areas.
- Serve food and beverages in accordance with food safety and hygiene standards.
- Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness and customer care throughout the venue.
- Contribute to the safety, security and wellbeing of customers, staff and the building at all times.
- Support emergency procedures and respond appropriately to incidents when required.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth operation of performances, events and activities.
Our ideal applicant will have:
Essential qualities:
- Experience of delivering excellent customer service in a customer-facing environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage positively with a wide range of people.
- Ability to remain calm, professional and approachable when dealing with customer queries, complaints or challenging situations.
- Experience of using EPOS systems accurately.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and support colleagues during busy periods.
- Demonstrable ability to follow procedures, instructions and venue policies.
- Awareness of health and safety responsibilities in a public-facing environment.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring all visitors receive a welcoming experience.
Desirable qualities:
- Previous experience working in a theatre, entertainment venue, hospitality or visitor attraction.
- Experience of food and beverage service.
- Knowledge of licensing regulations and Challenge 25 procedures.
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.
If you require any assistance or have any additional requirements to complete your application with the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Team at recruitment@mayflower.org.uk or on 02380 711800 ext. 0.
Interviews for this role will be held on the evening of 16th November 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
FOH Assistant in Southampton employer: Mayflower Theatre
Mayflower Theatre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where employees are encouraged to take ownership and thrive in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development alongside benefits like an Employee Assistance Programme and state-of-the-art IT equipment. Located in the heart of Southampton, our venues not only host a diverse range of performances but also foster community engagement, making every day at Mayflower a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FOH Assistant in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Mayflower Theatre and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace FOH Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Mayflower Theatre that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Mayflower Theatre.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Mayflower Theatre get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mayflower Theatre
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Mayflower Theatre and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
