At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome students and guests, ensuring safety and comfort during night shifts.
- Company: Join the unique West Dean College community in beautiful Sussex.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension scheme, free meals, and access to campus facilities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive workplace committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a friendly attitude; customer service experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 12.6 - 15.4 £ per hour.
We’re looking for a confident, friendly and dependable Student Welcome Officer to join our team and become an important part of life at West Dean. Working from 8pm to 8am, you’ll be the person students, guests and visitors can turn to during the night. You’ll provide a warm welcome, answer questions, respond to requests and make sure everyone feels safe, comfortable and well looked after.
Key Responsibilities
- This is much more than a reception role. You’ll take responsibility for the College overnight, carrying out regular security checks and patrols, monitoring access, responding to alarms and dealing with emergencies when they arise.
- You’ll identify and report hazards and maintenance issues, maintain accurate records and provide a thorough handover to the next shift.
- You’ll also answer calls, manage keys and visitor access, support students and guests with their needs and work closely with colleagues across Campus Services to maintain a safe, welcoming and positive environment.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is naturally welcoming and enjoys helping people. You’ll have excellent communication and customer service skills, with the confidence to remain calm and professional when situations become challenging. You’ll be organised, observant and reliable, with the ability to work independently and make sensible decisions when needed. Experience in customer service, hospitality, visitor attractions, heritage or education would be an advantage. An SIA licence is desirable, but your attitude, judgement and commitment to excellent service are what matter most.
About West Dean
West Dean is a unique place to work, combining education, hospitality, heritage, gardens, arts, design, craft and conservation. Our Sussex campus is set within the beautiful West Dean Estate in the South Downs National Park, creating a distinctive environment for our students, guests, visitors and colleagues. As a Student Welcome Officer, you’ll play an important role in looking after this special place and the people within it.
Working Pattern and Salary
This is a permanent position with an average of 42 hours per week, working a 5 nights on / 5 nights off pattern. Shifts are 12 hours, from 20:00 to 08:00, with some flexibility required to provide cover. Salary: £26,732.16 per annum.
Benefits
- 33 days’ holiday, including bank holidays
- Generous contributory pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free entry to West Dean Gardens
- Free and discounted places on West Dean short courses
- Free use of campus facilities, including the swimming pool, library and tennis courts
- Subsidised bed and breakfast rates at the Sussex campus
- Free meal on duty
- Paid breaks
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to work somewhere genuinely different. If you take pride in looking after people, enjoy responsibility and would like to be part of a unique community surrounded by the South Downs, we’d love to hear from you. West Dean College is committed to diversity, inclusion and being a representative employer. We warmly encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
Student Welcome Officer (Nights) employer: Novatech Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Welcome Officer (Nights)
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Novatech Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Novatech Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Novatech Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Welcome Officer (Nights)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Novatech Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novatech Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
