At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with various duties, from maintenance to customer service during night shifts.
- Company: Join a welcoming university environment focused on student support and community.
- Benefits: Flexible night shifts, competitive pay, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face that helps students feel at home while gaining valuable 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 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. They represent the University by offering a warm and welcoming presence, ensuring a high standard of service, conduct, and professionalism at all times while on duty and on University premises.
Key Responsibilities
- Reception & Customer Service – Provide front‑desk support to staff, students, visitors, and contractors, handling queries, giving directions, and maintaining a friendly, efficient reception environment. Manage daily post distribution, parcel logging, notifications, and ID‑verified collection using StarRez.
- Deliveries & Stores – Receive deliveries for the residence and housekeeping stores, keeping storage areas clean and organised. Move and install furniture and equipment safely, assisting others when needed.
- Maintenance & Repairs – Record and investigate maintenance issues, completing minor repairs (e.g., bulbs, blockages) and reporting complex issues to the Helpdesk with full details.
- Keys & Access Control – Manage all student and visitor keys. Update StarRez and SharePoint records, respond to lockouts.
- Safety & Security – Ensure building security by keeping doors/windows secured and reporting suspicious activity. Attend fire alarms, support security services, and replace fire blankets/CO detectors as required.
- Student Check‑in/out & Room Management – Liaise with Housing Office on arrivals/departures, update StarRez, and inspect rooms for damages or missing items before and after occupancy. Follow up on unreturned keys and no‑shows.
- Incident Reporting & Student Support – Complete StarRez 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. Washing housekeeping cloths overnight and carrying out light cleaning duties, including toilets, noticeboards, bins, litter picking, and seasonal tasks like gritting.
Qualifications
- 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.
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. The assessment is designed to reflect the practical requirements of the position and is applied consistently to all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete the assessment, please let us know in advance. We are committed to making the process accessible and will work with you to provide appropriate support or alternative arrangements where needed.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Porter (Nights) employer: OCS
As a Porter (Nights) at our university, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students. We offer flexible working hours on a rolling rota, competitive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within a vibrant academic environment. Join us in creating a welcoming atmosphere while gaining valuable experience in customer service and maintenance tasks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Porter (Nights)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Porter, like customer service and maintenance tasks. This way, when you chat with us, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Porter, you'll be interacting with students and staff regularly. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling queries and providing support.
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've tackled challenges or helped others. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Porter (Nights)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Service Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have in customer service. We want to see how you can provide that warm and welcoming presence to our students and visitors.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a straightforward approach, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Show us how your skills align with tasks like maintenance, safety, and student support.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Porter, especially the customer service aspect. Familiarise yourself with tasks like handling enquiries and managing keys, as well as the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for students and visitors.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
During the interview, highlight your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully interacted with young people or the public in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the pastoral care aspect of the job.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since there’s an English and Mathematics assessment involved, brush up on your skills beforehand. Practice basic maths and ensure you can communicate clearly in writing, as these are essential for managing daily tasks like post distribution and incident reporting.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you would handle maintenance issues or security concerns. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve had to think on your feet and resolve problems efficiently, as this will show your capability to work under pressure.
