At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create unforgettable guest experiences in a unique animal-focused destination.
- Company: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, a pioneering animal-focused holiday destination.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, training opportunities, discounts, and a company pension.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment surrounded by rare animals and beautiful landscapes.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in conservation while delivering exceptional service.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in hospitality management with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a permanent, full-time position. Are you wild about creating memorable experiences? Do you want to work in a place where you can hear the roar of a pride of lions? Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is fast on its way to becoming Europe’s first animal-focused holiday destination, and we are currently seeking a Guest Relations Manager to lead our Guest Relations team, supporting our unique accommodation offering across the Reserve.
Reporting to the Front of House Manager, this is a key leadership role responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of service, presentation, and operational excellence throughout all front‑of‑house areas. This is a highly visible, hands‑on management position where you will lead and develop a large customer‑facing team, overseeing recruitment, training, performance, rotas, and service delivery to ensure every guest journey is seamless from start to finish.
Working closely with teams across the business, you will drive continuous improvement, resolve guest concerns effectively, and support the smooth running of the wider Front of House department, deputising for senior management when required.
Who Are We Looking For
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring hospitality manager with a minimum of 2 years’ management or supervisory experience in a highly customer‑focused service delivery environment. You will have a proven track record of leading by example, managing performance, and successfully recruiting, training, and developing a customer‑facing team of at least 15 colleagues. A natural problem solver, you take pride in resolving guest concerns quickly and effectively while continuously identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and operational standards.
You bring exceptional communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm, confident, and professional under pressure. You will be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable managing change, with a strong “can do” attitude and a passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences. A high standard of personal presentation, strong IT skills, operational awareness, and a full UK driving licence are essential.
Contract Details
This is a permanent full‑time position, working 40 hours per week, five days out of seven as per the rota. The role is based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve near Folkestone and reports directly to the Front of House Manager. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.
Location
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world‑renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short break accommodations, free roaming animal safaris, once‑in‑a‑lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every employee is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with the Aspinall Foundation.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service (Pro‑rata to start date and working hours).
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e‑learning.
- Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24‑hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- Company Pension.
- And many more length‑or‑service‑related rewards and benefits.
To Apply
If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, email your CV and covering letter to laurag@hportlympne.com.
Guest relations Manager in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a breathtaking environment where conservation and hospitality intersect. With a strong focus on employee development, comprehensive benefits, and a vibrant work culture, team members are empowered to create memorable experiences for guests while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. Enjoy perks such as unlimited park entry, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere that values your growth and well-being.
Contact Details:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Guest relations Manager in Hythe
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We think you need these skills to ace Guest relations Manager in Hythe
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
✨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!
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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!
