At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic retail team and ensure top-notch customer service at two amazing wildlife parks.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, free park entry, and fantastic discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of real conservation efforts while working in a unique and exciting environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Retail Team Leader role to join our team. The successful candidate will work across both Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park, therefore must have the ability to travel to both Parks.
Responsibilities
- Reporting into the Retail & Admissions Assistant Manager, ensure that all outlets run to the highest professional standards and perform in line with budgets and expectations.
- Lead teams delivering excellent customer service to all guests.
- Plan the day to day running of all core retail and admissions activities and requirements, as well as overseeing any other activities and events.
Who We Are Looking For
We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Team Leader to join our Retail & Admissions team. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment and bring proven experience of delivering excellent customer service while ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and food hygiene. As a natural communicator, you’ll be confident engaging with guests, colleagues, and managers at all levels, and you’ll lead by example as a dedicated team player. You’ll be highly organised, able to plan ahead in line with bookings, visitor numbers and scheduled activities, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and ticketing/EPOS systems (such as Accesso), are essential. You’ll also need reliable transport to reach both of our parks. If you have experience in retail merchandising, problem-solving, or a passion for wild animal parks, that’s a bonus—but above all, stamina, adaptability and a positive attitude, ready to deliver the best possible guest experience every day.
Contract Details
This is a permanent position, working a minimum of 32 hours per week, four days out of seven. A reliable mode of transport is essential due to our remote location. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
The 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 breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Our sister park, Howletts Wild Animal Park, is located near Canterbury and set within 90 acres of land. Howletts is home to over 300 rare and endangered species, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, leopards, and monkeys than any zoo in the county!
Most importantly, every one of our employees 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 our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why You Should Join Us
As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata to start date and working hours) rising with length of service.
- 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.
- And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.
A full job description is available on request.
How to Apply
To apply: Please email a CV along with a covering letter to: louiseh@howlettsandportlympne.com
Retail Team Leader PL & HL 2025 in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
Join our dynamic team at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park, where you will be part of a passionate community dedicated to conservation and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Enjoy a supportive work culture with comprehensive training opportunities, generous leave, and unique perks like unlimited park entry and discounts on food and accommodation. This role not only offers the chance to lead a motivated team in a stunning natural environment but also contributes to meaningful conservation efforts that make a real difference.
Contact Details:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Team Leader PL & HL 2025 in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the parks! Before your interview, take some time to visit Port Lympne and Howletts. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the animals will not only impress the hiring team but also help you connect better with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in past roles. This is key for a Retail Team Leader, so let your passion for excellent service shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your leadership style. Think about how you can lead a team effectively in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to discuss how you motivate others and handle challenges, as this will be crucial for 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 genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at the parks. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Team Leader PL & HL 2025 in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to our conservation efforts.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service and retail. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Retail Team Leader role. Be sure to mention your leadership style and how you plan to motivate your team to deliver excellent guest experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
✨Know the Parks Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research both Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park. Familiarise yourself with their unique offerings, conservation efforts, and any recent news. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage confidently with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you delivered excellent customer service. Think about situations where you went above and beyond for guests or resolved issues effectively. This is crucial for a Retail Team Leader, so be ready to discuss how you can lead your team to provide top-notch service.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As a Retail Team Leader, you'll need to plan daily operations efficiently. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed schedules, coordinated events, or handled busy periods in previous roles. Highlight your ability to adapt and stay organised, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Be Ready to Discuss IT Proficiency
Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Office and any ticketing/EPOS systems you've used. Be prepared to discuss how you've utilised these tools in past positions to improve efficiency or enhance customer experiences.
