At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our opening team to create memorable guest experiences in a brand-new hometel.
- Company: Second Nature, part of Lamington Group, focuses on practical yet enjoyable stays.
- Benefits: Fair pay, growth opportunities, training, and generous time off.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values attitude and ability over experience.
- Why this job: Be part of something new and impactful, shaping the future of hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, retail, or care work; a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 10.8 - 13.2 £ per hour.
Second Nature is part of Lamington Group. We design and run hometels, places that are practical but still feel good to stay in, built around how people actually travel and live. Our teams pay attention to what guests actually need, not what a script tells them to do.
In May 2027 we open Second Nature York at 23 Piccadilly. It'll have seven floors and 116 rooms, plus Winnie's Café and Bar, meeting space, a gym and a guest laundry. We're building the team that opens it.
THE ROLES
An opening team walks into a building that's still being finished, using systems nobody has tried on a real guest yet. The first months are busy, and not everything will work first time. You'll be the people who fix it, and the way this place runs will come from whoever is there at the start.
- Housekeeping: Roommakers, linen porters and senior roommakers. You'll reset rooms people actually live in, clutter and late-night cooking included, so they're ready for whoever comes next.
- Hosts: Hosts and senior hosts. This is a multiskilled role. One minute you're sorting a check-in, the next you're behind the bar at Winnie's making a drink. You're the first person a guest meets, and the one they call at 11pm when their key card stops working.
- Food & beverage: Kitchen porters and the team behind Winnie's. You'll serve breakfast, coffee and a drink after work, to guests and to York.
- Maintenance: Handyman roles, for people who'd rather fix something properly once than patch it three times. In a new building, you'll learn how it works from the inside.
WHO YOU ARE
Five things we hire for. These are the Second Nature values, and we use them across every role in the Group. If three or more of these sound like you on a good day, this is your kind of place.
- Use Instinct: You notice what someone needs before they ask, whether that's a guest arriving tired or a colleague two rooms behind.
- Own It: When something goes wrong in a new building, and it will, you sort it instead of explaining why it isn't your job.
- Include All: You make guests and teammates from every background feel they belong. You're genuine, not scripted.
- Stay Curious: You learn York, the building and the people in it, and you pass on what you know.
- Think Big: You're not just doing a shift. You're setting the standard that every team after you will inherit.
We don't hire for a hotel-industry background. We can teach you the systems. We can't teach you how to read a room.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Experience that fits the role. You'll have experience looking after people or places, whether in hospitality, retail, care work, cleaning or a trade. You stay calm when things are busy or unfinished, and you're happy to act without being told. You're reliable, because an opening team is only as strong as whoever turns up.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE
What you get back:
- Pay that's fair: Lamington Group is a Real Living Wage employer.
- Growth that's real: We promote from within. Every team has a clear path to supervisor and manager, and an opening is the fastest place to prove you're ready.
- Learning, built in: You'll get proper training from day one, including skills you'll keep wherever you go next.
- Time off that respects you: You'll get more annual leave the longer you stay, two paid volunteer days a year, and a Company Sick Pay Scheme.
- Stay with us, on us: You'll get friends-and-family rates across our hometels and the wider group, plus one free stay on us.
The day-to-day: There are pension contributions, wellbeing support, a Cycle to Work scheme, and gym access at our properties.
HOW IT WORKS
Our hiring process: We keep it short, honest and human.
- Register your interest: Send your CV and tell us which team you're interested in. No cover letter needed.
- First conversation: You'll have a 30-minute call with the hiring manager about the role, the team, and you.
- On-site visit: You'll meet the team and see the building, even if it's still in hard hats. You should know what you're signing up for before you say yes.
- Offer: If it's a fit on both sides, we move quickly.
WE CLOSE THE LOOP: Every applicant hears back from us, yes or no. We don't ghost.
FOR EVERYONE
A note on inclusion: Second Nature and Lamington Group are equal opportunities employers. We hire on attitude and ability. We welcome applications from every background, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief. If you need any adjustments to take part in our hiring process, tell us when you apply. We'll work with you.
READY? Register your interest now.
Host in York employer: Second Nature York
Second Nature York is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture focused on collaboration and innovation. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, employees are empowered to shape the future of corporate sales in a dynamic market. Located in the thriving cities of York and Leeds, team members benefit from a supportive environment that values creativity and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Host in York
✨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 Second Nature York. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Second Nature York
Don't be shy about reaching out to Second Nature York 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 Host in York
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 Second Nature York 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 Second Nature York
✨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!
