At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Porters’ Lodge team and ensure a welcoming environment for all.
- Company: Join Selwyn College, a diverse community at the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, free gym access, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on student welfare and community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41312 - 46000 £ per year.
Salary: £41,312 per annum (2025/26 cost of living award* pending)
*which will be backdated to August 2025.
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (exclusive of meal breaks)
Contract Type: Permanent, subject to six months’ probation
Overview
Selwyn College is seeking a Head Porter to lead our Porters’ Lodge team. A key role in College, supported by a deputy Head Porter and overseeing a team of Porters (9.5 FTE, plus casual Relief Porters), the Head Porter is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the Porters’ Lodge.
As the first point of contact for students, staff, visitors, and guests, the Porters’ Lodge plays a vital role in the safety and welfare of the College community. The Head Porter will manage its customer-facing functions with professionalism and warmth, while also acting as Fire Officer and ensuring full compliance with health and safety requirements.
Working closely with the Senior Tutor and pastoral team, the Head Porter will help foster a welcoming and supportive environment within the Lodge, building on the compassionate culture established by their predecessor. This role therefore offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student welfare and the wider College community.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership for the Porters’ Lodge team, including a deputy Head Porter and 9.5 FTE Porters plus casual Relief Porters.
- Act as Fire Officer and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
- Manage customer-facing functions with professionalism and warmth for students, staff, visitors, and guests.
- Collaborate with the Senior Tutor and pastoral team to support student welfare and community wellbeing.
Qualifications and Skills
- Proven experience managing a team of similar size, ideally in a customer-facing or security-focused environment.
- Strong working knowledge of fire safety legislation and best practice.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with a commitment to inclusivity and wellbeing.
Benefits
- Generous occupational pension scheme
- Free use of the College gym
- Free on-site parking
- Pleasant working environment
- University of Cambridge staff card (for a small charge), which offers a wide variety perks and local discounts
- Access to the College Library and University Libraries
- Professional development and training opportunities
*subject to completion of probationary period
Selwyn College is home to students of all backgrounds from the UK and across the world. We are proud of our diversity. We are keen to receive applications from people who may be under-represented in our community.
Send a completed application form via email to recruitment@sel.cam.ac.uk. (Please do not send a CV unless this is accompanied by a completed application form.)
Interviews: expected to be held on the afternoon of Tuesday 18 November 2025
Selwyn College notes ongoing research and campus news in this section not related to the job role and will be omitted in the final posting.
Welcome to our new graduate and undergraduate students.
Suzanne Raine was installed as Master of Selwyn College on 2 October, becoming the first woman to lead the college in its 143-year history. Today, 1 October 2025, Suzanne Raine formally becomes Master of Selwyn College, succeeding Roger Mosey, who recently concluded his term. Her election to this office was announced in February 2025.
Head Porter in Cambridge employer: Selwyn College
Selwyn College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on student welfare and community wellbeing. With generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, free gym access, and professional development opportunities, you will thrive in a culture that values diversity and personal growth, all within the historic and vibrant setting of the University of Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Porter in Cambridge
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Selwyn College. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Selwyn College before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Porter in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Selwyn College:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Selwyn College specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Selwyn College!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selwyn College
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
