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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Selwyn College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and customer service. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable and confident in your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for student welfare during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a supportive environment in previous roles. This will resonate well with the college's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Selwyn College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Porter in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what Selwyn College is looking for, so make sure you highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the role.
Be Professional but Warm:Since this role involves being the first point of contact for students and visitors, it's important to convey professionalism while also showing warmth in your application. Use a friendly tone that reflects your ability to create a welcoming environment.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Porter, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. We want to hear about times you've successfully managed a team or handled challenging situations with grace and effectiveness.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to send your completed application form via email to recruitment@sel.cam.ac.uk as instructed. We encourage you to apply through our website to ensure your application is processed smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selwyn College
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Head Porter position. Familiarise yourself with the key duties like managing the Porters’ Lodge team and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Porter, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed a team or handled challenging situations. This will give the interviewers confidence in your ability to lead effectively.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Since the Porters’ Lodge is the first point of contact for many, showcasing your customer service skills is vital. Think of instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers or created a welcoming environment. This will align perfectly with the college's focus on professionalism and warmth.
✨Prepare Questions About Community Wellbeing
The role involves collaborating with the Senior Tutor and pastoral team to support student welfare. Prepare thoughtful questions about how the college fosters a supportive environment. This shows your commitment to inclusivity and wellbeing, which is essential for this position.
