At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and provide engaging information about Southwark Cathedral's history and events.
- Company: Join a fun and friendly team at Southwark Cathedral in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with a supportive team in a dynamic cultural setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community and help create memorable experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 32573 - 39811 £ per year.
Part of a team of Welcome Hosts to providing a warm welcome and overall excellent visitor experience at Southwark Cathedral.
Delivering a friendly and engaging visit and ensuring a high standard of customer service, you will be at the frontline of delivering the Cathedral's Vision and growing visitor numbers, donations and engagement.
This is an exciting place to work, in the heart of London next to Borough Market.
We're a fun and friendly team, creating a space in the centre of London for worship, events, talks, film shoots and community life, like no other.
No one day is the same, and with a supportive team around you, there is a packed agenda to help more people discover and engage with who we are and what we do at Southwark Cathedral.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Provide a warm welcome to the Cathedral, taking an active role in providing visitors with information about the Cathedral and its history, upcoming events, donation points, services and more.
- Proactively engage with the visitors and congregation across the site, encouraging visitor retention and satisfaction.
- Refer any visitor in need of pastoral care to the Day Chaplain or clergy.
- Encourage visitors to donate to the Cathedral and facilitate use of the various platforms available in the Cathedral and online.
- Encourage those making a donation to Gift Aid it should they be eligible to do so;
- Direct visitors to the Cathedral Shop and Café encouraging secondary spend.
- Promote the sale of information products such as the Visitor Map and Guidebook.
- Maintain the Welcome Desk and other public areas with supplies of Visitor Maps, Cathedral Guidebooks, What's On leaflets and other promotional/informational materials.
- Compile a record of visitor numbers by counting and recording daily totals.
Southwark Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship for over 1400 years.
Now it stands on the vibrant and exciting regenerated south bank of the Thames surrounded by cultural venues such as Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and Borough Market, the offices of major companies as well as schools and diverse residential communities.
It is an inclusive Christian community that offers a welcome to all.
The Cathedral's mission, ministry and musical tradition are core to its life as a Cathedral and a parish church serving the community.
It also relies on the valuable financial contribution made by its income generating activities such as its shop, café, conference rooms, corporate events and concerts.
It is a very busy place, attracting 290,000 visitors a year to the Cathedral, its churchyard and medieval herb garden.
The Cathedral relies on a small but dedicated team to be inclusive and welcoming to all.
Southwark Cathedral is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer.
We believe in promoting and building a diverse and inclusive team, and workplace, culture and governance structures that are welcoming to and respectful of all.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people whatever their ethnicity, background, age, disability, long term condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Southwark Cathedral is committed to a culture of safeguarding, especially for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
The Cathedral has adopted the Church of England policy statement 'Promoting a Safer Church (2017)'; Safeguarding Learning and Development (2024) and the Safer Recruitment and People Management Guidance (2021).
Every member of our team is recruited according to these policies and is required to complete safeguarding training.
£15,007 (£26,936 Full time equivalent) rising to £15,666 (£28,119 Full time equivalent) in 2027 Part-time (19.5 hours per week - over 3 days (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays) ) Permanent Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Faith-based Justice
Welcome Host employer: Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral is an exceptional employer that values its staff and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee development, you will have opportunities to grow your skills in event management while contributing to the vibrant community of the Cathedral. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a historic and inspiring location, where your efforts directly enhance the experiences of visitors and worshippers alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welcome Host
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Southwark Cathedral and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Welcome Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Southwark Cathedral that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Southwark Cathedral.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Southwark Cathedral get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Cathedral
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Southwark Cathedral and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
