At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead front-of-house service and create memorable guest experiences in a unique setting.
- Company: The Big Cat Sanctuary, a conservation charity with a passion for hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, free sanctuary access, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, opportunities for development, and a chance to work in a truly unique environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in conservation while delivering exceptional service.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium hospitality and a passion for food and service.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 31500 € per year.
Location: The Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn, Kent (own transport essential)
Contract: Full-time, permanent; 40 hours per week (10 shifts over 14 days) Includes weekends & Bank Holidays – straight 8-hour shifts between 07:30–21:30
Salary: £29,000 – £31,500 per annum (dependent on experience)
Be part of something genuinely special. The Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the UK’s most extraordinary conservation destinations. Our guests don’t just come for a meal – they come for a memorable experience in a unique, intimate setting, where exceptional service is noticed, valued and remembered. Our restaurant operation is premium and personal rather than high-volume, delivering breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and bespoke private dining experiences – often for once‑in‑a‑lifetime visits.
About the role: This is a key front‑of‑house leadership position within our hospitality team. You will be a visible and trusted presence on the restaurant floor, leading by example and supporting the Restaurant Manager to ensure every service runs smoothly, calmly and to the highest standard. When the Restaurant Manager is not on site, you will be the senior FOH lead – opening and closing the restaurant, guiding the team, managing service flow, and ensuring every guest receives warm, attentive and personalised hospitality. You’ll play a vital role in developing the FOH team, supporting high‑end events and private dining, and continuously enhancing the guest experience.
What you’ll be doing:
- Service & guest experience: Leading front‑of‑house service across breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and private dining. Delivering consistently warm, professional and personalised hospitality. Managing the pace, flow and presentation of the restaurant floor during service. Anticipating guest needs and handling feedback or minor issues calmly and professionally. Maintaining excellent standards of presentation, cleanliness and organisation.
- Team leadership & development: Leading, motivating and supporting the FOH team during service. Running pre‑service briefings covering menus, allergies, covers and guest requirements. Coaching and developing team members to build confidence, pride and consistency. Supporting the induction of new starters. Acting as the first point of contact for the team in the Manager’s absence.
- Operational & supervisory duties: Opening and closing the restaurant, completing all pre‑ and post‑service procedures. Working closely with the kitchen team to ensure smooth, accurate service. Supporting stock checks, equipment checks and daily readiness tasks. Assisting with events, private dining and special functions. Using EPOS and reservation systems confidently and accurately. Completing handovers and reporting issues appropriately.
What we’re looking for:
- Essential: Experience in a busy, high‑quality or premium hospitality environment (fine dining experience essential). Experience in a senior front‑of‑house, supervisory or lead waiter/waitress role. A genuine passion for food, service and creating memorable guest experiences. A calm, confident leader who enjoys supporting and developing others. Strong communication skills and attention to detail. Flexibility to work weekends and Bank Holidays & full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own transport (site not accessible by public transport). Right to live and work in the UK.
- Desirable: Wine knowledge or WSET qualification. Experience supporting events or private dining. EPOS and reservation system experience. An interest in wildlife or conservation.
What we offer: Competitive salary of £29,000 – £31,500 (DOE). Shift pattern: 40 hours per week, straight 8-hour shifts between 07:30 and 21:30. 28 days’ paid annual leave to start, plus Christmas Day off as standard. Overtime or TOIL for additional hours worked. Free access to The Big Cat Sanctuary and a network of UK and European zoos. Opportunities to engage with global conservation partners. Enhanced family leave and Health Assured EAP; Staff discounts and the chance to work in a truly unique environment supporting a conservation charity.
Why join us? You’ll be part of a passionate, supportive team, delivering exceptional hospitality in one of the most unique settings in the UK – all while supporting a charity with a meaningful conservation mission. If you love leading from the floor, developing others, and delivering service that truly stands out, we’d love to hear from you.
How to apply: Please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining your relevant experience and what attracts you to this role to jobs@thebigcatsanctuary.org (applications without a cover letter will not be considered). The Big Cat Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Senior Restaurant Supervisor (Front of House Lead) employer: The Big Cat Sanctuary
The Big Cat Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a passionate and supportive team dedicated to delivering outstanding hospitality in a conservation-focused environment. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees can thrive while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. The intimate setting and premium service ensure that every day is rewarding, making it an ideal workplace for those who are passionate about hospitality and wildlife conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Restaurant Supervisor (Front of House Lead)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit The Big Cat Sanctuary if you can. Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's vibe and service style. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their unique guest experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews or networking, share specific examples of how you've led a team in a busy hospitality environment. Highlight moments where you’ve developed others or handled tricky situations with grace.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your passion for food and service. The Big Cat Sanctuary is all about creating memorable experiences, so come prepared with stories that showcase your dedication to exceptional hospitality and your love for fine dining.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 Big Cat Sanctuary.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Restaurant Supervisor (Front of House Lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Share why you're excited about the Senior Restaurant Supervisor role and how your experience aligns with our mission at The Big Cat Sanctuary. We want to see your passion shine through!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in high-quality hospitality environments. Focus on your leadership skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to create memorable guest experiences. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact!
Show Off Your Personality:We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence and warmth. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share anecdotes or examples that showcase your people-focused approach and how you handle challenges in a busy restaurant setting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our unique team at The Big Cat Sanctuary!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Big Cat Sanctuary
✨Know the Venue Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you know The Big Cat Sanctuary and its restaurant operation well. Familiarise yourself with their menu, service style, and the unique experiences they offer. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Restaurant Supervisor, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy environment, handled challenges, and developed others. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your leadership made a difference.
✨Emphasise Guest Experience
Highlight your passion for creating memorable guest experiences. Think of instances where you went above and beyond for customers or resolved issues effectively. This aligns perfectly with the role's focus on delivering warm, professional, and personalised hospitality.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the position and the team. Ask about their approach to training new staff, how they handle feedback, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
