At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a friendly team to create unforgettable guest experiences at the Front Desk.
- Company: Join a unique hotel surrounded by stunning countryside.
- Benefits: Free event tickets, gym membership, health cash plan, and staff meals.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for growth in a dynamic hospitality setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guests' first impressions in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Front Desk operations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
First impressions last. You’ll be the one that makes them unforgettable. As Front Desk Manager, you’ll lead our friendly and professional team at the heart of the guest experience. From the moment someone arrives on the Estate to the moment they depart, you’ll ensure every interaction feels personal, seamless and genuinely special - as though we’ve been expecting them.
You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day running of the Front Desk, ensuring a consistently warm welcome, smooth check‑ins and check‑outs, and confident guidance on everything the Estate has to offer. With an eye for detail and a passion for service, you’ll make sure every customer touchpoint feels fresh, thoughtful and engaging. This is a hands‑on leadership role where excellent communication is key.
You’ll inspire and support your team to deliver exceptional service, while acting as a Service Champion - identifying opportunities to refine processes, elevate experiences and resolve challenges quickly, calmly and professionally. Alongside Front Desk operations, you’ll play an active role in the wider hotel function, supporting the day‑to‑day running of the reservations team (working closely with the Hotel Revenue Manager) as well as the nights team.
You’ll help ensure consistency of service across all touchpoints, effective communication between teams and a seamless guest journey, no matter the time of day. You’ll also manage reservations systems, monitor hotel occupancy, handle guest complaints with confidence and care, and ensure Front Desk operations run smoothly at all times – even during our busiest moments.
What you’ll have:
- Experience managing Front Desk operations
- Experience working in a customer‑facing role, ideally within leisure or hospitality
- Complaint handling experience, with the ability to resolve issues professionally and empathetically
- Reservations experience and an understanding of hotel occupancy and availability management
- A strong focus on delivering consistent service standards and exceptional attention to detail
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams
- The ability to lead, motivate and support a team
- Confidence using hotel management systems (Protel or similar is desirable)
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office
- Fluent spoken and written English
- The ability to remain calm, organised and service‑focused under pressure
What you’ll get:
- Free event tickets
- Gym membership
- Health cash plan
- Group performance share scheme
- Free uniform, parking and staff meals on shift
- The chance to work in a truly beautiful and unique environment
We’re lucky to be surrounded by stunning countryside, which means your own transport is essential. Shift patterns include early shifts (7am–3.30pm), late shifts (2.30pm–11pm) and day shifts. This will be a varied mix each week, with occasional cover of a night shift. If you take pride in creating standout first impressions and love leading teams that do the same, we’d love to hear from you.
Front Desk Manager (Maternity Cover) in Chichester employer: The Goodwood Estate Company Limited
Contact Detail:
The Goodwood Estate Company Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Front Desk Manager (Maternity Cover) in Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media, website, and any reviews you can find. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Front Desk Manager, you'll need to be confident and articulate. Try role-playing common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role. Ask about team dynamics or how they handle guest feedback – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Front Desk Manager (Maternity Cover) in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for hospitality and how you create unforgettable experiences for guests.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the Front Desk Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing front desk operations and customer service, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our team and the role we’re looking to fill.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Goodwood Estate Company Limited
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Front Desk Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like managing check-ins and check-outs, handling complaints, and leading a team. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As this role is all about creating unforgettable first impressions, be ready to share specific examples of how you've excelled in customer service. Think of situations where you resolved complaints or went above and beyond for guests. This will highlight your ability to handle challenges calmly and professionally, which is crucial for this position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Since you'll be leading a team, it's important to convey your leadership style during the interview. Share experiences where you've motivated or supported your team, and discuss how you plan to inspire others to deliver exceptional service. This will show that you can effectively manage the Front Desk operations and maintain a positive atmosphere.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the hotel and its culture. Ask about their approach to guest experience or how they support their staff's development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.