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 beautiful environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering exceptional service and leading a passionate team.
- 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) 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)
✨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 family member to get comfortable with your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the role. Think about what you want to know regarding team dynamics, guest experience strategies, or how they handle busy periods.
✨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’s also a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Front Desk Manager (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When 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 memorable experiences for guests.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing Front Desk operations and customer service. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle complaints and lead a team effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Goodwood Estate Company Limited
✨Know the Estate Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with everything the Estate has to offer. This includes its amenities, services, and any unique features. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared to create memorable experiences for guests.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Front Desk Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities during the interview. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated and supported your team in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. This will highlight your capability to inspire others and maintain a positive atmosphere.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle various guest complaints or operational challenges. Think through some scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and your ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you effectively communicate with both guests and team members. Provide examples of how you’ve facilitated smooth interactions and resolved misunderstandings in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to ensure a seamless guest journey.