At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the front office team and ensure a smooth guest experience during the hotel opening.
- Company: Join The Nici, a luxury lifestyle brand expanding into the New Forest.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, staff discounts, meals on duty, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new hotel opening and shape exceptional guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in hotel reception and strong customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
About The Nici – New Forest
The Nici New Forest is an exciting expansion of the award-winning Nici brand, bringing its signature blend of luxury, lifestyle, and design‑led hospitality from the Cornish coast into the heart of the New Forest. Set within a stunning countryside location, the hotel is undergoing a major transformation into a premium destination featuring beautifully designed rooms and suites, a state‑of‑the‑art spa and wellness offering, destination dining, and immersive guest experiences. The property is designed to combine laid‑back luxury with exceptional service, creating a retreat that appeals to both leisure travellers and high‑end clientele.
As part of a significant opening and relaunch phase, this is a unique opportunity to join the team at a pivotal moment. You’ll play a key role in shaping the guest journey, setting service standards, and helping establish the hotel’s reputation as one of the New Forest’s most sought‑after destinations.
The Role
We’re looking for a confident and service‑driven Assistant Head Receptionist to support the Front Office leadership team during this exciting opening period. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll help embed processes, train team members, and ensure a smooth and polished front desk operation from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Opening & Pre‑Opening Support
- Assist in setting up front office systems, procedures, and service standards
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of the reception team
- Participate in trial shifts, soft openings, and operational testing
- Help establish a strong team culture aligned with the Nici brand
- Front Desk Operations
- Support the Head Receptionist/Front of House Manager in daily operations
- Oversee check‑in and check‑out processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy
- Manage reservations, amendments, and guest enquiries professionally
- Maintain a consistently high standard of reception presentation
- Guest Experience
- Deliver a warm, luxury‑level welcome to all guests
- Create personalised and memorable guest interactions
- Handle feedback and complaints with professionalism and care
- Support VIP arrivals, repeat guests, and special occasions
- Team Support & Supervision
- Supervise reception staff during shifts and act as a senior point of contact
- Provide on‑the‑job coaching and guidance to team members
- Lead shifts in the absence of senior management
- Support ongoing training to maintain service excellence
- Administration & Systems
- Operate hotel PMS systems
- Ensure accurate billing, payments, and reporting procedures
- Maintain guest profiles and preferences to enhance return visits
- Assist with daily financial checks and reporting
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a hotel reception or senior receptionist role
- Previous involvement in an opening or relaunch is highly desirable
- Strong customer service skills with a luxury hospitality mindset
- Leadership ability and confidence supervising a team
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable, particularly during an opening phase
What You’ll Get
- Competitive salary
- Staff discounts and benefits
- Meals on duty
- Career progression within a growing lifestyle hospitality brand
- The opportunity to be part of an exciting new hotel opening
Assistant Head Receptionist in Pennington employer: The NICI Lymington
The Nici New Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a luxury hotel opening in a stunning countryside location. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and staff benefits, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values service excellence and personal development. Join us at this pivotal moment to shape memorable guest experiences and advance your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Receptionist in Pennington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience with hotel openings. They can provide insider tips and might even know about job opportunities before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance for an interview or trial shift, let your passion for luxury service shine through. Remember, it’s not just about skills; it’s about how you connect with guests and your team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see something that could improve guest experience or team efficiency, don’t hesitate to share your ideas. This shows initiative and aligns perfectly with the Nici brand’s commitment to exceptional service.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our exciting journey at The Nici New Forest.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Receptionist in Pennington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. A touch of warmth and enthusiasm can make a big difference in how we perceive your fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Assistant Head Receptionist role. Highlight your relevant experience in hotel reception and any previous openings you've been part of. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for our luxury hospitality environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Nici. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The NICI Lymington
✨Know the Nici Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research The Nici and its unique blend of luxury and lifestyle. Understand their values, service standards, and what sets them apart in the hospitality industry. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their brand during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As an Assistant Head Receptionist, exceptional customer service is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for guests. Highlight how you handled difficult situations or complaints with professionalism and care, as this will show your ability to create memorable guest interactions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Since the role involves supervising a team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific instances where you coached or guided team members, especially in high-pressure situations. This will illustrate your capability to foster a strong team culture aligned with The Nici's values.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to engage in practical scenarios during the interview, such as handling a guest complaint or managing a busy check-in process. Practise these scenarios beforehand so you can showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain a polished front desk operation under pressure.
