Front of House Supervisor

Front of House Supervisor

Part-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of Visitor Hosts and deliver engaging guided tours.
  • Company: Join the Bodleian Libraries, a top visitor attraction in Oxford.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, a pension scheme, and travel discounts.
  • Other info: Perfect for history lovers looking for a dynamic part-time role.
  • Why this job: Make a difference by enhancing visitor experiences in a historic setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in customer service and team leadership is essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Overview

The Bodleian Libraries are home to one of Oxford's most popular visitor attractions, welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

We are seeking a confident and enthusiastic Front of House Supervisor to help deliver an exceptional visitor experience while leading our Visitor Hosts.

You will act as Duty Manager during allocated shifts, overseeing the smooth operation of tours, admissions and visitor services.

This is a permanent, part-time post, working 36.2 hours per week.

Responsibilities

  • Support and motivate a team of Visitor Hosts, manage daily rotas, deliver operational briefings, monitor cash handling procedures and help maximise income through excellent customer service.
  • Deliver engaging guided tours and contribute to operational projects.
  • Ensure the highest standards of safety, presentation and visitor care.
  • Act as Duty Manager during allocated shifts and oversee the smooth operation of tours, admissions and visitor services.

Requirements

  • Experience of supervising or leading a team in a busy customer-facing environment and the ability to make decisions in a fast-paced operational setting.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with visitors from a wide range of backgrounds, inspiring colleagues to deliver outstanding service.
  • Experience of cash handling; able to remain calm under pressure.
  • Interest in history and heritage with the confidence to deliver engaging guided tours.
  • Knowledge of Oxford; additional language skills and experience within the heritage sector would be an advantage.

Benefits

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

  • An excellent contributory pension scheme
  • 38 days of annual leave
  • A comprehensive range of childcare services
  • Family leave schemes
  • Cycle loan scheme
  • Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr
University of Oxford

Contact Details:

University of Oxford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Front of House Supervisor

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 University of Oxford 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 Front of House Supervisor

Team Leadership
Customer Service
Operational Management
Cash Handling
Communication Skills
Decision-Making
Guided Tour Delivery

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 University of Oxford 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 University of Oxford.

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 University of Oxford get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

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 University of Oxford 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.