At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome students and visitors, manage enquiries, and support campus operations.
- Company: Join West Dean, a unique creative and educational hub in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, free courses, and discounts on food and accommodation.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with opportunities for personal growth in a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Be the heart of the student experience and make a real impact every day.
- Qualifications: Friendly, organised, and excellent communication skills; hospitality experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 16417 - 16417 £ per year.
Helping people find jobs in the local area since 2008.
Location: West Dean
Work setting: In person / office based - Average of 24.83 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part Time - Average of 24.38 hours per week
West Dean, Sussex | Permanent | 24.38 Hours per Week
Be the Heart of the Student Experience at West Dean.
Are you a people person who loves creating exceptional first impressions? Do you thrive in a customer-focused environment where no two days are the same? West Dean is looking for a friendly, professional, and organised Student Welcome Officer to join our Campus Services team at our stunning Sussex campus, nestled within the South Downs National Park. As the first point of contact for students, tutors, conference delegates, and visitors, you'll play a vital role in creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive experience for everyone who visits West Dean. From greeting guests and answering enquiries to coordinating arrivals and supporting campus operations, you'll be at the centre of our vibrant community.
About West Dean
West Dean is a unique destination where creativity, heritage, education, and hospitality come together. Our internationally renowned College offers specialist education in arts, design, craft, and conservation, while our award‑winning gardens, historic buildings, and beautiful estate attract visitors from across the world. Joining West Dean means becoming part of an inspiring community dedicated to excellence, creativity, sustainability, and outstanding visitor experiences.
The Role
As a Student Welcome Officer, you will:
- Welcome and register students, tutors, conference delegates, and visitors
- Manage enquiries in person, by telephone, and via email
- Coordinate room allocations, visitor information, transport arrangements, and taxi bookings
- Support students and guests with requests and resolve issues professionally
- Process payments and maintain accurate records
- Liaise with departments across the estate, including Housekeeping, Food Services, and Academic teams
- Maintain a safe and secure environment, supporting fire safety and emergency procedures
- Help ensure our reception and welcome areas reflect the high standards of West Dean
What We're Looking For
- Friendly, approachable, and professional
- Calm and confident in busy environments
- An excellent communicator with a positive telephone manner
- Organised and capable of working independently
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office 365 and administrative systems
- A collaborative team player
- Hospitality experience
- Experience in visitor attractions or heritage settings
Hours & Working Pattern
This role operates on a two‑week shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays. Average hours: 24.38 per week.
Week 1
- Monday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:15 pm
Week 2
- Monday: 2:00 pm – 8:15 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 2:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Salary & Benefits
Salary: £16,417 per annum (FTE £23,569). We offer an excellent benefits package, including:
- Generous contributory pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Free and discounted short courses
- Free entry to West Dean Gardens
- Discounts on accommodation, food, and beverages
- Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits
- Free on‑site parking
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free meals on 12‑hour shifts
Why Join Us?
This is more than a reception role. It's an opportunity to become an essential part of a creative and inspiring institution where every interaction contributes to an exceptional student and visitor experience. If you enjoy meeting people, solving problems, and making others feel welcome, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply Today
Join West Dean and help create memorable experiences in one of the UK's most distinctive educational and cultural environments. West Dean is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Student Welcome Officer in Bream employer: West Sussex.info
West Dean is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and hospitality thrive amidst the stunning backdrop of the South Downs National Park. As a Student Welcome Officer, you will enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth, alongside a generous benefits package that includes a contributory pension scheme, free meals on shifts, and discounts on courses and services. Join us to be part of a community dedicated to excellence and making every visitor's experience memorable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Welcome Officer in Bream
✨Connect with the Community
Get involved in customer support communities online! Platforms like Reddit and specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for sharing opportunities and tips. You can find out about part-time roles that might not even be advertised yet — it's all about who you know!
✨Attend Local Job Fairs
Job fairs are perfect for snagging part-time gigs! Keep an eye out for local hiring events and career expos in your area. It’s a brilliant chance to meet representatives from companies like West Sussex.info and show off your personality in person.
✨Boost Your Visibility
Showcase your skills in online customer support forums or by offering help on platforms like Zendesk Community. A strong online presence can catch the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers looking for genuinely passionate candidates.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don’t forget, applying through our website is one of the best ways to catch our attention. Tailor your application for the part-time customer support role at West Sussex.info and let us see your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Welcome Officer in Bream
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, communication is key! Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your ability to clearly convey information and resolve issues. Use examples that illustrate how you've helped customers or colleagues in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities:Employers want to see how you tackle challenges. Include specific instances where you resolved a tough issue for a customer or improved a process. Real life scenarios are a great way to showcase your critical thinking and adaptability.
Tailor Your Application to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Highlight how you can balance work with your other commitments. It shows you're organised and committed to making the role work for both you and West Sussex.info.
Get Familiar with Our Brand:Before applying, take some time to learn about West Sussex.info and our approach to customer support. Mention in your cover letter why you're excited about supporting our customers specifically. It’ll show your enthusiasm and that you've done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex.info
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. During the interview, make sure to demonstrate your listening skills and your ability to explain solutions simply. Use examples from past experiences where you resolved customer issues successfully.
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like ticketing systems (think Zendesk or Freshdesk) and chat software. If you’ve used any of these in previous roles or during your studies, be ready to chat about your experiences. Showing you can hit the ground running with these tools will impress West Sussex.info.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time role, emphasise your ability to adapt to different shifts and your willingness to handle varying customer volumes. Share any experiences where you thrived in a fast-paced environment or juggled multiple tasks, which can highlight your time management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers often love scenario-based questions in customer support roles. Be ready to tackle common customer situations, like how you'd handle an unhappy customer. Practising responses to these scenarios will showcase your problem-solving ability and customer service mindset, which West Sussex.info will surely appreciate.
