Job Description

Assistant Reception Manager

Competitive Salary DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits

Full-Time, Permanent Position

Based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Join our passionate team at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve as an

Assistant Reception Manager

, helping to deliver exceptional experiences across one of Kent's most unique destinations. You'll play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our reception operations - including Pinewood, Bear Lodge, The Library, The Mansion, and the Guest Services concierge desk. You'll lead by example, inspiring the team to deliver friendly, efficient, and first-class service at every stage of the guest journey.

From check-in to check-out, you'll help manage the day-to-day operation, support staff development, resolve guest queries and complaints promptly, and maintain the highest standards of presentation and professionalism. In the Reception Manager's absence, you'll confidently deputise, ensuring continuity of service and guest satisfaction.

This is a hands-on role that requires excellent communication and leadership skills, a passion for hospitality, and an eye for detail. You'll liaise closely with housekeeping, maintenance, and operations teams to ensure every guest enjoys a seamless stay.

Who we are looking for:

We're looking for a confident and motivated hospitality professional with at least one year's experience in a supervisory or management role within a customer-focused environment. You'll be a natural leader who inspires your team, leads by example, and takes pride in delivering an exceptional guest experience from start to finish. You'll have strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to stay calm under pressure and resolve guest issues promptly and professionally. A keen eye for detail, excellent presentation, and a hands-on, "can-do" attitude are essential.

You should be comfortable managing and developing a large, diverse team, with proven experience in coaching, performance management, and improving service standards.

Strong IT skills (particularly in Microsoft 365), knowledge of GDPR and Health & Safety, and a full UK manual driving licence are required. Experience with Opera or similar booking systems would be an advantage.

Contract details:

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours a week, five days out of seven. Working hours will be between 07:45- 22:00 depending on the requirements of the department. Availability required on weekdays and weekends as per the roster. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The location:

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of

Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world's most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodations, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.

Why you should join us:

As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

You can also expect a host of other benefits including:

28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays (pro-rata to start date and working hours), rising with length of service. Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies. Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets. Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks. Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme. And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

To apply: Please email your C.V. and covering letter

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking On-site parking Store discount
Application question(s):

Can you give an example of a time you led a team in a customer-focused role? What did you do, and what was the result? Tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult guest or customer. How did you handle it, and what happened? Have you made any changes to improve how a team works or the service customers receive? What did you do, and what difference did it make?
Experience:

Assistant manager: 1 year (preferred) Hospitality management: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person