Job Description

Reception Supervisor

Salary: 12.32 per hour (Equivalent of 25,626.60 Per Annum)

Full-time, Permanent position

40 hours a week, five days out of seven

The team at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Reception Supervisor to support the day-to-day running of our front-of-house team.

Reporting to the Reception Management Team, you will help lead, motivate, and support the Reception and Guest Services teams to deliver a smooth, high-quality experience from guest arrival to departure. This hands-on role involves supervising daily operations, maintaining service standards, and upholding our values. You'll assist with staffing schedules, liaise with other departments, and ensure reception areas run efficiently. Coaching team members to improve knowledge, upsell confidently, and handle guest enquiries is key.

You'll also build strong guest relationships, manage complaints professionally, and maintain an organised front desk. Additional duties include stock control, upholding health and safety standards, and staying informed on the Reserve's offerings -from guest experiences to local knowledge. Flexibility, leadership, and a passion for service are essential. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your hospitality career while shaping memorable guest experiences.

Who we are looking for:

We're looking for a confident, customer-focused leader with proven supervisory experience in a fast-paced front-of-house environment. You'll be a natural communicator with exceptional service skills - both face-to-face and over the phone - and capable of resolving guest concerns calmly and professionally. With a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of ownership, you'll lead by example, support your team's development, and drive continuous improvement. You should be adaptable, solution-driven, and comfortable managing change, while always maintaining high standards of appearance and professionalism.

Strong IT skills, a full UK driving licence (manual), and a working knowledge of GDPR, health and safety, and fire safety protocols are essential. Experience using Opera booking software is a plus. Ideally, you'll also bring a passion for conservation, experience in similar guest-facing roles, and a genuine enthusiasm for delivering outstanding service. If you're a team player with a "can-do" attitude and a desire to grow, we'd love to meet you.

Contract details:

This is a full-time permanent position, working 40 hours a week, five days out of seven. Working hours can range between the hours of 08:00-22:00, and will include weekdays, weekends, and bank holidays. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location of the park. All applicants must have right to work in the UK and hold a valid UK driving license.

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 accommodation, 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:

We're on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values 'One Team', Customer' and 'Pride' are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.

You can also expect a host of other

roarsome

benefits including:

28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service. (Pro-rata to start date and working hours). 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. Company Pension And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

Your adventure awaits.

#joinourpride

To apply:

If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same,email your C.V. and covering letter

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 25,626.60 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking On-site parking Sick pay Store discount
Schedule:

Holidays Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Application question(s):

Are you a confident and experienced leader with a proven track record in delivering exceptional customer service? Tell us about your experience here: Do you have experience in supervising teams in a highly customer focused service delivery role? Tell us about your experience here: Do you have experience in training and developing staff? Tell us about your experience here:
Experience:

Customer service: 3 years (preferred) Supervising: 1 year (preferred) Reception/Front of House: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/08/2025