Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE
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We're looking for a welcoming and organised Receptionist to join our friendly team at Brownsea Island. This role combines traditional front desk responsibilities with modern hospitality skills to ensure our guests have a comfortable and pleasant stay.
As our Receptionist, you'll be the first person our guests meet when arriving at the hotel. You'll handle check-ins and check-outs while ensuring guests have all the information they need about our facilities and services.
You will also be expected to work in other areas of the Hotel at busy times when required.
Salary - 12.40 per hour
Contract type - This position is a Short Term Temporary contract
Working pattern - Monday, Wednesday and Friday 08:00-18:00
Location - Brownsea Island
Key responsibilities
Welcome and check in guests, ensuring a smooth arrival experience
Handle room bookings, amendments, and payments efficiently
Respond to guest queries both in person and through social media
Manage hotel room keys and direct guests to facilities
Process payments and handle cash accurately
Assist with restaurant bookings and other guest requests
Help maintain our membership database
Address any concerns promptly and professionally
Essential skills/experience you'll need
Good communication skills and a friendly approach
Ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively
Experience with computer systems and social media
Cool head when dealing with busy periods
Problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude
Ability to work independently while supporting the team
Attention to detail when following procedures
About Brownsea Castle
Working on an island, living in a castle with red squirrels at your window sounds like a fantasy but due to the wonderful and unique Brownsea Castle this could be your reality.
It's our place by the sea, our island getaway across beautiful Poole Harbour offering an escape to our Partners with history and nature in abundance. Guests stay on the National Trust run island in the amazing Tudor castle, set amongst 17 acres of private grounds with stunning Italian gardens and a dedicated beach offering relaxation and beautiful nature walks.
If you are looking for a hotel with a difference, this could be it. You'll be surrounded by a team of passionate and dedicated hospitality Partners who give our guests the best experience possible. What is different about our guests though is that they are Partners with their friends and family.
As co-owners in the business, you'll see this difference in the way your teammates and you approach your job and carry out your responsibilities. With all of the island to explore or using any of the facilities on offer; a croquet lawn, children's play area, badminton, football, cricket, fishing, archery and frisbee golf you can guarantee that our guests will be hungry and looking to recharge with the fantastic food offering we give them.
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Closing Date: July 31, 2025
Pay: 12.40 Hourly
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours of Work: 27 hours per week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 08:00 -- 18:00.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
We're the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We're not just employees, we're Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there's never been a more exciting time to join us.
We're ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we're free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.
As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It's important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you'll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.