Afternoon Tea Supervisor - Countess of York

Compass Group UK; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider in York is seeking an Afternoon Tea Supervisor to oversee the service at the Countess of York. The role demands exceptional organisational skills and strong leadership to ensure a premium guest experience. Join this progressive company that values individuality and invests in its people.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Free meals on duty

Personal Development opportunities

Health Club discounts

Exclusive discounts on travel and cinema tickets

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a supervisory or senior hospitality role, ideally in a premium environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the afternoon tea service.
• Lead and support the front-of-house team to maintain high standards.
• Manage bookings and service flow to maximise guest satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Step aboard the Countess of York and lead an unforgettable afternoon tea experience in the heart of the National Railway Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored 1950s carriage, the Countess of York offers guests a journey into timeless elegance - and we’re looking for a dedicated Afternoon Tea Supervisor to ensure every service runs with first-class precision and charm.

This full-time position (40 hours per week) calls for exceptional organisational skills, a flair for hospitality, and the ability to inspire your team to deliver a premium guest experience. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your leadership career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and recognises those who go beyond the plate.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the daily operation of the Countess of York afternoon tea service, ensuring an exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure
• Leading, motivating, and supporting the front-of-house team to maintain high standards of service and presentation
• Coordinating with the kitchen team to ensure smooth communication and timely delivery of food and beverages
• Managing bookings, guest seating, and service flow to maximise efficiency and guest satisfaction
• Monitoring quality, presentation, and cleanliness of the dining area at all times
• Training and mentoring team members to uphold brand values and service standards
• Managing stock levels for service items and liaising with suppliers as required
• Ensuring compliance with Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and company policies
• Handling guest feedback with professionalism, resolving any issues promptly and effectively
• Representing Compass Group UK&I with pride and professionalism

About you

• Proven experience in a supervisory or senior hospitality role, ideally in a premium, afternoon tea, or fine dining environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• A passion for delivering exceptional service and creating memorable guest experiences
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, with a solution-focused approach
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and special events
• A meticulous eye for detail in both service and presentation
• Reliability, punctuality, and a commitment to excellence

About us

Working with us has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits and development opportunities:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Free meals on duty
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Career growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP and comprehensive healthcare for you and your immediate family
• Sharebuy scheme
• ‘Be a Star’ recognition award
• ‘Refer a Friend’ scheme
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance scheme
• Gym and Health Club discounts
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• Exclusive discounts on travel, food shopping, cinema tickets and more!

Join a company that invests in its people, values individuality, and rewards great work. Apply today!

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!