Assistant Reception Manager

Southampton Harbour Hotel; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression opportunities

Development pathways

Competitive salary

Internal promotion opportunities

Hotel stay discounts

Discount platform access

Employee assistance programme

Stylish boutique uniform

Meals included on duty

Job summary

Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is seeking an ambitious Assistant Front of House Manager to join our luxury five‑star team on the waterfront. You will lead the Front Office, support guest arrivals and departures, and work closely with the Front of House Manager to maintain five‑star standards.

This role suits an experienced Front Office professional ready to broaden leadership responsibilities, develop your team, handle guest feedback, and drive exceptional guest experiences across our

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Front Office leadership role.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
• Passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences and maintaining five‑star standards.
• Confidence in handling guest feedback and complaints, with solutions.
• Solid understanding of Front Office operations including billing and revenue posting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the reception team and Front Office.
• Lead by example to deliver exceptional guest experiences from arrival to departure.
• Support guest feedback, handle complaints and ensure professional resolution.
• Drive billing, revenue posting and operational procedures with the team.
• Develop the team and contribute to broader hotel operations as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Guest experience

Communication

Problem-solving

Team motivation

Tools

OPERA

Job description

Assistant Front of House Manager

Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa

Ready to take the next step in your hospitality career?

Are you an ambitious Front Office professional looking for your next challenge? Are you already managing a reception team and ready to broaden your experience within a luxury, five-star hotel?

If you have the passion, personality and drive to deliver exceptional hospitality, this could be the perfect opportunity to take your career to the next level.

Who we are…

Harbour Hotels is a collection of prestigious hotels nestled in some of the most beautiful locations across the South. Our luxury portfolio spans sensational coastal, country and city properties, featuring exciting restaurant concepts and our unique HarSPA brand across many of our sites.

Named AA Hotel Group of the Year in 2018, Harbour Hotels continues to grow, offering exciting opportunities for talented hospitality professionals to develop their careers within an ambitious and forward-thinking hotel group.

Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is a striking waterfront destination where luxury, style and exceptional service come together. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for outstanding hospitality and wants to be part of a team that continually strives to deliver the very best for our guests.

The role…

We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Assistant Front of House Manager to join our team at Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa.

This role is ideal for an existing Front Office Manager, Reception Manager or experienced Front Office professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and gain experience within a five-star hotel environment. Perhaps you’re already leading a team in another hotel and are looking for the opportunity to broaden your operational knowledge, develop your leadership skills and progress within a luxury hotel group.

Working closely with the Front of House Manager and wider management team, you’ll play a key role in the smooth running of Front Office operations, helping to ensure every guest receives an exceptional experience from arrival through to departure.

You’ll be a visible, hands‑on leader who leads by example, motivates the team and helps create a positive working environment where people feel supported and inspired to deliver their best. You’ll take pride in maintaining our five‑star standards, resolving guest concerns professionally and ensuring every interaction reflects the quality and reputation of Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa.

Alongside overseeing the day‑to‑day operation of the reception team, you’ll support guest feedback and complaint handling, billing, revenue posting, operational procedures and team development. You’ll also gain valuable exposure to the wider running of a luxury hotel, giving you the opportunity to build your confidence and experience as a future hotel leader.

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, commercially aware and confident taking ownership. You’ll bring fresh ideas, a positive attitude and the ambition to keep learning, developing and progressing.

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience in a Front Office leadership role, such as Reception Manager, Front Office Manager or a similar supervisory position.
• A natural ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding guest experiences and maintaining five‑star standards.
• Confidence in handling guest feedback, resolving complaints and finding solutions.
• A sound understanding of Front Office operations, including billing, revenue posting and guest feedback.
• Working knowledge of OPERA.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills.
• A positive, hands‑on approach and the ambition to progress your career within luxury hospitality.

Previous five‑star hotel experience is not essential. We’re more interested in your potential, your leadership ability and your desire to take the next step.

What’s in it for you?

At Harbour Hotels, we’re committed to providing exceptional hospitality while creating a vibrant and enjoyable working environment for our teams. We believe in recognising talent, investing in our people and providing opportunities for those who want to build a long‑term career with us.

Here are just some of the benefits you’ll receive when joining the crew:

• Excellent career progression opportunities across the Harbour Hotels Group.
• Individual and bespoke career development pathways.
• Competitive salary.
• Unique on‑job training and development opportunities.
• Opportunities for internal promotion across our collection of hotels.
• Hotel stay and food and beverage discounts across the Harbour Hotels Group.
• Access to an exciting benefits and discount platform.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Stylish boutique uniform specially designed for Harbour Hotels.
• Meals included whilst on duty.

Your next chapter starts here…

If you’re an ambitious hospitality professional ready to broaden your experience, challenge yourself in a five‑star environment and take the next step towards your future leadership goals, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us at Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa and be part of a team that takes pride in creating memorable experiences for every guest.

Apply today with your full and up‑to‑date CV. Your next career move could start here!

Please note that only applicants eligible to work in the UK, or who hold a valid UK work permit or visa, will be considered for this vacancy.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Compensation: Competitive salary