Front of House Assistant

The Donkey Sanctuary; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An animal welfare organization in Sidmouth is seeking a Front of House Assistant. This part-time role involves delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring cleanliness, and assisting with food and beverage service. Previous experience in a similar setting and strong interpersonal skills are essential. The position offers a competitive wage and benefits including pension, paid holidays, and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Competitive pension

Life Assurance

31 Days holiday, increasing with service

Healthshield Plan

Free Parking

Subsidised restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Experience of working front of house in a high-volume catering operation.
• Experience of dealing with enquiries and complaints from the public.

Responsibilities

• Serving food and beverages to customers to a high standard.
• Ensuring secure cash handling and accurate till usage.
• Keeping front of house areas clean and maintaining equipment.
• Assisting with food preparation and dishwashing duties.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Strong communication skills

Good organisational skills

Self-motivated

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Front of House Assistant (2079)

We are heading into our busy season and are looking for friendly and proactive team players with a strong customer service ethic to join our team at our award‑winning restaurant, The Kitchen.

• Location: Sidmouth
• Hours: Part Time
• Salary: £12.21 per hour
• Contract: Permanent
• Closing Date: Tuesday 2nd December 2025

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life‑enhancing relationships.

As Front of House Assistant, you will ensure excellent customer service is delivered by giving a warm welcome to all visitors, engaging them in the charity at every opportunity and ensuring that service exceeds customers’ expectations at all times.

About you:

• Experience of working front of house in a high‑volume catering operation.
• Excellent customer service skills, including experience of dealing with enquiries and complaints from members of the public.
• Strong communication skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Self‑motivated.
• Great interpersonal skills – able to establish, build and maintain successful relationships with staff, supporters and visitors.

About the role:

• Serving food and beverages to customers, including barista coffee, to a consistently high standard.
• Delivering food and beverages to tables and clearing trays.
• Ensuring secure cash handling and efficient and accurate use of the till.
• Keeping the front of house and counter areas clean, cleaning and maintaining equipment and keeping records as required in compliance with food hygiene regulations.
• Assisting with putting away deliveries and ensuring stock rotation.
• Assisting with food preparation as required.
• Carrying out dishwashing duties to a high standard.

What we offer in return: These are part‑time, permanent contracts starting as soon as possible, working a guaranteed minimum of 5 or 12 hours per week across a 7‑day rota. The working hours and pattern will be agreed between the line manager and post-holder, but flexibility will be required for weekend working. It is anticipated that additional hours will be available during busy periods. The role is based on site at our Sidmouth location which is not easily accessible via public transport thus a current UK driving licence would be desirable. Please note: These roles will not include evening working or split shifts.

Benefits:

• Competitive pension
• Life Assurance
• 31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service
• Wellbeing Team
• Recorded Pilates classes
• Long Service Awards
• Healthshield Plan – including reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership, offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets and access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service
• Free Parking
• Subsidised restaurant and shop

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

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