Host

Hosts; Port Ellen; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned hospitality provider is seeking a Front of House Host in Port Ellen, Scotland. This role guides guests through an unforgettable experience, ensuring a friendly welcome and attentive service. Responsibilities include assisting with reservations, checking in guests, and problem-solving efficiently. The ideal candidate will have exceptional attention to detail, communication skills, and previous front-of-house experience. This opportunity offers comprehensive career development within a unique coastal setting, with attractive perks including accommodation and staff discounts.

Benefits

Accommodation based on availability

Access to Championship Links Golf Course

Discounts for friends and family

Team social events

Team assistance scheme for mental health support

Qualifications

• Previous Front of House experience is preferred.
• Valid driving license and own transport are essential.
• Experience in island living is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist guests with all aspects of their stay.
• Check in and out guests efficiently.
• Resolve complaints with a proactive approach.

Skills

Meticulous attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Guest focused

Self-motivated

Time management

Education

First Aid qualification

Enhanced DBS (can be obtained upon employment)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Property management systems

Job description

Front of House Host | Another Place - The Machrie | Hosts and House Managers

Wild coastlines, big skies and a close-knit island community set the rhythm of daily life on Islay. The roll of waves, breeze‑blown dune grasses, and call of seabirds make up a rich island soundtrack. It’s a haven for people who live and breathe the outdoors. Exhilarating and revitalising, vibrant and relaxed – the wonder of the wilds here is limitless.

Set within this captivating landscape lies Another Place – The Machrie. Originating from the Gaelic term ‘machair’, meaning ‘the linking stretch of land that joins the grassy dunes with the shoreline’, The Machrie offers elevated comforts and unforgettable experiences.

Our Front of House Host role:

We’re looking for an attentive, outgoing Front of House Host to deliver memorable, meaningful, and elevated experiences for our guests – from first impression to final goodbye.

You’ll embody the spirit of Another Place with your friendly welcome, effortless charm, and seamless efficiency, and in return you’ll receive a unique insight into all aspects of a busy, award‑winning hotel – from daily administration to elevated customer service, you’ll experience a rewarding career that encompasses the best of both worlds.

Guests will remember you for underpinning the happiness that shaped their stay, and locals will remember you for your close attention to detail. You’ll thrive in your role, whilst taking the next step up the ladder in your hospitality career.

As our Front of House Host you’ll be:

• Assisting with all aspects of a guest’s stay, from booking meals, golf and treatments to helping with luggage and dealing with any queries or concerns.
• Completing all daily responsibilities and tasks in a timely manner.
• Going above and beyond guest expectations to provide a welcoming, positive and comfortable experience – whether in person, over the phone or via other forms of communication.
• Working alongside our Reservations and Guest Services team and honing your administrative skills.
• Checking guests in and out.
• Preparing guest invoices, billing and taking payments.
• Identifying when guests might need help (and being on hand to offer it).
• Presenting a professional appearance and attitude at all times and maintaining an excellent standard of customer service.
• Responding to all enquiries in a timely manner and in a style that adheres to our brand guidelines.
• Resolving complaints with a sympathetic ear and a proactive problem‑solving approach and escalating them (as needed) to your House Manager.
• Completing daily tasks quickly and efficiently.
• Acting in accordance with Health & Safety laws.
• Maintaining public spaces and keeping them clean and tidy.
• Being an active and engaged member of the team, carrying out duties to assist in the smooth running of the hotel as requested by your line manager.
• Living and breathing the Another Place Hotel and advocating for our brand ethos and values.

With 43 beautifully designed rooms, a world‑class Scottish championship links golf course, a contemporary restaurant showcasing seasonal island produce (recognised with a 4* Silver AA award and a Rosette), a wild Scandinavian‑inspired hot tub garden, and an art collection curated throughout by Sue Nye, The Machrie encapsulates the best of both worlds; a feeling of being looked‑after, and the freedom to explore.

The skills you’ll be sharing with us:

• Meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s pre‑arrival, or in house, you’ll notice when a guest needs help with something – sometimes before they do.
• Previous experience of using property management systems.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Previous Front of House experience.
• Previous Housekeeping experience (desirable).
• A First Aid qualification.
• A current Enhanced DBS (this may also be obtained upon employment).
• Strong communication skills.
• Guest focused and self‑motivated.
• Adept at prioritising and time management.
• Demonstrating comprehensive administrative skills.

Additional experience you’ll need:

• Previous experience of island living, or equivalent.
• A valid driving licence, and relevant driving experience, with the confidence to safely and comfortably transport guests as required.
• Access to your own transport (essential).
• Hobbies or interests in the following areas: the outdoors, outdoor instructing, writing, natural history, geology, marine science, animal science, photography, and documentary filmmaking, or equivalent (desirable).

Life at Another Place – The Machrie

On Islay, The Machrie embraces all‑season island living. With long winters, limited entertainment, and few distractions, it requires an appreciation and resilience for rural life.

Due to the hotel’s remote location, you will require a valid driving licence and access to a personal vehicle. We also offer team accommodation within same‑sex residences (where possible).

As a team, we work together to deliver memorable moments for our guests to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of island living, and it’s our strong sense of community and our wider connection to the residents and natural beauty of Islay, that allows us to offer a space where outdoor living and indoor comforts coalesce – where both guests, locals, and team can rest, play, work, gather, and make the most of what matters.

What we’ll offer you in return:

• A relaxed, professional place to work in a beautiful location – Islay ‘the queen’ of the Hebridean archipelago off the West Coast of Scotland.
• A welcoming team of like minds, eager to support and encourage each other.
• Accommodation (as required, dependent on availability).
• Excellent career prospects in an ever‑expanding organisation.
• An Islay Living Allowance provided for team members residing off‑site.
• Use of our Championship LinksGolf Course (7,000 yards from the back trees, rated one of the world's top 100), regardless of ability.
• Special rates for you and your friends & family to stay at Another Place – The Machrie, Another Place – The Lake, SeaSpace, and Watergate Bay Hotels.
• Discounts for you and your friends & family to eat at our variety of restaurants (including 18 Restaurant and Bar).
• Team social events throughout the year.
• Team assistance scheme – a dedicated helpline for support & advice on topics from mental health through to managing your finances.

From discounted stays to training and development opportunities, we’re all about helping our team achieve their personal and professional goals. With far‑reaching views stretching across the golf links and Laggan Bay, you’ll never be short on inspiration. Life at Another Place isn’t just a job - it’s a transformative career opportunity.

If you come alive in nature and have a genuine desire to expand your hospitality skills in a location where your attitude and experience truly matter, Another Place - The Machrie is the place for you.

If you would love to join us as our Front of House Host, apply now and be part of our journey at Another Place – The Machrie, a wonderful place to work.

Compensation: Competitive salary