R2R105129 - 132247 - Visitor Information Assistant

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Do you enjoy meeting people and helping them make the most of their visit? Join us as a Visitor Information Assistant (x2) and be part of the team creating a warm welcome for visitors to Southend. This vacancy is offered on a full time and permanent basis.

Based at the Visitor Information Centre on Southend Pier, you’ll be at the heart of the visitor experience, welcoming visitors providing information on local attractions, events and experiences, selling tickets and merchandise, and ensuring our visitor facilities are welcoming and well presented.

As a Visitor Information Assistant, you’ll also get involved with seasonal activities, promotions and events, making this a varied and rewarding role. If you're friendly, enthusiastic and passionate about showcasing the very best of Southend, we'd love to hear from you!

NB: The role operates on a rota basis and requires regular weekend, Bank Holiday and evening working (currently 4 days on and 2 days off, 8 hrs per day, between 10am-8pm dependant on season. October – March this role will finish no later than 6pm).

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you’ll have experience in tourism, retail, hospitality or another customer-facing environment. You’ll be confident engaging with a wide range of people and able to remain friendly and professional in a busy environment.

It is essential that you have good knowledge of Southend-on-Sea, its attractions and visitor offer.

You also need to have:

• Experience in tourism, hospitality, retail or another customer-facing environment, delivering excellent customer service.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with a wide range of visitors, customers and stakeholders.
• Good knowledge of Southend and its visitor offer, including local attractions, events and experiences.
• The ability to work calmly, professionally and positively in a busy public-facing environment.
• Experience of handling enquiries and providing accurate information to customers and visitors.
• The ability to follow procedures, process transactions accurately and maintain high standards of customer care.
• Good basic IT skills and the ability to use ticketing, booking and information systems.
• A flexible approach to working hours, including weekends, Bank Holidays and evening shifts as part of a rota.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.