About Us
King’s is a constituent College of the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1441 by Henry VI as a place of education, religion, learning and research, the College comprises around 130 Fellows, 650 undergraduate and postgraduate students and 275 non-academic staff.
The College is internationally recognised as a leading academic institution, boasting among its former students and Fellows, no fewer than eight Nobel laureates, including Patrick Blackett, Frederick Sanger, Sydney Brenner, Philip Noel-Baker and Oliver Hart, as well as influential figures such as Alan Turing, E.M. Forster, John Maynard Keynes and Bernard Williams.
The undergraduate and postgraduate community is vibrant and diverse, priding itself on a friendly and inclusive atmosphere combining academic commitment with political engagement and a lively social and artistic scene.
The Role
We seek an exceptional individual to lead the team in our Porters’ Lodge. The role of Head Porter is crucial to College life with a wide ranging remit. Reporting to the Domus Bursar, this role makes a vital contribution to welfare and the smooth running of the College, through collaboration across a varied and diverse community of students, Fellows and staff.
As well as managing a welcoming front of house function, the Head Porter is responsible for the monitoring and continuous improvement of the College’s security strategy and plays a key role in student welfare.
Key Responsibilities
People leadership
- Lead the staff of the Porters Lodge to ensure that they are confident, capable, and cared for in their role.
- Ensure that all Porters receive necessary training and can carry out their responsibilities as expected.
- Manage the duty roster for staff of the Porters’ Lodge to ensure 365 24/7 cover for the College.
- Undertake regular 121s and annual reviews with all staff within the College’s appraisal processes.
- Ensure team compliance with HR, Health, Safety, and Fire policies and procedures of the College.
Community and Welfare
- Take a primary role in student welfare support and ensure all necessary information is shared appropriately.
- Lead the team to ensure that all members of the College community receive a warm welcome and assistance in a pleasant, responsive, and professional manner.
- Equip your team to provide a key information service at the heart of the College community, including working closely with other departments.
- Manage the administration of tasks relating to student residents in College and work with the Lay Dean on management of student behaviour.
- Manage College Guest Room bookings and support other departments in out of term room arrangements.
- Play a key role in the safe and secure running of the College’s May Ball.
Operations, Security and Safety
- Develop and implement necessary procedures to ensure that the Porters’ Lodge runs smoothly, meeting identified College and external visitor requirements.
- Lead the College’s Security Strategy and take responsibility for maintaining security for all College sites.
- Ensure the validity of all locks, keys, and car parking permits.
- Implement the College Incident Management Plan in response to significant incidents.
- In partnership with the Visitor Services Department, ensure that public access aspects of the College are controlled effectively.
- Report damage or defects found by Porters through eMaint and undertake appropriate call-out processes.
- Provide First Aid treatment and emergency duties in case of fire, accident, or illness.
- Monitor and control departmental expenditure within agreed budgets.
- Undertake occasional ceremonial duties, e.g., leading College processions.
- Test and monitor all College fire alarms and ensure all Porters are familiar with fire extinguishers.
- Perform any other duties reasonably requested by the Domus Bursar.
The Person
We seek a collaborative and approachable team-player to lead our Porters’ Lodge. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
Knowledge & experience
- Management and operational experience in a similar level role.
- Education to at least GCSE level with a good standard of literacy.
- Experience of working in a role which features welfare provision.
- A First Aid Qualification (or willingness to undertake necessary training).
- Knowledge of Fire legislation.
- Experience in an educational establishment and campus environment (desirable).
- IT literacy.
- Previous experience in interacting with members of the public.
Personal skills & abilities
- Highly developed interpersonal and staff management skills.
- A team leader who can motivate by example.
- A collaborative leader able to work in a complex dynamic environment.
- Approachable, reliable, empathetic, conscientious, and trustworthy.
- Ability to assess and react to situations promptly and tactfully.
- High standard of personal appearance.
- Enthusiasm for making a positive contribution to the life of the College.
Remuneration and Benefits
Remuneration
The post is offered at a salary of circa £46,000 per annum dependent on experience and ability. The post holder will join the College’s auto-enrolment pension scheme with generous additional contribution options on completion of the probationary period.
Hours of Work
The post is full time, 37.5 hours per week. The post-holder may also be required to work additional hours as necessary for the proper performance of their duties, including some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Benefits
- 32 days holiday per year, including Bank Holidays.
- Free lunch or dinner in the servery for staff working over a mealtime.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay.
- Generous sick pay for those with more than six months’ service.
- Flexible Working Policy.
- Eligibility for the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme.
Probationary Period/Notice
There will be a six-month probationary period. Upon successful completion, the notice period will be three months.
How to Apply
Please download the application form from our website and submit it by email.
The College postal address is: Human Resources, King’s College, King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST.
Closing Date
Please submit your application by 5pm on Monday 14th October .
Interviews will be held on Monday 28th October.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £46,000.00 per year
Additional pay:
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 14/10/2024
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