PLEASE NOTE - Applications MUST include a cover letter uploaded in the additional documents section to be considered for the role.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job title: Front of House Manager
Reporting to: Town Centre Manager
Location: Hitchin Information office, Hitchin town centre
Contract: To the end of the current Hitchin BID Term, 31 March 2029
(subject to a 3-month probationary period)
Salary: £30,000
Hours/Days: 37.5 hours (Monday to Friday with occasional Saturdays)
We are looking for an organised, motivated, and customer-focused Front of House Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the Visit Hitchin Shop. This role is central to welcoming visitors, providing information, and promoting Hitchin and the surrounding area. You will use your local knowledge, along with reference materials such as timetables, brochures, and online resources, to ensure every visitor has the best possible experience.
Responsibilities include:
· Selling tickets, for example for live shows, places to visit and event tours.
· Selling items such as maps, books, postcards and Hitchin branded merchandise
· Setting budgets for sales and stock as well as dealing with invoices
· Managing cash flow for the Information sales, expenditure and invoicing
· Monitoring stock levels in the shop and liaising with supplier on new orders
· Liaising with new and existing suppliers on product development, ordering and managing stock levels
· Researching new stock items and negotiating prices
· General management of the day to day running of The Visit Hitchin Shop
· Managing the What On pages of the Visit Hitchin website
· Managing stock and products being sold on the Visit Hitchin online shop
· Manage the POS system and accounting software connected to the shop
· Ordering and displaying a range of brochures and leaflets from tourist attractions, theatre, shops restaurants and leisure facilities.
· Providing information and directions to visitors who call at the centre, as well as supplying information by telephone, letter or email.
Other tasks may include:
· Keeping The Visit Hitchin Shop tidy, well stocked and creative display
· Keeping up to date with the accommodation, places to visit, activities and events in the area.
· Supervising other Visit Hitchin Shop staff and volunteers
· Face-to-face and telephone contact with visitors
· Use of computers, for researching information, answering queries by email and managing all digital shop management.
Desirable skills include
· Excellent communication skills for dealing with customers and contacts in local businesses and visitor attractions
· A methodical, motivated and customer-focused approach to work
· An enthusiastic, friendly and confident manner
· Problem-solving ability and negotiating skills
· Good knowledge of Hitchin and the surrounding area
· IT skills to help with website development, e-commerce and online booking
· Experience of cash flow and budget setting
· business or commercial awareness
· Knowledge of product development and buying
· experience of managing and supervising staff
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Employee discount
Work Location: In person