Padharo means "welcome". This autumn, Southampton's award-winning vegetarian Indian restaurant is hiring one warm, confident, organised person whose whole job is welcoming people in: filling our dining room with office Christmas parties, Diwali gatherings, birthdays, family get-togethers and full-venue events from September to New Year.
You'll be out in the city and on the phone rather than stuck at a desk. You'll introduce Padharo to offices, business parks, community and cultural groups; turn enquiries into confirmed bookings; know our menus and group options inside out so you can answer anything on the spot; keep every lead and booking organised; and sell the occasion, not just the table.
You'll need (this is the whole list): to be comfortable walking into a business or community space you've never set foot in and starting a warm conversation, it's the one thing we can't teach. Warmth: likeable, never pushy, you carry Padharo's name everywhere you go. Organisation: you follow up, you remember the details, you don't let a booking slip. Clear, friendly spoken and written English, and confidence on the phone. To be genuinely at ease with people of every community, including approaching the local Indian and Hindu community about Diwali and family celebrations. And some weekday daytime availability, because that's when offices answer the door.
Helpful, but honestly not required: a background where you approached people (charity fundraising, promotions, events, recruitment, lettings, retail, hospitality); your own way around the city; existing local contacts; curiosity about Indian food and the festive calendar; experience with any booking system.
The pay, in plain terms: £12.71 an hour, guaranteed, for every hour you work. On top of that, £1.50 for every guest you book in, uncapped, paid on group bookings of ten or more that dine with us, with milestone bonuses as your confirmed bookings build. In a busy December week, our own sums put a good host at the equivalent of £25 to £35 an hour. Holiday pay and staff meals on shift included.
The practical bits: 16 hours a week to start, rising towards 20 as the festive season builds. Fixed-term contract (PAYE) from mid-September to early January. Based at Padharo, 100-102 East Street, Southampton, with your patch being the city around us.
Applications close Friday 21 August. We read and reply to every application, and interviews happen the following week. Full details also at padharo.co.uk/jobs.
Padharo is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone, and we hire on warmth, organisation and confidence, nothing else.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
