To make things smooth and secure for everyone, we kindly ask that all applications be submitted via our official website. Applications sent through other channels unfortunately won’t be considered—so be sure to head to our site and apply there to ensure your details reach the right place!
Newquay Zoo’s journey from a small petting zoo to a thriving conservation and education hub is truly inspiring. Over the past five decades, we have become a cornerstone of wildlife protection and a top tourist attraction in Cornwall. There are over 120 species of animal that call Newquay Zoo home including Penguins, Lynx and even endangered Hyenas! We blend conservation with education and public engagement. From lush gardens to interactive exhibits, it’s clearly more than just a day out—it’s a place where people connect with wildlife and learn how to protect it. Newquay Zoo has recently become part of Libéma, one of the Netherlands’ leading leisure organisations, bringing new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth
Senior Operations Host – (Food, Beverage and Guest Services Shift Supervisor)
Salary: £22,696.70 per annum
Permanent
32.5 hours per week
We’re looking for a confident and proactive Senior Operations Host to take a leading role in delivering exceptional guest experiences across our site—with a particular focus on Food & Beverage operations.
This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll lead from the front, coordinate teams, and ensure our admissions, retail, front-of-house, and catering areas operate smoothly, safely, and to the highest standards.
The Role
As a Senior Operations Host, you’ll be at the heart of our guest engagement. You will:
- champion exceptional customer service by
- Set a consistently high standard for guest engagement.
· Lead the team in delivering efficient F&B service, maintaining consistent quality, speed and presentation.
· Support preparation and service of food and beverages to the required standards.
· Oversee stock rotation, waste minimisation and completion of related documentation.
· Ensure all hygiene, allergen, licensing and health & safety procedures are followed.
· Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation in all F&B areas.
· Oversee accurate operation of tills and adherence to cash‑handling procedures.
· Complete or support cashing‑up, float checks and secure deposits.
· Maintain accurate documentation, ensuring Hosts follow record‑keeping procedures.
· Communicate promptly with supervisors/managers on operational issues, maintenance needs or guest concerns.
· Take delegated responsibility for certain operational decisions when covering the manager, ensuring clear communication and accurate reporting.
- Confidently manage complex or escalated guest queries with professionalism and efficiency, ensuring a positive outcome.
- Provide clear and accurate information about the site, including memberships and experiences
- Actively capture and share guest feedback to support ongoing improvements.
- Foster a positive, supportive, and collaborative team culture that enables colleagues to thrive and deliver their best.
About you:
We are looking for a passionate and proactive individual who thrives in a hands-on environment:
You’ll bring:
- NVQ 2 Customer Care or equivalent
- Significant experience in a front‑of‑house, customer‑facing or visitor services role.
- Experience working in a busy operational environment (e.g. visitor attractions, hospitality, retail, leisure, events).
- Demonstrated experience taking responsibility during shifts, coordinating colleagues or acting as a senior/lead host.
- Experience handling customer enquiries, complaints and escalations confidently.
- Experience following procedures related to cash handling, health & safety, and compliance.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, support and motivate colleagues during daily operations.
- Excellent customer service skills with confidence in dealing with a wide range of guests.
- Confident use of till systems, ticketing systems or similar POS
You are:
· Calm, resilient, and able to handle busy or challenging situations
· A confident communicator who can engage all types of visitors
· Highly organised with great attention to detail
· A team player who brings enthusiasm and energy
· Adaptable, reliable, and always ready to learn
· Happy to work weekends, bank holidays, and occasional evenings
At Newquay Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata and access to top-tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We’ll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. Fancy joining the Firearms team? Opportunities await—pending a few conditions, of course.
We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.
We’ll be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview throughout the advertising period—so don’t wait! If this opportunity speaks to you, send your application in as soon as possible. The role may be filled before the closing date
Pay: £22,696.70 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
