Overview of the Role
As the first point of contact for students, staff, and visitors, the Lodge plays a crucial role in the life of the College. We are seeking a professional and personable Lodge Porter to join our Lodge team. This role combines front-of-house responsibilities with site security, health & safety duties, and administrative support.
The post involves a 24/7 rotating shift pattern, working four 12-hour shifts (day or night) per week.
Main Duties
Customer Service
· Provide a welcoming and professional reception service to all College visitors, guests, and members.
· Handle telephone and in-person enquiries efficiently and with courtesy.
· Manage guest accommodation check-ins and payments.
· Sort and distribute mail and parcels.
Security
· Monitor the safety and security of College premises, including CCTV and alarm systems.
· Conduct security patrols and manage access control, including issuing keys and fobs.
· Respond to and report security incidents and emergencies.
Health & Safety
· Vet visitors and issue permits in line with College policies.
· Support emergency response procedures as a trained First Aider and Fire Marshal (training provided).
· Oversee parking and contractor access to ensure safety compliance.
Systems & Administration
· Operate the SALTO keyless entry system and Kinetix booking database.
· Record incidents and maintenance issues accurately.
· Maintain noticeboards and ensure all Lodge administrative tasks are up to date.
This is not an exhaustive list and other duties may emerge as necessitated by changing roles within St John’s College.
Selection Criteria
Essential
· Previous experience in a customer-facing role.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage emergencies.
· IT literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
· Flexibility to work day, night, weekend, and public holiday shifts.
· Strong attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
· Willingness to undergo training in First Aid, Fire Marshalling, and SIA certification.
Desirable
· Experience working in a college or university environment.
· Current First Aid certificate.
· Experience with 24/7 shift work or similar settings.
Reporting Structure
The Lodge Porter will report to the Lodge Manager.
Key Contacts
The Lodge Porter will be required to work effectively with other members in College, in particular the Lodge Team Managers, the Home Bursar, the Accommodation Manager, the Senior Dean and the Junior Deans and the Master of Works.
Personal Documentation
The selected candidate will be required to attend a medical examination prior to commencing employment and to undergo a DBS criminal records check. They will also need to present documentation demonstrating the Right to Work in the UK. The post holder will be expected to hold (or attend a training course and successfully apply for) a Personal Licence under the Licensing Act 2003, Security Industry Authority (SIA) required qualifications for Door Supervisors and Security Guards and an up-to-date First Aid certificate.
Terms and Conditions
Salary: £35,179.36 p.a. + £1,500 Oxford weighting
Hours of work:
· The Lodge Porter will work variable four 12-hour shifts making a 48-hour week over seven days. The shifts commence at 06.00 and at 18.00, so working at night and on weekends is a requirement.
· Meal breaks count as part of working hours and Porters may be called for duty in the middle of a meal.
· Your normal working pattern might require you to work nights, Saturdays, Sundays, or Bank Holidays.
Annual leave: the leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December each year. Further information about annual leave, and long service leave entitlement is detailed in the staff handbook.
Annual leave entitlement is 30 days pro-rata (24 days), which do not include public bank holidays. Please note that leave in term time is granted at the discretion of the Lodge Team Manager(s) and leave should normally be taken outside of term.
In addition, there are 8 Public Holidays - although these might have to be worked as part of the shift rota.
Uniform: A uniform, consisting of trousers/skirts, jackets, shirts, ties and a coat will be provided after a satisfactory 6 months’ probationary period.
Pension: As an employee of St John’s College you will automatically be enrolled into the St John’s College Staff Pension Fund with effect from the first day of your employment, subject to the trust deed and rules governing the scheme from time to time. Contributions will be payable in equal monthly instalments in arrears. Your contributions shall be made by way of deduction from your salary.
Probationary and Notice Periods: The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period, during which time the notice period will be one week on either side. Once the appointment has been confirmed, the notice period on either side will be:
(a) After the initial probationary period, and up to four years’ service – one month
(b) For each full year of continuous service after four years’ service – not less than one week for each continuous year of service, up to a maximum of twelve weeks’ notice.
Meals: The post holder is entitled to free meals in Hall on days when working at the College site (and the Kitchen is open). An allowance is paid when the College Kitchen is closed. Meal
breaks count as part of the working hours and porters may be called for duty in the middle of a meal.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £36,679.36 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- On-site gym
- Sick pay
Language:
- English (required)
Work Location: In person