The Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the UK’s most remarkable conservation destinations. Our guests enjoy unique dining and overnight experiences in an intimate setting, where attentive, personalised service and attention to detail really matter.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dependable Restaurant Supervisor to support our Restaurant Manager and lead the front-of-house team through daily service.
This is a hands-on role where you will be a trusted presence on the floor, setting the standard for the team and ensuring every guest receives a warm and memorable experience. When the Restaurant Manager is not on site, you will be the senior front-of-house lead.
What you’ll be doing
- Supporting the smooth running of breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, private dining and events
- Leading and directing the team during service, ensuring responsibilities are clear and standards are maintained
- Opening and closing the restaurant and overseeing pre-service preparation and handovers
- Managing floor layouts, table assignments and service flow
- Running team briefings covering menus, allergens, guest requirements and service priorities
- Working closely with the kitchen team to ensure accurate and timely service
- Maintaining excellent standards of presentation, cleanliness and organisation
- Supporting the induction and day-to-day development of team members
- Responding professionally to guest feedback and resolving minor concerns
- Supporting stock checks, equipment inspections and the accurate use of EPOS and reservation systems
What we’re looking for
- Front-of-house experience within a premium, fine-dining or luxury hospitality environment
- Previous supervisory or senior front-of-house experience, whether formal or informal
- The confidence to lead a team calmly and fairly while maintaining high standards
- Excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to personalised guest service
- A proactive approach and strong attention to detail
- A full, clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle, as the Sanctuary is not accessible by public transport
- Eligibility to live and work in the UK
Wine knowledge or a WSET qualification, experience of private dining and events, and familiarity with EPOS or reservation systems would be an advantage.
Working pattern
This role is generally worked Thursday to Monday, across five consecutive eight-hour shifts between 07.00 and 22.00.
Why Join Us?
- 28 days’ paid annual leave, with Christmas Day off as standard
- Enhanced family leave
- Full uniform provided
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discounts and free access to participating UK and European zoos and collections
- Opportunities to develop within our Hospitality Team
- Regular team gatherings and celebrations
- The opportunity to take part in our Conservation Award and visit one of our supported conservation projects
How to Apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter to jobs@thebigcatsanctuary.org stating the reference Restaurant Supervisor in the email title.
Closing Date: Sunday 25th October 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the number of applications received, so if you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.
Restaurant Server; Part-Time, Permanent (32 hours per week, 4 over 7 days)
Location: On-site at The Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn, Kent
Salary: £22,464 PA (£13.50 an hour)
The Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the UK’s most remarkable conservation destinations. Our guests enjoy unique dining and overnight experiences in an intimate setting, where attentive, personalised service and attention to detail really matter.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and professional Restaurant Server to join our hospitality team.
Working across breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, private dining and exclusive guest experiences, you will play an important role in delivering the exceptional standards of service our guests have come to expect.
This is a hands-on, guest-facing position where professionalism, attention to detail and a warm, welcoming approach are essential.
What you’ll be doing
- Delivering attentive food and beverage service across breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and private dining experiences
- Providing a warm and professional welcome throughout the guest journey
- Taking orders accurately and confidently advising guests on menus, allergens and dining options
- Preparing and maintaining restaurant and service areas to the highest standards
- Supporting service preparation, setup and close-down activities
- Monitoring guest satisfaction and responding professionally to requests and feedback
- Building rapport with guests and creating memorable experiences
- Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation
- Assisting with bills, payments and EPOS transactions
- Working closely with colleagues and the kitchen team to deliver smooth service
What we’re looking for
Essential
- Previous experience in hospitality, customer service or a restaurant environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A friendly, professional and guest-focused approach
- Strong attention to detail and personal presentation
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Full, clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle
- Eligibility to live and work in the UK
Desirable
- Experience within a premium hospitality, luxury or fine dining environment
- Experience using EPOS systems
- Knowledge of food allergies and dietary requirements
- Wine knowledge or hospitality qualifications
- An interest in wildlife or conservation
Working pattern
This role is generally worked Thursday to Sunday, across four consecutive eight-hour shifts between 07.00 and 22.00.
Why Join Us?
- 28 days’ paid annual leave, with Christmas Day off as standard
- Enhanced family leave
- Full uniform provided
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discounts and free access to participating UK and European zoos and collections
- Opportunities to develop within our Hospitality Team
- Regular team gatherings and celebrations
- The opportunity to take part in our Conservation Award and visit one of our supported conservation projects
How to Apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter to jobs@thebigcatsanctuary.org stating the reference Restaurant Server in the email title.
Closing Date: Sunday 25th October 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the number of applications received, so if you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.
About The Big Cat Sanctuary
The Big Cat Sanctuary (BCS) is a family charity and IUCN Centre for Species Survival for wild cats, based in Smarden, Kent. It is a unique organisation combining conservation and rescue, specialist animal care, hospitality, accommodation, visitor experiences, events, commercial activity and major site development.
BCS is growing fast, with a capital development roadmap running through 2029 covering new conservation centres and habitats. As the organisation scales, it requires a strong operational leadership layer beneath its Managing Director to keep pace with that growth.
The Role
This is a newly created role, sitting between the Managing Director and the Senior Leadership Team to turn the Managing Director’s strategy into operational reality to ensure BCS delivers against its agreed priorities day to day.
This is not a desk-bound executive role. We are seeking a highly visible hands-on COO who leads from the front, spends time where the work happens and is actively involved in supporting teams to deliver results. The successful candidate will bring energy, presence and accountability, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure operational excellence across all areas across the Sanctuary, allowing the MD to focus on strategy, growth and conservation leadership.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Lead the operational rhythm of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Translate the Managing Director’s strategy into clear organisational and departmental objectives.
- Ensure the Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Department have clear priorities, KPIs, deadlines and accountability.
- Challenge underperformance, slippage and missed deadlines.
- Ensure decisions made by the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team are implemented.
- Resolve cross-departmental issues before they escalate to the Managing Director.
- Maintain an organisation-wide operational plan and track delivery.
- Oversee operational delivery of major projects, ensuring clear ownership, budgets, milestones and timelines.
- Monitor departmental performance, budgets and key operational/commercial KPIs.
- Drive efficiency, standards, productivity and appropriate resource allocation.
- Strengthen management standards, communication and cross-functional working.
- Act as the senior operational authority when the Managing Director is away from site, within agreed strategy, budgets and delegated authority, with agreed sign-off from the CEO and family.
What We Are Looking For
BCS does not require a conventional zoo Chief Operating Officer. Our unique operating model demands a dynamic and adaptable leader who is comfortable operating across a diverse portfolio of functions, including conservation, animal operations, hospitality, accommodation, visitor experience, commercial activity, events and site development.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced operational leader who thrives in a complex environment, can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, and is passionate about driving performance, accountability and cross-functional collaboration.
Strong commercial and hospitality experience would be valuable with an understanding that animal welfare and conservation remain fundamental to BCS. The ideal candidate will bring the visibility and hands-on mentality of an exceptional leader, combined with the authority and breadth required to lead performance across the whole organisation.
What We Offer
- Be part of an incredible team working for a meaningful cause
- Spend your working days in one of the most unique and beautiful settings in Kent
- Help shape the future of The Big Cat Sanctuary and make a lasting impact
- Annual salary of £60,000 per annum
- Permanent, full-time contract,
- 28 days paid annual leave, plus Christmas Day off as standard.
- Employee benefits including sanctuary discounts, free uniform and access to special events, access to a network of UK and European zoos and wildlife collections.
- Genuinely special working environment, supporting a charity with a real conservation mission.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to:
In your cover letter, please tell us about your relevant experience and what draws you to this role at BCS specifically. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
About The Big Cat Sanctuary
The Big Cat Sanctuary (BCS) is a family charity and IUCN Centre for Species Survival for wild cats, based in Smarden, Kent. Combining conservation, specialist animal care, luxury hospitality, visitor experiences and commercial operations, BCS provides a unique environment where guests can connect with wildlife while supporting a meaningful conservation mission.
As the organisation continues its ambitious growth and development plans through to 2029, BCS are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Hospitality to lead the hospitality operations and help shape the future of The Retreat
The Role
The Head of Hospitality is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational delivery and commercial performance of The Retreat and the wider hospitality function. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you will oversee Reservations, Guest Relations, Housekeeping, Restaurant and Kitchen operations while ensuring an exceptional guest experience from enquiry through to post-stay follow-up.
This role requires a highly organised hospitality professional who can combine luxury service standards, strong leadership and commercial awareness with a genuine passion for conservation and guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver the hospitality strategy, supporting the Sanctuary’s wider organisational and commercial objectives.
- Lead the vision, standards and performance of The Retreat, ensuring a seamless and premium guest experience.
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to maintain exceptional operational standards.
- Drive guest satisfaction, loyalty, repeat business and positive reviews.
Guest Experience & The Retreat
- Take ownership of the complete guest journey, from booking and arrival through to departure and follow-up.
- Ensure the lodges are maintained to an exceptional standard of cleanliness, presentation, comfort and personalisation.
- Continually improve the guest offering through enhancements, additions and service innovations.
- Proactively manage guest feedback and resolve issues effectively.
Food & Beverage
- Provide leadership across all food and beverage operations.
- Work closely with the Head Chef and Restaurant Manager to deliver a dining experience aligned with the BCS brand.
- Monitor quality, service standards, revenue, margins and costs.
- Develop opportunities to increase guest spend through premium experiences and packages.
Commercial Performance
- Take ownership of pricing, occupancy and revenue management across hospitality products.
- Monitor key performance indicators including occupancy, booking conversion, guest spend and profitability.
- Work with Finance and Commercial teams to forecast performance and identify growth opportunities.
- Ensure products remain commercially viable while protecting the premium positioning of The Retreat.
Financial & Operational Management
- Manage hospitality budgets and maintain effective cost control.
- Produce regular performance reports for the Managing Director and Trustees.
- Ensure staffing levels, rotas and resources meet operational demands.
- Maintain compliance with all relevant health and safety, food hygiene and licensing requirements.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop managers across Reservations, Guest Relations, Housekeeping, Restaurant and Kitchen functions.
- Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence and continuous improvement.
- Support training and development in guest care, hospitality standards and commercial awareness.
What We Are Looking For
- Significant senior management experience within hospitality, luxury accommodation, hotels, visitor attractions or premium guest experiences.
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across guest services, food and beverage, reservations and commercial operations.
- Experience managing budgets, revenue generation and commercial performance.
- Strong track record of delivering exceptional customer service and guest experiences.
- Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities, including experience working with senior leaders.
- Good understanding of Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, Licensing and relevant hospitality legislation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hospitality booking or property management systems.
- A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
What We Offer
- Annual salary of £45,000 per annum.
- Permanent, full-time contract.
- 28 days annual leave, plus Christmas Day off as standard.
- Staff discounts, free uniform and access to selected Sanctuary events.
- Access to a network of UK and European zoos and wildlife collections.
- Opportunity to play a key role in the growth and development of a unique conservation charity.
- A genuinely rewarding working environment where your contribution directly supports wild cat conservation.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to: jobs@thebigcatsanctuary.org
In your cover letter, please tell us about your relevant experience and what draws you to this role at BCS specifically.
Research at The Big Cat Sanctuary
The Big Cat Sanctuary is dedicated to encouraging research that contributes to the body of scientific knowledge about wild cats.
We welcome researchers, including students, who wish to conduct research projects. All researchers must complete the appropriate application documents and have their proposals accepted before any data collection can take place.
If you are interested in carrying out a research project, please contact Research@thebigcatsanctuary.org
Work Experience Placements & Duke of Edinburgh's Awards
Unfortunately, we do not offer Work Experience Placements or DofE volunteering opportunities or activities at The Big Cat Sanctuary.