Assistant Head Receptionist

About The Nici - New Forest

The Nici New Forest is an exciting expansion of the award-winning Nici brand, bringing its signature blend of luxury, lifestyle, and design led hospitality from the Cornish coast into the heart of the New Forest.

Set within a stunning countryside location, the hotel is undergoing a major transformation into a premium destination featuring beautifully designed rooms and suites, a state of the art spa and wellness offering, destination dining, and immersive guest experiences. The property is designed to combine laid back luxury with exceptional service, creating a retreat that appeals to both leisure travellers and high end clientele.

As part of a significant opening and relaunch phase, this is a unique opportunity to join the team at a pivotal moment. You'll play a key role in shaping the guest journey, setting service standards, and helping establish the hotel's reputation as one of the New Forest's most sought after destinations.

The Role

We're looking for a confident and service driven Assistant Head Receptionist to support the Front Office leadership team during this exciting opening period. This is a hands on role where you'll help embed processes, train team members, and ensure a smooth and polished front desk operation from day one.

Key Responsibilities
Opening & Pre Opening Support

• Assist in setting up front office systems, procedures, and service standards


• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of the reception team


• Participate in trial shifts, soft openings, and operational testing


• Help establish a strong team culture aligned with the Nici brand

Front Desk Operations

• Support the Head Receptionist/Front of House Manager in daily operations


• Oversee check in and check out processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy


• Manage reservations, amendments, and guest enquiries professionally


• Maintain a consistently high standard of reception presentation

Guest Experience

• Deliver a warm, luxury level welcome to all guests


• Create personalised and memorable guest interactions


• Handle feedback and complaints with professionalism and care


• Support VIP arrivals, repeat guests, and special occasions

Team Support & Supervision

• Supervise reception staff during shifts and act as a senior point of contact


• Provide on the job coaching and guidance to team members


• Lead shifts in the absence of senior management


• Support ongoing training to maintain service excellence

Administration & Systems

• Operate hotel PMS systems


• Ensure accurate billing, payments, and reporting procedures


• Maintain guest profiles and preferences to enhance return visits


• Assist with daily financial checks and reporting

What We're Looking For

• Experience in a hotel reception or senior receptionist role


• Previous involvement in an opening or relaunch is highly desirable


• Strong customer service skills with a luxury hospitality mindset


• Leadership ability and confidence supervising a team


• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail


• Flexible and adaptable, particularly during an opening phase

What You'll Get

• Competitive salary


• Staff discounts and benefits


• Meals on duty


• Career progression within a growing lifestyle hospitality brand


• The opportunity to be part of an exciting new hotel opening