Host (Community Manager)

Collar Factory – Full Time Host Role 

Forward Space is an equal opportunity employer. In order to encourage diversity within our coworking spaces, we have to have a diverse workforce ourselves. We enable an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for our vacancies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability and age.

Who We Are Looking For

With our Hosts we are looking for someone who; 

• Is friendly, approachable, presentable and personable
• Has exceptional communication skills
• A positive and solution-based attitude
• Loads of initiative and creative ideas
• Can work autonomously
• Can manage their time effectively
• Is responsible, trustworthy and organised

We are looking for someone who has had experience of workspace, studio, gallery, business or hospitality management.  They should be qualified to a graduate degree or equivalent level.

We invest in our people. If you don’t feel that you fit everything mentioned here but feel that this could be the role for you, please do still apply. With our employees, we are always looking for the right fit and if we feel that is you, we will go the extra mile to train you into the role and nurture your growth. 

Salary and Benefits

Salary

• £24,000 per annum

Benefits

• 4 day work week after 6 month probationary period
• Holiday allowance – 25 days per year, including bank holidays (based on 4 day week)
• Christmas break on top of holiday allowance
• Private health insurance
• Charitable work days
• Personal development allowance
• Bike2Work Scheme
• Company activities and away days
• Annual bonus scheme

The Company

Since 2007 Forward Space has been transforming how and where people work. Raising the profile of regional towns and cities by creating design-led workspaces that are professional, creative and inspiring. We have grown organically to be recognised as one of the leading operators of shared workspaces in the South West. The success of our buildings is wholly dependent on the community we create within them and so we work hard to establish a cohesive, inclusive, collaborative community that is supported and nurtured.

The Role

Our Hosts are the dedicated Front of House and the core to every building. The role is imperative to the smooth running of the space. We need Hosts who are ready to take on a challenge, love the building and feel confident in making it their own. You are the heart of the space. 

Being a Host for one of our buildings is no small task. It requires attention to detail, close management of our local partners, building, contractors, suppliers and of course our lovely members.

The Host role is quite autonomous and will require you to wear many hats. You’ll need to be on your game, be ready to adapt to the day’s events and always use your initiative. Hosts are the first port of call when things go awry too. Leaky roof? Sticky door handle? You’ll come to the rescue and always have your eye on the ball to keep the building looking fantastic. 

You’ll be looking to continually build a strong company culture by supporting our members and helping us to get the world out there by marketing and promoting the space. You’ll meet and greet everyone who walks through the doors with a positive energy. 

We need you to embed us in the local community and help us promote the space to anyone looking to become a member. Whether that’s working on partnerships with surrounding businesses or hosting events for the public, we want Forward Space to be on everyone’s map as a place to learn, connect and grow. 

You’ll be helping to manage events too. Bringing workshops, meet-ups and talks into the space as well as hosting social events for members. It’s up to you what you bring into the space. Some examples of member events we’d love to see are: beer trolleys, book clubs, cooking clubs and anything that you think will enhance the space and bring our community together.

It’s down to you, be creative!

The Team

You are not alone.  You will report to a General Manager, who will also be based in the building for part of the week and you will be assisted by another host.  We have an HQ team based in Frome, Somerset that includes marketing, operations, finance and administration all reporting to our COO, Alice.  Their job is to support you in your role.  Both Alice and our CEO Gavin are regular visitors to Collar Factory.  We are a tight team and are in constant contact with each other via internal chat and video calls.

Key Responsibilities:

Front of House

• Dedicated Front of House for Collar Factory; you are the face of the building
• Represent and support the Forward Space ethos and brand
• Meet and greet visitors & members, providing a welcoming environment at all times
• Ensure the smooth day to day running of the space
• Aim to build a strong creative community, which is inclusive, diverse and vibrant
• Ensure the building is always looking its best 

Events Management

• Manage events diary; don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity 
• Organise regular member events to bring your community together
• Manage programme of events for the local community, such as pop up exhibitions in the gallery space or open studios for members to showcase their work
• Provide events reception cover if required

Customer Service

• Answer all enquiries, encouraging everyone to pop in and say “hello”
• Provide day to day support to all members of Collar Factory; making sure we are providing the space for them to thrive
• Solve any technology issues with the help of our IT support team
• Provide a detailed building induction to all new members, sharing all relevant procedures and policies to ensure everyone is safe

Sales & Marketing

• Promote all available shared and private spaces
• Provide tours showcasing what Collar Factory has to offer
• Create partnerships with local businesses
• Use social media to shout about all the great things happening within the community
• Manage any waiting lists for shared or private spaces

Administration

• Studio Management; managing contact lists, invoicing (through Coherent, our bookings platform), reporting of maintenance issues, recycling & waste management, cleaners etc.
• Primary key holder; ensure building is securely locked at the end of each day and deal with alarm activations.
• Ensure cover is in place for annual leave

How To Apply

Please send your CV and covering letter explaining why you think this is the role for you to hello@forwardspace.co.uk. If you are shortlisted, we will contact you via email with some interview dates and times. 

Our first round of interviews will require you to do a short presentation to our head office team, details of which will be in our email to you. We hope to shortlist two applicants after this stage and if you are successful, we will ask you for a trial day to make sure we’re a right fit for you. You may have to travel for this trial day in one of our other buildings in the South-West.