Duration: 
12 months
Start Date: 
15 November 2023
End Date: 
1 December 2024
Application deadline: 
20 August 2023
Closed position

The House Manager is responsible for leading the work of the Centre’s House team, including all associated administrative, planning, development, and day-to-day tasks. The House Manager takes responsibility for the image of the Centre in terms of cleanliness and general appearance. The House Manager also takes a leading role in the coordination and preparation of the accommodation and conference room setup during special events. If you would like to lead and motivate a team of volunteers while ensuring the operations of the House team run smoothly, we look forward to your application!

Requirements

  • Needs to be at least 21 years old
  • Is a member of an Association recognised by WOSM/WAGGGS
  • Communicates well in written and spoken English

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

  • Ability to work within an international team of volunteers
  • Ability to motivate and lead a team of volunteers
  • Ability to work well under pressure and within strict timelines
  • Affinity for customer service and guest contact
  • Demonstrated professional, disciplined and efficient approach to work and planning
  • Administration and organization skills
  • Computer literacy, proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications
  • Willingness to work according to a flexible schedule

Desirable

  • Experience in people management
  • Experience and/or certification in the hospitality and/or cleaning industry
  • Ability to communicate in German
  • Holds a driver’s licence
  • Has previously been a member of the staff team at KISC

Main tasks

Main tasks

  • Ensure a high quality of guest service at all times
  • Train and supervise staff working in House
  • Clean guest and staff areas within the hygiene standards set out by KISC
  • Plan, coordinate and execute regular and seasonal cleaning procedures of all guest and work areas
  • Plan and organise the operation of the laundry services and guest recycling 
  • Assist in the organisation of special events and conferences
  • Stock control of all equipment, cleaning materials and toiletries        
  • Maintenance and improvement of the House team’s administrative procedures (cleaning, laundry, check-ins/-outs) including the work manuals

Other responsibilities

  • Deal with any guest enquiries relating to the Centre
  • Run and develop staff training
  • Assist in other areas of the Centre where necessary
  • Involve in the execution of the Centre’s Operational Plan
  • Work and communicate effectively with all staff and guests

Management

General

The position is part of the House team within the greater Guest Services team at KISC. In addition to the House Manager, the House team consists of two House Assistants (one 12-month role and one 4-month summer role).

Line manager

The line manager for this position is the Guest Services Director. The House Manager has weekly meetings with the the line manager and the House team to cover operational matters, and also has regular one-on-one appraisals.

Team management

The House Manager takes responsibility to be in charge of House shifts on a rotational basis with the other House Long Term Staff.

The House Manager will also have regular contact with other members of the Long Term Staff team and it is essential to build a good working relationship and honest communication with them.

Staff management

The House team work with Short Term Staff on a rotation basis with other teams in the Centre. House Long Term Staff take responsibility for all staff working in the area.

Practical information

Insurance

  • Accident Insurance (provided by the Centre): Everyone is insured for accidents, both work and non-work related over the duration of the contract.
  • Private Liability Insurance (provided by the Centre): This insurance covers any damage caused by any staff on an object or person.
  • Sickness Insurance (provided by the Centre): All LTS will get private sickness insurance if necessary. The deductible (amount each LTS has to cover per calendar year themselves) is, if nothing else mentioned, CHF 300.-. This insurance covers any treatment due to sickness.
  • Social Insurance according to the Swiss Law (provided by the Centre): Every LTS must have Social Insurance according to the Swiss regulations. This includes invalidity insurance, maternity leave and old-age and survivors' insurance (OASI). More information will be given during training.

Benefits

  • A room in one of the shared flats or in the KISC owned buildings in Kandersteg
  • All meals at the Centre, both while at work and on days off
  • 2 days off per week and 20 days of holidays
  • Pocket money starting from 500 CHF per month      
  • A Swiss Pass (discount card for transportation)
  • Management and leadership training
  • Administration of work permits
  • Other benefits as detailed here on our website

Important information

Visa

  • Citizens of EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa, and the Centre secures the necessary work permit.
  • Citizens of the United Kingdom require a visa to work in Switzerland.
  • For citizens of non EU/EFTA countries (including the United Kingdom), there is a lower chance of a successful visa application in 2022. Positions starting in 2023 have higher chances of successful visa. 
  • The employment is dependent on securing the necessary special permission from the Swiss authorities.

Testimonials

House Manager

Jo

Denmark
House Manager
I don’t think I have ever grown as much as I have throughout my time working as House Manager. I’ve gotten a lot better at leading people and finding ways to motivate them to enjoy our work. I’ve learnt how to organise my days and improved my people skills by having to try and make everything work for our many guests and adapt to make their stay the best.