Job Vacancies

Work at South Farm

South Farm is a successful and unique wedding venue located in beautiful rural surroundings in South West Cambridgeshire. The business is a well-established family run enterprise managed by James and Philip Paxman and Christine Lyon. We are the largest wedding business in Cambridgeshire with a good forward order book and are therefore lucky enough to be able to offer secure jobs.

We provide a very professional service to our clients and always aim to be flexible, transparent and deliver above expectations in everything we do. No matter what your role at South Farm we expect everyone to work together as a team, have fun and work in a professional, trustworthy and reliable manner.

Our Team is what makes South Farm what it is and one of the most mentioned points in the lovely feedback we get from our couples is how unobtrusive, friendly and helpful every member of staff they met on the day were. Something we are exceedingly proud of!

Recruitment

If you would like to be part of our friendly team then keep your eyes peeled here for new job openings!

As we are a rural venue, your own transport is essential as there are no public transport services.

Head of Front of House

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Front of House – could that be you?

At South Farm we believe in creating unforgettable experiences for our couples and their guests. We are an award-winning wedding venue with 20 years of experience known for our home-grown food, beautiful grounds, flexibility and sustainable ethos. We are very proud of our Front of House team who play a huge part in delivering a friendly and professional service for every wedding we host. We are looking for an inspiring Head of Front of House who will help us lead the team and be dedicated to setting the standard to continue hosting exceptional wedding days.

This is a great opportunity for a customer-focused leader to take ownership of our Front of House operation and be an integral part of the management team.

The successful applicant will need a minimum of two years’ experience in a similar position with the ability to lead, mentor and motivate the entire front of house team in a calm, efficient and respectful manner. You will report directly to your senior managers and be responsible for your team on event and non-event days. Training and nurturing your team are priorities to ensure that a professional and friendly service is the norm exceeding the Couples’ expectations on their day.

Key responsibilities:

  • Lead, mentor, and motivate the Front of House team in a positive, friendly and professional manner creating great team morale
  • Oversee daily operations, ensuring seamless service and impeccable standards are maintained at all times
  • Manage staff rotas with a view to balancing adequate staff resource and skill sets with efficiency and fairness in shift allocation and also manage cover for staff reporting illness / absences and monitoring absences
  • Manage recruitment, training and performance, ensuring your team are trained in all areas on event days, to build a high-performing, cohesive team
  • Ensure Team Leaders have been enabled to co-ordinate and manage the team effectively on days you are not working
  • Develop and implement strategies to drive continuous improvement in processes, service delivery and guest satisfaction
  • Manage inventories, stocks and equipment to maximise operational efficiency
  • Uphold and enforce all health and safety, food hygiene, and alcohol licensing regulations
  • Work closely with the kitchen and other departments to ensure smooth, efficient communication
  • Attending monthly Head of Department meetings

Our Ideal Candidate would:

  • have two years of relevent proven experience in a hospitality environment
  • be a natural leader with excellent people management skills and a track record of developing and motivating teams
  • Be customer-focused with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service and an ability to anticipate guests’ needs
  • Have resilience and adaptability with the ability to stay calm under pressure and think on your feet in a fast-paced environment
  • Have operational expertise with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of hospitality operations
  • Have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with guests and staff

In return for your expertise we anticipate offering a salary of between £30,000 and £34,000 based on 37.5 hrs per week, with any additional hours worked paid on a pro rata basis. We also offer enhanced holiday and health cover for long standing staff.

If you are a talented Head of Front of House keen to show what you can do within a supportive and friendly team environment we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this role to [email protected] – we can’t wait to talk to you!

Front of House Team Leader - position paused

South Farm is an award-winning wedding venue set within a beautiful 20-acre site on the Cambridgeshire / Hertfordshire border. We host over 200 weddings per year and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional food, warm hospitality and a seamless, well-organised experience for every couple and their guests.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and experienced Front of House Team Leader to join our busy and friendly Front of House team.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will lead by example on wedding and event days, ensuring that service is professional, efficient and delivered in a calm and supportive manner. You will be responsible for your team from the beginning to the end of each event, working closely with the Event Manager to ensure the smooth running of the day and work with the Head of Front of House to ensure a motivated, engaged and happy team.

Role Overview

The Front of House Team Leader plays a key part in delivering the South Farm experience. You will:

– Lead and motivate the Front of House team on event and set-up days.

– Ensure that service standards are consistently high and reflective of our reputation.

– Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive working environment.

– Support the training and development of team members.

– Act as a key link between the Event Manager and the Front of House team on wedding days.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

– Lead, motivate and support the Front of House team during weddings and events.

– Work with the head of Front of House to team memberes are fully trained, motivated and engaged.

– Set clear expectations and maintain high standards of presentation and service.

– Promote a positive team culture and strong work ethic.

– Assist with training new team members and maintaining training records.

– Ensure staff are allocated appropriately and working efficiently throughout the event.

Event Delivery

– Work closely with the Event Manager to ensure the smooth running of the wedding day.

– Oversee food service, waiting duties and guest care (including breakfast service where required).

– Lead drinks receptions, canapé service, tea and coffee service and bar service where necessary.

– Ensure timelines are followed and service flows smoothly.

– Respond professionally and calmly to any issues that arise during an event.

Set Up & Venue Standards

– Support and lead event set-up on non-wedding days (including moving furniture and physical preparation of spaces).

– Ensure public areas are clean, tidy and well presented.

– Maintain a smart, professional and friendly approach at all times.

Skills & Experience

Essential

– Previous experience in hospitality, ideally within weddings or events.

– Experience supervising or leading a team.

– Strong communication and organisational skills.

– Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

– Smart and professional appearance.

– Bar and drinks service experience.

Desirable

– Experience leading a team independently on event days.

Personal Attributes

– Positive, proactive and solutions-focused.

– Approachable and supportive with colleagues.

– Takes pride in delivering excellent service.

– Understands the importance of attention to detail on a wedding day.

– Committed and reliable.

Working Pattern & Pay

This is a full-time position. Hours will vary depending on the wedding and event schedule and will include weekends and evenings.

Starting rate: £13 per hour

Rate once trained and signed off to lead the FOH team on a wedding day independently: £14 per hour

As a rural venue, your own transport is essential as there is no access to public transport.

South Farm is a small business where commitment and hard work are recognised, and there are opportunities to develop and progress within the team.

If you think you could lead a team and help deliver unforgettable wedding days, we would love to hear from you. Please send a CV together with a covering letter to [email protected]

Front of House Team Member - position paused

South Farm is an award-winning wedding venue set within a beautiful 20-acre site on the Cambridgeshire / Hertfordshire border, hosting over 200 weddings and events each year.

Our reputation is built not only on our food and setting, but on the warmth, professionalism and energy of our Front of House team. We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable individuals with a positive attitude and strong work ethic to join our friendly and supportive team.

This is a hands-on role at the heart of our wedding and event delivery. You will play an important part in ensuring that every couple and their guests have an exceptional experience.

Role Overview

As a Front of House Team Member, you will support the Team Leader and Event Manager in delivering smooth, professional and friendly service throughout weddings and events.

You will be trusted with responsibility, supported by a close-knit team and given the opportunity to develop your skills within a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

Event & Food Service

– Deliver professional and attentive food service during weddings and events with an awareness of dietary requirements and allergens.

– Support drinks reception, canapé service, tea and coffee service and bar service as required.

– Assist with breakfast service where necessary.

– Ensure excellent guest care at all times.

Bar & Drinks Service

– Serve drinks responsibly and efficiently.

– Maintain cleanliness and organisation behind the bar.

– Follow licensing and company procedures.

Set Up & Venue Presentation

– Assist with event set-up and preparation of dining and reception areas on non-wedding days.

– Help move furniture and equipment as required.

– Maintain a keen eye for detail to ensure public areas remain tidy and well presented.

Team Contribution

– Work proactively as part of the Front of House team.

– Follow direction from Team Leaders, Event Managers and the Head of Front of House.

– Remain calm, positive and professional during busy periods.

– Use initiative while knowing when to seek guidance.

Skills & Experience

Essential

– Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

– Reliable and punctual.

– Smart and tidy appearance.

– Ability to work well within a team.

– Comfortable working in a busy hospitality environment.

– Confident communication skills.

Desirable

– Previous hospitality experience (approximately 1 year preferred).

– Bar or drinks service experience.

Personal Attributes

– Friendly and approachable with a genuine smile.

– Proactive and able to multitask.

– Calm under pressure.

– Takes pride in contributing to someone’s special day.

– Enjoys working in a supportive and energetic team environment.

Pay, Working Pattern & Benefits

Salary: £10.25 – £13.00 per hour, depending upon age and experience.

This role can be offered on a flexible part-time basis, a permanent part-time basis, or a full-time basis depending on availability and the needs of the business. Hours will vary according to the wedding and event schedule and will include weekend and evening work.

Food and soft drinks are provided while on shift. Eligible employees are enrolled in the Nest pension scheme. Free parking is available on site.

Due to our rural location, own transport is essential as there is no public transport available.

South Farm is a small business where commitment and hard work are recognised, with opportunities to increase pay and progress within the team.

If you think you would like to work as part of a team to help deliver unforgettable wedding days, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected]

Overnight Venue Team Assistant (Over 18s only)

Overnight Venue Team Assistant (Over 18s Only)

Location: South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy, Royston SG8 0HR

Reporting to: Overnight Manager / Duty Manager

South Farm is Cambridgeshire’s leading wedding and events venue, welcoming up to 25,000 guests per year. We are proud of our reputation for excellence, attention to detail and the high standards we maintain across our estate and event spaces.

Following each wedding or event, our Overnight Team plays a vital role in restoring and resetting the venue to ensure it is immaculate and fully prepared for the following day.

The Role

We are seeking reliable and hardworking individuals to join our Overnight Venue Team.

This is a hands-on role working as part of a small, efficient team responsible for cleaning, clearing and resetting the venue after weddings. The team ensures that all public areas, event spaces and facilities are returned to our exacting standards and fully prepared for the next event.

This role offers flexibility — team members can indicate which shifts they would like to be considered for based on availability and our event schedule.

Key Responsibilities

· Clean and restore all public areas, including event spaces and guest facilities

· Vacuum and mop floors throughout the venue, including bathrooms

· Clean and sanitise toilets and washroom facilities

· Clear and pack away items from the day’s event

· Move furniture and equipment as required

· Lay tables and reset rooms in preparation for the following day’s wedding or event

· Ensure all work is completed efficiently and to a consistently high standard

· Work collaboratively as part of a small night team to complete tasks within set timeframes

Working Hours

· Most shifts begin between 22:45–23:45

· Most shifts finish between 03:30–04:30

· Hours vary depending on event schedules

· Frequent weekend working is required, with mid-week shifts available depending on bookings

· Flexible shift allocation — team members can opt in to shifts based on availability

Skills & Experience

Essential:

· Over 18 years of age

· Reliable, punctual and self-motivated

· Comfortable working late-night hours

· Physically fit and capable of manual handling (moving tables, chairs and equipment)

· Able to work efficiently within a small team

· Strong attention to detail

· Own transport (due to rural location)

Desirable:

· Previous cleaning or hospitality experience

· Experience working within events or venue environments

Training & Support

Full training will be provided, including:

· First Aid

· Fire Safety

· Manual handling and safe working practices

Pay

£14.50 – £15.00 per hour (dependent on age and experience)

Additional Information

South Farm is located approximately 10 minutes from Royston in a rural location. Due to limited public transport, candidates must have their own transport.

In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required during the recruitment process.

For further information about South Farm, please visit www.south-farm.co.uk

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected] or call 01223 207581 for further information.

Benefits:

  • Company events
  • On-site parking

Work Location: In person