Position of Technical Services Manager (Director Designate)

The Challenge

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proven, qualified Technical Services Manager with extensive
management experience to join the Herm Island team on a permanent basis.

Herm is located three miles off the larger island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands between Southern England and France. It is a picturesque holiday resort with a resident population of just 60 people that swells to double during the summer months, along with up to 2000 guests a day. It has one hotel, a vibrant pub, two shops, 20 holiday cottages and a campsite. Being a small, sometimes isolated island, working and living on Herm can be challenging and demanding requiring flexibility, a positive attitude and absolute professionalism. But, as a unique location, it is also immeasurably rewarding with never a dull moment and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to the right candidate.

The Role

Herm Island Technical Services Manager responsibilities include:

• Directly managing a multi-disciplinary service team of 16+, ensuring work is prioritised for the efficient operation of the island and its businesses.
• Setting and managing budgets and implementing cost effective solutions.
• Managing island infrastructure, including the power station, water supply network and sewerage system.
• Project management from conception to completion.
• Ensuring compliance in regard to H&S, lease and environmental regulations.
• Ensuring the entire island, including its infrastructure, is operational and maintained.
• Managing contractors.
• Liaising and being point of contact for relevant States of Guernsey departments.
• Managing island waste operations.
• Logistics.
• Recruitment of staff including drafting job descriptions, placing adverts, appraisal of candidates, interviews and guidance for moving to the island.
• Developing and maintaining positive collaborative relations with both internal and external service users.

The Ideal Candidate

• Strong leadership skills.
• Amiable, professional and approachable at all times.
• Good knowledge and understanding of utilities and infrastructure.
• Experience of property management and building services.
• Committed and dedicated.
• Willing to respond 24/7.
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills.
• Knowledge of IT systems.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualified.

Service Team
The Service team comprises of one ‘hands on’ island engineer, an assistant engineer, a skipper/relief engineer, a carpenter, a builder, a painter, an estate manager, 2 gardeners, a recycling & refuse operative, 2 outdoor maintenance team/tractor drivers, 3 campsite staff and extra seasonal staff as required.

Maintenance Policy
The company spends consistently on running and refurbishing the island, such as the hotel, holiday cottages or the infrastructure. It is the maintenance team’s job to ensure that preventative maintenance and good winter planning restrict ‘summer season’ problems to the minimum and the island looks its best at all times.


Family/Schooling
For applicants with a young family we have an excellent island school (States of Guernsey Education Authority) which can take children up to the age of 11 years; there are currently 8 pupils. Children who have lived on the island for some years, subject to certain criteria and to there being space in our boarding house, can be offered a weekly boarding arrangement in Guernsey, to take advantage of Guernsey’s excellent schools.
The island offers an ideal, safe outdoor environment for children with first class schooling. It is not essential for couples living on the island to have children as long as they’re prepared to get involved with the community and make the most of island life.

Recreation
Enjoy wonderful beaches and walks, swimming after work in summer, fishing, kayaking and many other outdoor activities. The Mermaid Tavern is open for most of the year, except January – mid February. Good restaurants with a 20% discount on food for island residents. Guernsey is just 20 minutes away by hourly ferry in summer and twice daily in winter with additional midday sailings on Wednesdays and Saturdays in winter. Nominal charge for out of high season visiting family in self-catering units.

Housing
Unfurnished but double-glazed and centrally heated accommodation will be provided with the only charge being for heating, electricity, gas and broadband.
The broadband charge is £125 per year (subject to review) and our utility charges are far lower than the UK.

The Rewards
This is an exciting and challenging position in a healthy environment with an idyllic lifestyle.  A realistic salary plus bonus, 4 weeks’ holiday, good rent-free housing, quad bike for work usage, (applicant must have full driving licence) low tax of 20%, no rates or council taxes and no need for a car! 50% of relocation costs. This represents a generous package when compared to UK salaries and living expenses.

Commencement
Ideally August/September 2019.

Selection Procedure
The Directors consider the selection of staff to be one of the most important aspects of the success of Herm Island. Therefore, applications should be as detailed as possible to ensure the recruitment of a suitable person who will work well with existing staff but also someone who will enjoy the island and all it has to offer. A key issue is to ensure that the applicant’s partner/family will be happy living in a relatively small and remote community.

On receipt of applications those short-listed will receive an initial telephone call from one of the directors. A follow up call may be made to the applicant’s partner to discuss the many domestic matters relating to island life – shopping, medical issues, schooling etc. If shortlisted a 2/3 day interview will be held on the island (travel & accommodation costs at Herm’s expense).  The family/partner will need to attend the interview.

Applications
Applications in writing addressed to
Simon George,
Herm Island,
Via Guernsey,
Channel Islands
GY1 3HR.

Include full CV, current family photograph and a letter with family details and enough background information for us to assess the suitability of the applicant to live and work in our small island community.

Emails to: simongeorge@herm.com

Closing Date for applications: 7th May 2019

Herm Island is seeking professional people to take on a career-defining challenge.

In 2019 we are striving to make Herm Island a premier hospitality destination for the UK and are seeking high quality candidates to fulfil a number of exciting roles to help achieve this goal.

Herm is located three miles off the larger island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands between Southern England and France. It is a picturesque holiday resort with a resident population of just 60 people that swells to almost double during the summer months. It has one hotel, a vibrant pub, two shops, 20 holiday cottages and a campsite. Being a small, sometimes isolated island, working and living on Herm can be challenging, demanding and not for the faint hearted and requires flexibility, a positive attitude and absolute professionalism.

All positions are live-in and our team are expected to work 6 days out of 7 when the business demands. All positions are paid hourly with holiday accumulating throughout the season. Unless prior permission is granted, we do not expect any of our team to take holiday during the season. Living and working on Herm will bring you close to guests, locals, and your colleagues. You need to be able to adapt and develop with the island team in order to be happy and productive during your time on Herm.

We are looking for people with the following attributes and work ethic:
• A positive and committed attitude
• Work well under pressure
• Ability to handle a relentless work schedule during busy periods
• A team player
• Professionalism delivering high standards at all times
• An excellent sense of humour
What we offer:
• Industry benchmarked competitive salary
• 50% discount on accommodation and board costs (retrospective on completing the season) – potential of £1,700
• Fantastic hands on work experience
• Private accommodation
• Opportunity to work paid extra hours
• On the job training to include level 2 FSA certificates

We currently have the following vacancies available:

Committed chefs
Commis Chefs and Chef de Partie to join our dedicated and ambitious team, cooking for two differing style restaurants:
Conservatory restaurant – 2 AA rosette – up to 100 covers
Informal Ship Inn Brasserie – up to 120 covers

Seasonal Waiting and Kitchen Staff
Experienced service staff looking for their next challenge and to gain experience for their career. Must offer high standards and deliver impeccable service to the customer.
These are seasonal roles from March to October, complete with accommodation and a competitive package.

For all the above positions at The White House Hotel, please email your current CV and photo plus covering letter to robertletherbarrow@herm.com

Room Attendants
A dynamic individual with excellent attention to detail whilst being self-motivated and extremely organized in ensuring that all cottages, hotel rooms and public areas are cleaned to the required standard. Experience in a similar role is preferred but not essential. All the necessary training will be provided but a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic are a must.
These are seasonal roles from March to October, complete with accommodation and a competitive package.

For room attendant positions, please email your current CV and photo plus covering letter to: IoanaMacoveanu@herm.com

More about Herm:
Herm boasts some of the best beaches in the British Isles, a great community and amazing wildlife. It has no cars and is only 1.5 miles long by 0.5 miles wide. Herm is only a 20 minute boat journey from Guernsey which has a population of 65,000 and offers all the benefits of a major UK town. As an employee of Herm Island, you will receive a heavily subsidised boat pass for travel to and from Guernsey.
Herm is a very unique and special place and if you adapt well within the working environment you will have a close set of colleagues and be part of a business which is hard not to love and cherish throughout the rest of your career. The unique elements of Herm make it a popular attraction for visitors but it is vital our staff appreciate they are part of a team to make the visitor experience as exceptional as possible.

The Mermaid tavern is the social hub of Herm Island. It is fast paced and fun although extremely busy. Guernsey residents are extremely fond of The Mermaid and have high expectations of service and quality. We also cater for boat loads of tourists on a daily basis and our goal is to impress them so much, that their next holiday booking is on Herm itself. Our food & beverage is of a very high standard and our service is relaxed & informal whilst being polite and professional.

We host many live music events, real ale festivals, and create events that keep a buzz about the place throughout the season.

So if you’re up for working hard, having fun & making a difference, then the jobs is yours!

The Mermaid Tavern is currently looking to recruit the following staff for the 2019 season.

• Sous chef
• Bar staff
• Front of house assistants
• Chef de parties
• Kitchen porters

Salary details available on application

All staff should have a positive attitude, be hard working and provide dates when available, current CV with photograph and references.
Priority for those sharing accommodation (COUPLES) will be given.

To apply for any of the above positions or for further information please email tomjones@herm.com

Herm Island Gift Shops – Sales Assistants 2019

Please apply to:
Edwin Dyer at edwindyer@herm.com or General Manager, Herm Island Gift Shops, Herm Island, Guernsey, GY1 3HR

Would you like to spend your summer by the beach?
Herm Island beach cafes are currently looking to recruit general assistants for the 2019 season.

Various dates are available from late March until late September.

We are looking to recruit fun, hard-working people with a good command of English. Experience is preferred but not essential.

To apply for a post at the beach cafes, please send a C.V. with a skype address, photo and a covering letter stating the dates that you are available and a brief reason why you would like to work at the beach cafes to:

Helena Rowe
Beach Cafes Manager
Herm Island
Via Guernsey
Channel Islands
GY1 3HR

or e-mail to: hermcafes@hotmail.com

There are currently no general outdoor vacancies in Herm.

Administration and Financial Accounting Manager
Accountancy with a difference.

The Island

Herm is located three miles off the larger island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands between Southern England and France. It is a picturesque holiday resort with a resident population in winter of just 60 people which swells considerably during the summer months with seasonal staff. It has a small primary school, a church, one hotel, two pubs, a vibrant gift shop, 20 holiday cottages, two campsites & two beach cafes.

In peak season around 800 guests can be staying on the island as well as an additional 1,000+ day visitors. Everyone working on the island lives in designated housing within the community and visiting guests stay in either the hotel, self-catering cottages or campsites.

Being a small, sometimes isolated island, working and living on Herm can be challenging and demanding requiring flexibility, a positive attitude and absolute professionalism. But, as a unique location, it is also immeasurably rewarding with never a dull moment and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to the right candidate.

The Challenge

We are seeking an accountant with experience of working within an SME covering all aspects of finance and IT. You will be the joint leader of a small finance team ensuring effective day-to-day finance and administrative operations. You will demonstrate a commitment to the ongoing development of the finance function, developing the team and the implementation of technology to support ongoing efficiencies within the island business. The job requires strong problem solving abilities, an understanding of business networks and systems and a good accounting background. You will work alongside the company financial controller, reporting to the CEO. This is certainly not a traditional accounting role.

Key responsibilities. To be personally accountable for:
• Processing monthly and weekly payroll, HR and statutory returns.
• Maintenance of all financial accounting records and completion of annual statutory accounts within set timelines.
• IT services, bank accounts, adequate insurance cover, liaison with accountancy, payroll and HR firms.
• Provision of accounting and IT support to trading departments.
• Cash handling and ad hoc projects/issues.
• Stock takes, using both internal and external stock takers.

Key requirements
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong IT skills with an ability to identify problems on business/financial systems and the island network with support from off-island IT suppliers.
• Ability to review/monitor financial systems and ensure best practices are applied.
• Flexible approach to working and the ability to develop and maintain positive collaborative relations with both internal and external service users.
• Amiable, professional and approachable at all times.

Applications:
Please apply with your full current CV and covering letter with enough background information for us to assess the suitability of the applicant to live and work in our small island community. Please also provide details of any family members who would be relocating with you to Herm.
Emails to finance@herm.com
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2019

Assistant Campsite Wardens required.

Do you fancy spending the summer working in the great outdoors on the most beautiful island in the Channel Islands? If so this could be the job for you!

We are looking for active, fit and outgoing people to assist in the running of the two campsites on Herm.
A good command of English is essential.
Candidates must also have a full, clean driving licence as the use of a tractor/quad bike will be required.

Duties include:

• Erection & maintenance of our rental tents, including cleaning
• Keeping the shower & toilet blocks clean and in good working order
• Maintenance of the campsite grounds, ride on mower supplied!
• Collection & movement of camper’s equipment & baggage
• Helping the outdoor team with general island cargo
• Dealing with the customers in a friendly and efficient manner

A position is available from early April until mid-October while a second, shorter term position is available from July until the end of August.

To apply please send a CV, two recent photos (at least one funny!), a few lines about yourself and your availability to:

Simon George
Managing Director-Services
Herm Island
Via Guernsey
GY1 3HR

Or email to: simongeorge@herm.com

Job title: Assistant Gardener

Skills: Some gardening experience and training in plant knowledge

The Challenge:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an active, fit and outgoing person to join our gardening team on a temporary basis. We are a beautiful tourist island just 1 ½ miles long by ½ mile wide situated a 20 minute boat ride from Guernsey with 60 permanent residents (including children). The company spends consistently on running and refurbishing the island and the gardening team play a vital role part in the island’s upkeep and general appearance.

The ideal candidate:
This role would suit someone interested in horticulture with basic training in plant knowledge, horticultural equipment and pruning techniques.
They must be able to work as part of a team or on their own, be enthusiastic and willing to learn, physically fit and able to work with the public and the community
A full driving licence is essential.

The work role:
Guaranteed never a dull moment working in a healthy, outdoor environment with a commute time of just a few minutes!
The Assistant Gardener’s responsibilities mainly involve the following areas:
• Watering and mowing schedules
• Weekly garden tours
• Maintaining the gardens in the hotel and holiday cottages
• Community activities; school horticultural and environmental projects
• Planting and maintaining summer bedding displays
• Work towards the up-keep of the island’s green spaces and judging day for the Floral Guernsey competition

Duration:
May – November

To apply please send a CV, two recent photos (at least one funny!), a few lines about yourself and your availability to:

Simon George
Managing Director-Services
Herm Island
Via Guernsey
GY1 3HR

Or email to: simongeorge@herm.com

Housekeeping Manager
A skilled Head Housekeeper with great supervisory and organizational skills, able to assist in the smooth running of a 40-bedroom hotel and 20 self-catering cottages. The right candidate will be supporting the Executive Head Housekeeper, inspecting, training and working alongside the team to ensure that all operational standards are met in line with quality, cleanliness, health and safety and business needs.
This is a seasonal role from March to October 2019 which could be extended into a permanent role, complete with accommodation and competitive package.

Room Attendants
A dynamic individual with excellent attention to detail whilst being self-motivated and extremely organized in ensuring that all cottages, hotel rooms and public areas are cleaned to the required standard. Experience in a similar role is preferred but not essential. All the necessary training will be provided but a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic are a must.
These are seasonal roles from March to October, complete with accommodation and a competitive package.

For housekeeping and room attendant positions, please email your current CV and photo plus covering letter to: IoanaMacoveanu@herm.com

There are currently no engineering vacancies in Herm.