PORTMEIRION
A Great Place to Work www.portmeirion-village.com
WHY WORK FOR PORTMEIRION? Imagine working in one of the most picturesque villages in Wales – a place that offers unique architecture, hip hotels, wonderful woodlands and cool events. Now consider being part of the magic. Our success as a company relies on the vision, passion and capabilities of our staff. The size and scope of our village means that the opportunities on offer are as diverse as the people who work here. So if you’re someone with passion, skill and ambition, you may be just what we’re looking for. And of course, we want to reward brilliance, that's why we offer a great range of benefits including competitive salaries, 28 days paid holiday, exclusive staff discounts, and flexible working options, alongside great job satisfaction.
COMPANY OVERVIEW “Cherish the past. Adorn the present. Construct for the future�. Portmeirion is situated on its own private peninsula surrounded by 70 acres of tropical forest. It was built by the visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976 to show how a unique site could be created in keeping with the natural landscape. Today, the village is the perfect place to visit, eat, shop, stay and relax thanks to our collection of hip hotels, award winning restaurants, eclectic shops and scenic spa. As part of the Clough Williams-Ellis foundation, our aim is to preserve and promote Portmeirion through excellent service and the upkeep of its buildings and land.
DIVERSITY We are committed to an active Equal Opportunities Policy. But our passion for diversity and equality doesn’t just cover our recruitment and selection procedures, it also includes learning and development, appraisal and promotion opportunities. It is our policy to: 1. Promote a working environment free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the basis of: • Gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment • Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, • Hours of work • Religious or political beliefs • Disability • Age 2. Ensure that our workers are not disadvantaged in any aspect of our employment policies or working
practices unless justified as necessary for operational reasons. 3. Employ a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve and maximises personal and commercial opportunities. 4. Review changes in attitude and application of internal policy. 5. Raise staff awareness by designing and delivering training programmes that support the Equal Opportunities aims. 6. Comply with the law and communicate to our stakeholders the responsibility to protect both individuals and the company. 7. We also recognise that it may be necessary to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled workers or applicants are not placed at a substantial disadvantage by a practice or policy that exists at Portmeirion.
Learning & Development To improve your confidence and skill base, we offer a comprehensive range of apprenticeships, in-house training and performance coaching programmes. Whatever your role, wherever your ambition lies, we’ll tailor your training to meet your needs, giving you all the support you need to do your job better. Of course, we're not just about vertical progression here in Portmeirion. We'll also help you change careers. Today's receptionist could be tomorrow's wedding planner. Our world is your oyster.
MARK THREADGILL head chef I was 13 and washing dishes at a local restaurant when I discovered that cooking isn't just about ingredients and following recipes. It's about harnessing imagination, passion and creativity. Seduced by the adrenaline and artistry of it all, I decided to become a chef. My mother warned me about the long hours but I don't regret a single second spent in the kitchen. I really love what I do. I started my career in Portmeirion as a 16 year-old trainee. After spending time cooking at the famous French restaurant Pierre Reboul and a two Michelin star restaurant in London, I took my skills back to Portmeirion in 2013, as head chef at the hotel’s restaurant. Someone asked me the other day how I maintain such a great sense of team spirit in the kitchen. I think it comes down to communication, maintaining calm, collaborating and allowing people’s creativity to get an audience. If someone wants to try something new, I’ll encourage it and put the dish on the menu if it’s good enough. I treat people how I’d expect to be treated myself. My ultimate ambition is to get a Michelin star. I know it's tough and even tougher to stay at the top of your game night after night once you've got to that coveted position - but I thrive on pressure.
MY STORY
MY STORY
LLIO WILLIAMS Food & Beverage Manager I never intended to work in hospitality. I studied product design at University but enjoyed my student job as a waitress so much that I changed career direction. I got a real buzz from meeting new people and indulging my passion for hospitality. After honing my skills in Belgium, I returned home to North Wales to become a food and beverage supervisor in Portmeirion. I chose Portmeirion Hotel because of its prestige, Welsh language policy and reputation for being somewhere you could really fulfill your vision. Within a year I had been promoted to deputy restaurant manager. Now, aged 26, I’m food and beverage manager. I love my role because no two days are the same. I do everything from training staff to coming up with new ideas for the restaurant, but the real thrill is meeting all types of people. Everyone has a story to tell and I love making their visit here special. My ultimate ambition is to own my own boutique hotel one day. Working in Portmeirion has taught me that anything is possible if you have the right attitude and willingness to learn.
martin couture
MY STORY
head decorator I’ve worked for Portmeirion for 40 years and I’d like to carry on to celebrate my golden anniversary here. There really isn’t anywhere quite like it. I left school at sixteen to become a trainee gardener before being seduced by the artistry of painting Portmeirion. I completed my apprenticeship in 1983 and never looked back. It’s been an interesting journey, and I count myself lucky to have worked with Susan Williams-Ellis, the founder of Portmeirion Potteries. She was a wonderful woman and a true artist who taught me how to mix the right shade of paints for the village buildings and stay true to her father’s vision. Maintaining Portmeirion really is an art. The walls must retain the sun washed look of a real Mediterranean village; the outdoor paintings have to be refreshed - and battling the elements of a coastal location is never dull. But my favourite bit? Climbing scaffoldings and taking in the views. This is more than just a painter’s job. This is about continuing the legacy of an extraordinary man.
40 years of service
READY TO JOIN US? If you like the idea of being part of a village that will promise to reward, inspire and develop you, then simply say yes to Portmeirion by downloading our online application form or contacting us at jobs@portmeirion-village.com If you have a disability or learning difficulty which means you are unable to complete the application process online, please call us on 01766 772 369 / 320. www.portmeirion-village.com