Front Desk Officer

Company: Elizabeth School of London

Position: Front Desk Officer (Receptionist)

Location: ON-SITE, Northampton, UK

Salary: £23K - £25K (Depending on experience)

Job Type: Full time, Monday to Friday (Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends, as required)

Start Date: Immediate

About Us:

The Elizabeth School of London (ESL) is a higher education provider committed to offering relevant, high-quality programmes on campuses across six major cities including London, Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, and Northampton. With an inclusive approach to the recruitment of students, we provide one-to-one academic and career guidance with the purpose of widening access to higher education among groups currently under- represented. We believe that education is transformational and can make a fundamental difference to the individuals and communities we serve.

Front Desk Officer (Receptionist)

The front desk officer serves as the first point of contact for students, staff, and visitors at the university's main reception area. The officer provides exceptional customer service, handles inquiries, and ensures efficient operations of the front desk. This role requires strong communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills to create a welcoming and informative environment for all visitors.

Reporting to: Operations Coordinator

Duties and Responsibilities

Greet and Assist Visitors

- Welcome all visitors, including students, faculty, staff, and external guests.

- Provide a friendly, professional, and positive first impression of the university.

- Answer inquiries and provide accurate information regarding university services, facilities, and campus events.

- Direct visitors to appropriate offices, classrooms, or departments.

- Handle phone calls, transferring calls to the appropriate individuals or departments.

Manage Front Desk Operations

- Maintain a clean and organised reception area.

- Manage the reception schedule, ensuring adequate coverage during business hours.

- Monitor and manage visitor access to the campus, including issuing visitor passes when required.

Administrative, Facility and Operational Support

- Assist in various administrative, including filing, photocopying, scanning, and inventory management.

- Support in ensuring the smooth operations in the campus.

- Escalating any facilities or maintenance issues to the appropriate personnel.

- Provide administrative support during university events and meetings.

Health and Safety

- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations at the front desk area.

- Monitor and report any security or safety concerns to appropriate personnel.

- Assist in emergency procedures, such as evacuation protocols or first aid response.

Collaboration and Teamwork

- Collaborate with other university staff to ensure smooth operations and effective communication.

- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.

- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications and Skills

- High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or certification in office administration is a plus.

- Proven experience as a receptionist or in a customer service role.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise tasks.

- Proficient in using office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and telephone systems.

- Knowledge of university policies, services, or campus layout is an advantage.

- Friendly, approachable, and professional behaviour.

- Ability to handle difficult or demanding situations with tact and diplomacy.

- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends, as required.

Benefits:

• Annual leave (5.6 weeks) + bank holidays.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Statutory Sick Pay.
• Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
• Career development opportunities
• Training and self-development opportunities.
• Gym membership discounts
• Retail discount schemes
• Cinema discounts
• Grocery discounts
• Cycle to work
• Investing and savings opportunities
• Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
• Financial wellbeing education
• My Mind Pal (mental fitness)