Front Desk Receptionist in Northampton - Elizabeth School of London

Job Description Company: Elizabeth School of London
Position: Front Desk Receptionist
Location: ON-SITE, Northampton, UK
Salary: £23K - £24K (Depending on experience)
Job Type: Full time, Monday to Friday

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.

Role of Front Desk Receptionist:

The receptionist serves as the first point of contact for students, staff, and visitors at the university's main reception area. The receptionist 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.

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 Support
- Assist in various administrative tasks, including filing, photocopying, scanning, and data entry.
- Update and maintain student and staff directories.
- 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:

Private medical (health) insurance with BUPA
Annual leave (5.6 weeks), including 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)