At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and manage office operations with a smile.
- Company: Join Markel, a global leader in insurance with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Earn £13.85 per hour with potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; diversity and inclusion are valued.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in a supportive, professional environment.
- Qualifications: Previous reception experience and excellent communication skills required.
Manchester City Centre
Full-time (Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:30)
1-Month Contract (potential to extend)
Be the face of a global business. At Markel, what we do truly matters. Insurance isn't just a service, it's a promise to support people and businesses when it matters most. And every great experience starts with a great welcome. We're looking for a Front of House Receptionist to join us on a temporary basis, ensuring our Manchester office runs smoothly during a period of absence. If you're someone who takes pride in delivering exceptional service and creating a positive first impression, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Welcoming visitors, clients, and colleagues with confidence and professionalism
- Managing meeting rooms, bookings, and catering requirements
- Handling incoming calls and delivering excellent front-line customer service
- Managing post, deliveries, and general office administration
- Supporting facilities and ensuring the office is well-stocked and running smoothly
- Maintaining security, access control, and health & safety standards
- Supporting colleagues with day-to-day office queries and administrative tasks
What you'll bring:
- Previous reception or front-of-house experience
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Strong organisation and multitasking ability
- Good IT skills and attention to detail
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach
- Awareness of health & safety procedures (First Aid/Fire Marshal is a plus)
Why join Markel?
Markel is a Fortune 500 global organisation with offices across 20+ countries. We're known for doing things differently, combining expertise, empathy, and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing. Our values guide everything we do:
- We're all about people
- We win together
- We strive for better
- We enjoy the everyday
- We think further
You'll be joining a supportive, professional environment where your contribution truly matters, even in a short-term role.
The details:
- Location: Manchester City Centre (office-based)
- Contract: Approx. 1 month (with possible extension)
- Pay: £13.85 per hour
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm
Ready to make an impact? Click Apply Now to get started - we'd love to learn more about you. Markel is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements where possible. Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful.
Receptionist (Temporary) employer: Avencia Consulting
Join a dynamic and innovative global insurance business that prioritises employee development and engagement. With a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, our work culture fosters creativity and problem-solving, offering ample opportunities for professional growth in the HR technology space. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive environment where your contributions directly enhance the employee experience and drive impactful technology initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist (Temporary)
✨Get Social with Customer Support Communities
Join customer support groups on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. They often share job openings or temp opportunities. Engaging with these communities can help you learn more about the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for, plus you'll meet folks who might know about openings at companies like Avencia Consulting.
✨Leverage Seasonal Hiring Trends
Since customer support roles can spike during busy seasons (think holidays and sales periods), keep an eye out for timelines when companies ramp up hiring. Make sure to apply early and stay active; sending a quick follow-up a week after applying can show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Flex Your Communication Skills
In customer support, communication is key! Prepare for hypothetical scenarios that test your problem-solving and customer interaction skills. Practising answers to common role-play questions can really help you shine in interviews—trust us, it makes a difference!
✨Make the Most of Job Boards
Use industry-specific job boards like Glassdoor or Indeed to find temporary roles. Don’t forget to set up alerts for customer support positions at companies like Avencia Consulting. The earlier you apply, the better your chances, so keep your finger on the pulse!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist (Temporary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Communication Skills:In customer support, top-notch communication is key. Make sure your CV showcases any previous experience where you’ve had to clearly convey information or resolve issues. If you’ve handled customer queries via email or chat, mention it! Let’s see those strong verbal and written skills shine through.
Showcase Problem-Solving Experience:Employers love to see how you've handled tricky situations. Include examples in your application where you’ve tackled customer concerns or had to think on your feet. It's all about proving you can keep cool under pressure and find solutions—something super important in a temporary customer support role!
Tailor Your Approach for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary gig, make sure your cover letter emphasises your flexibility and eagerness to dive right in. Mention that you're ready to hit the ground running and are adaptable to new tools or systems—this shows that you understand the urgency often needed in temporary positions.
Proof of Customer Satisfaction:If you’ve got any quantifiable achievements from past customer support roles, like improved customer satisfaction scores or successful project completions, make sure to include them. Numbers speak volumes! This not only shows your capability but also gives us a reason to believe you'll bring that same success to Avencia Consulting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avencia Consulting
✨Master the Customer Interaction Game
In customer support, we need to showcase our people skills. Prepare for role-playing scenarios where you'll demonstrate how to handle difficult customers or resolve complaints. Think about the types of issues common in Avencia Consulting's industry and how you can respond empathetically and effectively!
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
For a temporary role, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the products or services Avencia Consulting offers. Brush up on key features, common issues, and FAQs. This knowledge will enable you to respond quickly and confidently to customer queries, showing you’re ready to jump in at a moment’s notice!
✨Flexibility is Key - Emphasise Your Adaptability!
Since this is a temporary role, we're looking to convey how quickly we can adapt to new systems or processes. Be ready to share examples of how you've quickly learned new tools or adjusted to changing environments in past roles. Show them you're the go-to person when the pressure's on!
✨Prepare for Quick Conversational Q&A
You might face a rapid-fire round of questions about customer service principles or how you'd handle specific situations. To ace this, think through different customer scenarios ahead of time, and practice your responses to ensure they're concise and impactful. The aim is to demonstrate your quick thinking and problem-solving skills!