Receptionist in Southampton

We are seeking a highly professional and organised Receptionist to be the first point of contact for our new EMEA Corporate HQ (Vision Centre). This role is critical in creating a welcoming and efficient environment for visitors, clients, and employees, while supporting the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the office. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced corporate and scientific setting.

This role will be one of two full time Receptionists, working over two shifts: one from 08.00 – 16.30 and the other from 09.30 – 18.00 Monday to Friday.

• Front of House & Reception
  • Greet visitors, clients, and suppliers in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Manage the reception area, ensuring it is tidy, presentable, and aligned with corporate standards.
  • Handle incoming and outgoing post, small courier deliveries in conjunction with the Storesperson.
• Visitor Management & Compliance
  • Manage visitor registration systems, including issuing passes and maintaining accurate logs.
  • Ensure all visitors comply with site security, health & safety, and confidentiality protocols.
  • Assist staff with meeting room bookings and support the Facilities assistant prepare rooms as required.
• Administrative Support
  • Provide general administrative support to the Facilities team.
  • Maintain office supplies and place orders where necessary.
  • Assist with onboarding processes for new starters (e.g. access passes, inductions).
• Office & Facilities Coordination
  • Assist with organising corporate events, meetings, and internal communications.
  • Support health & safety procedures, including fire register management and emergency protocols.

Experience / Education

• Previous experience in a Receptionist, Front of House, or administrative role in a corporate environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Professional presentation and customer‑focused approach.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanour.
• Proactive with a “can‑do” attitude.
• High level of attention to detail and reliability.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Team‑oriented with a willingness to support wider business needs.

What we offer

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including health cash plan, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more! We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours.

We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.

What you can expect

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering a diverse and inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success. With our CooperPride, African Descent, Woman’s Impact Network and Mind Body and Wellbeing Employee Resource Groups, we offer opportunities for employees to learn and grow within an inclusive and safe space. All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.