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- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our Head Office, greeting visitors and managing communications.
- Company: Join the Harris Federation, a leader in transforming education for disadvantaged pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent professional development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your career in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in admin tasks are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 28000 £ per year.
£26,000-£32,000 + Performance and Loyalty Bonus + Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan + Pension Scheme (LGPS) + Additional Harris Benefits
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for a receptionist to work within the Harris Federation Head Office, undertaking Reception and other administrative duties within the CEO's team.
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Greeting and receiving all visitors to Head Office in a professional manner, ensuring compliance with safeguarding and Health & Safety protocols
- Operating the telephone switchboard, directing calls to appropriate departments or staff members, taking messages, and responding promptly to enquiries from parents/carers and the public
- Maintaining the reception area and meeting rooms to a high standard, ensuring they are tidy, presentable and reset after use, and reporting any maintenance issues to the Office Manager
- Supporting the Office Manager with office maintenance tasks, including coordinating fire drills, liaising with engineers and managing heating/air con servicing
- Organising and preparing refreshments for meetings and events
- Updating employee records to reflect staff changes for switchboard/Inventry accuracy
- Managing incoming and outgoing mail and parcels, including maintaining the franking machine account and ordering supplies
- Coordinating courier services and managing related accounts
- Maintaining the academy contact sheet, ensuring Principal and PA details are current
- Building positive relationships with staff, contractors and external agencies to support the Federation's objectives
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Flexibility and ability to respond to multiple demands and to prioritise
- The ability to work well with colleagues and visitors
- A high level of adaptability to changing demands
- The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- The ability to plan and organise work to meet varying deadlines
- The ability to work on own and take initiative
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of delivering a high-quality service
- Experience of a range of general administrative duties
- Good ICT skills and experience, including Word, Excel and management information systems (MIS)
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
- Lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site
APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation. Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice: The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Receptionist in Croydon employer: HARRIS FEDERATION
Contact Detail:
HARRIS FEDERATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out the Harris Federation's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, like managing calls and maintaining a tidy reception area.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially for a receptionist role. Aim for smart, professional attire that reflects the welcoming environment of the Harris Federation. You want to look approachable and ready to greet visitors!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. Plus, it shows you're proactive—just what they’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack: Before diving into your application, make sure to download and read the job pack. It’s packed with useful info that’ll help you tailor your application to what we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Skills: When writing your CV or supporting statement, highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how you can bring flexibility, adaptability, and strong communication skills to our team!
Keep It Professional: Remember, first impressions count! Make sure your application is well-structured and free from typos. A polished application shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
Apply Online: We only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit yours there. You can even use your LinkedIn profile to speed things up, but double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at HARRIS FEDERATION
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research the Harris Federation. Understand their mission, values, and the impact they have on education. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a receptionist, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled inquiries or resolved issues in previous roles. Practising clear and concise responses will help you demonstrate your verbal skills during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The job requires juggling multiple tasks and adapting to changing demands. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed competing priorities or adapted to unexpected changes. Sharing these experiences will highlight your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, or the organisation's future plans. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.