At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our office while managing calls and supporting various departments.
- Company: Join a family-run business with over 100 years of experience in greening the nation.
- Benefits: Enjoy early finishes on Fridays, annual bonuses, and summer ice lollies!
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a low turnover workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment with stunning views.
- Qualifications: Previous reception or admin experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Hours: 39 hours per week (8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Wednesday, 8:00 am to 4 pm on Thursday and Friday)
Want to join our team and help green the nation? Join a business that reduces the nation’s carbon footprint with every sale.
Johnsons Nurseries is a three-generation family business located in North Yorkshire, equidistant between York and Harrogate, with over 100 years’ experience in growing and supplying millions of trees, shrubs, and plants to UK-wide planting schemes each year.
About the role
Are you highly organised, friendly, and thrive in an office environment? We’re looking for a proactive Reception & Office Administrator to be the welcoming face of our company and a key part of our day-to-day operations. This is a varied role that combines reception duties with essential administrative support across multiple departments — ideal for someone who enjoys multitasking, solving problems, and working with people at all levels.
Your main responsibilities:
- Providing a front-of-house service, greeting visitors and reminding them to check in.
- Answer and manage incoming calls efficiently, taking messages, and ensuring timely follow-ups.
- Manage inbound website enquiries, logging them appropriately and providing regular reports as needed.
- Coordinate and manage meeting room bookings, pool car reservations, and buffet/catering arrangements for meetings or events.
- Supporting general administration across multiple departments, including Sales, Operations, Accounts, and more.
- Assisting with office management tasks, such as liaising with service providers, and keeping shared spaces tidy and well-prepared.
Experience of working as a receptionist or in an administrative role in an office environment.
Effective communication skills (both verbal and digital) to liaise with colleagues and external visitors.
Interpersonal skills.
An ability to multitask and prioritise effectively.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications.
A positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to support wherever needed.
We genuinely believe we have one of the best working environments with stunning views over the Vale of York. We currently employ a workforce of 120, rising to 150 seasonally across our three sectors: Commercial, Retail, and our onsite Trade Cash and Carry. We are proud of our low employee turnover and ability to identify, recruit and develop employees who go on to give 20, 30 or even more than 40 years service.
Benefits to working at Johnsons:
- Early finish on a Friday
- Annual attendance bonus
- Ice lollies during the summer
- Trade Cash and Carry discount
How to apply
If you like the sound of this opportunity and are interested in becoming part of our team, please send your CV and a covering letter, clearly setting out how you meet the requirements of our job role (which are set out in the employee specification), to recruitment@johnsonsnurseries.co.uk by Sunday 9 November 2025. The full list of attributes for this job role can be found in our employee specification, where we have also identified how each one will be assessed: therefore, please check this carefully to ensure that your CV and covering letter address all of the relevant attributes we have set out. Please note if you do not provide a covering letter to support your application, we will be unable to take your application further.
Reception & Office Administrator in Harrogate employer: Johnsons Nurseries Ltd.
Johnsons Nurseries is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment with stunning views over the Vale of York. With a strong focus on employee development and a low turnover rate, we pride ourselves on nurturing talent and providing opportunities for long-term career growth. Enjoy unique benefits such as early finishes on Fridays, annual attendance bonuses, and discounts at our Trade Cash and Carry, all while contributing to a business dedicated to reducing the nation's carbon footprint.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception & Office Administrator in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Johnsons Nurseries. Understand their mission to green the nation and how they operate. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Reception & Office Administrator, you'll be the friendly face of the company. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence in handling calls and greeting visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your multitasking abilities! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've juggled multiple tasks successfully. Be ready to share these during your interview to demonstrate that you can handle the varied responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! While sending your CV and covering letter is essential, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for the role and the company in your application. We love seeing candidates who are excited about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Reception & Office Administrator in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Reception & Office Administrator. Tailor your CV and covering letter to highlight how your skills match our needs.
Craft a Compelling Covering Letter:Your covering letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to address the specific attributes mentioned in the employee specification, and don’t forget to show off your personality!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:As a Reception & Office Administrator, being organised is key. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. This will help us see that you can handle the varied responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@johnsonsnurseries.co.uk by the deadline. Remember, no covering letter means we can't move forward with your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd.
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Johnsons Nurseries. Understand their mission to reduce the carbon footprint and their history in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Reception & Office Administrator, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or solved problems. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy office environment.
✨Practice Your Communication
Effective communication is crucial for this role. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your verbal and digital communication skills.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, or specific responsibilities of the role. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the opportunity.
