At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage office operations and provide PA support to Senior Management.
- Company: Join Karla Otto, a leading global PR agency in fashion and lifestyle.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be the face of the agency and contribute to exciting projects in luxury sectors.
- Qualifications: Previous office management experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: In-office presence is needed 5 days a week.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Karla Otto is a globally recognized public relations and communications agency, founded in 1982, with offices in 15 key cities across the UK, EMEA, US, and Asia. With a strong presence in fashion capitals such as Milan, London, Paris, and New York, the agency has built a reputation for representing some of the most prestigious names in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. In 2017, Karla Otto merged with K2 to form THE INDEPENDENTS—a global marketing, design, and communications group. This collective brings together industry leaders who share a commitment to innovation, excellence, and thoughtful collaboration across the luxury and lifestyle sectors.
Karla Otto London is looking for an enthusiastic, proactive, and self-motivated individual to join the team as an Office Manager & Reception Lead. This is a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the office, acting as the first point of contact for visitors, and providing occasional PA support to Senior Management. You’ll be responsible for maintaining a welcoming and efficient front-of-house environment, managing general office operations, and supporting the leadership team with administrative tasks as required. This role would require an in-office presence 5 days a week.
Key Responsibilities- Office & Reception Management
- Serve as the first point of contact for the agency – greeting guests, answering calls, and managing deliveries in a professional and welcoming manner
- Ensure the reception area is always tidy, presentable, and well-stocked with relevant materials
- Record and manage office expenditure, budgets, and supplier invoices
- Manage the office support rota, in collaboration with the communications department.
- Organise office layout and maintain supplies of stationery and equipment
- Oversee the condition of the office, coordinating with cleaners, maintenance providers, and contractors as needed
- Negotiate and manage office insurance and service contracts
- Review and update health & safety and fire safety policies, ensuring compliance across both office sites
- Coordinate regular testing of electrical equipment and safety devices
- Manage office subscriptions (magazines, newspapers, digital platforms)
- Maintain accurate records, files, and documentation in line with company policy
- Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Senior Management team including but not limited to minute taking and meeting scheduling, diary management, travel bookings, expenses, and occasional research or presentation support
- Wider project and event management support
- Manage the info@karlotto mailbox and direct emails to relevant stakeholders.
- Previous office management experience, with exposure to PA duties preferable.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment dealing with tasks under pressure.
- Must be efficient in Microsoft Office.
- Efficient time management skills and ability to think outside the box to meet expectations
- Strong communication skills (both written and oral), research, and organisational skills
- Displays leadership qualities and effectively delegates where appropriate
- Prioritises and manages multiple projects simultaneously, and follows through on issues in a timely manner
- Generates novel and useful ideas and solutions to everyday problems and challenges
- Accomplishes tasks accurately, thoroughly, and with a keen eye for detail
- Takes ownership for specific projects without supervision
- Willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to complete a project accurately and on time
- Highly motivated and enthusiastic
- Strong work ethic and sense of urgency.
Office Manager, Receptionist – PA & Team Support employer: KARLA OTTO
Contact Detail:
KARLA OTTO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager, Receptionist – PA & Team Support
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the fashion and luxury sectors, as this role is deeply embedded in these industries. Follow relevant news, trends, and key players to demonstrate your passion and knowledge during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public relations and communications field. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with people who might provide insights or even referrals for the position at Karla Otto.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a mock office management plan. This could include ideas for improving office efficiency or enhancing the reception experience, which will highlight your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Karla Otto's recent projects and clients to understand their work better. Being able to discuss specific campaigns or partnerships during your interview will show your genuine interest in the agency and its operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager, Receptionist – PA & Team Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in office management and PA duties. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand the role and its requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed, such as managing office operations or providing administrative support.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills, time management abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects or tasks under pressure.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at KARLA OTTO
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for the Industry
Karla Otto is deeply rooted in the fashion, beauty, and luxury sectors. Make sure to express your passion for these industries during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your understanding of current trends and challenges.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
As an Office Manager & Reception Lead, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks efficiently. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed office operations or supported senior management in previous roles. This will showcase your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially as the first point of contact for visitors. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might also want to prepare for questions about how you would handle difficult situations with guests or team members.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, such as managing office supplies or dealing with a last-minute change in a senior manager's schedule. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.