At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contractor access and maintain safety records at the Defence Academy.
- Company: Join a supportive team at a leading defence organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Great career progression and inclusive employee networks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Working at the heart of the Contractor Control Office, you’ll support the safe delivery of essential services by maintaining accurate records, managing contractor access, and upholding high standards of health and safety. Your efforts will have a positive impact on colleagues, visitors, and the wider community by ensuring a safe and compliant site for everyone.
What you’ll do:
- Manage contractor inductions, ensuring all individuals complete required health and safety briefings annually.
- Maintain accurate records and spreadsheets to support audit requirements and compliance.
- Verify contractor arrivals, sign‑in processes, and on‑site working locations.
- Update and manage systems such as TOPdesk, ensuring records are current and accessible.
- Issue contractor passes and lanyards in line with compliance requirements.
- Monitor and report daily contractor numbers to relevant stakeholders.
- Provide administrative and front desk support, including handling queries, emails, and phone calls.
Qualifications:
- Strong customer service skills with a proactive and professional approach.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and stay composed under pressure.
- Disability Confident – you can demonstrate that you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Location & Schedule:
Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, SN6 8LA
Salary: Competitive plus benefits
Schedule: Perm/PT (22.5 hours) Monday - Friday 07:30 am – 12:00 pm
Benefits:
- Holidays – Competitive holiday package.
- Pension – Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Training and development – Over 1,100 internal courses, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Health and wellbeing – Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
- Discounts – Discounts across nearly 1,000 retailers, including food, clothing, entertainment and travel.
- Charity – Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate pennies from monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity.
- Employee networks – Support for inclusion and connection, providing spaces for collaboration, learning and belonging for LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.
Main Gate Receptionist employer: Serco Group plc
At the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the contributions of our Main Gate Receptionists. With a strong focus on employee growth through extensive training and development opportunities, a competitive benefits package, and a supportive work culture that champions diversity and inclusion, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Main Gate Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Defence Academy and its values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your customer service skills and attention to detail can shine in the Main Gate Receptionist role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look professional and approachable. A smart outfit can boost your confidence and set the right tone for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Main Gate Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Main Gate Receptionist. We want to see how you can contribute to maintaining high standards of health and safety and supporting our team.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about interacting with colleagues and visitors, let us know about your strong customer service skills. Share examples of how you've handled queries or provided support in previous roles to demonstrate your proactive approach.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key for this position. When filling out your application, make sure to showcase your ability to maintain accurate records and manage competing priorities. We love candidates who can stay composed under pressure!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Group plc
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Main Gate Receptionist. Familiarise yourself with managing contractor inductions, maintaining records, and the importance of health and safety standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with contractors and visitors, be prepared to discuss your customer service experience. Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond to assist someone or resolve an issue. This will demonstrate your proactive and professional approach.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Highlight your attention to detail during the interview. You might be asked about how you maintain accurate records or manage competing priorities. Share examples from your past experiences where your meticulous nature helped avoid mistakes or improved processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle specific situations, like managing a busy reception desk or dealing with a difficult contractor. Practise your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to stay composed under pressure.
