At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the reception team while ensuring top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join Shepherds The Vets, a well-established veterinary practice in Bridgend.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £32,000 and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Step up your career in a key leadership role with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: GCSEs required; previous team management experience essential.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Shepherds The Vets are looking for an experienced, confident, and highly organised Head Receptionist to lead their reception teams across Bridgend and associated branches. This is a key leadership role within the practices. Previous team manager experience is essential.
Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Management
- Recruit, induct, train, develop, and manage the reception team
- Inspire and motivate team members, managing performance through regular feedback, appraisals, and performance management
- Manage remote teams across multiple branches, including regular site visits and reviews
- Implement and drive team goals and objectives
- Operational & Resource Management
- Manage rotas, holidays, absence, and branch cover to ensure appropriate staffing levels
- Provide support and cover within the reception team when required
- Ensure effective handovers between reception staff across shift patterns
- Customer Service Excellence
- Ensure consistently high standards of customer service across all reception areas
- Obtain and act upon direct client feedback, implementing improvements where required
- Professionally manage and diffuse challenging customer situations
- Welcome visitors, identify needs, and direct enquiries appropriately
- Telephony & Systems
- Manage telephony performance, including missed call rates, quality monitoring, and reduction of double handling
- Evaluate telephony KPIs, conduct quality control checks, produce quarterly reviews, and take corrective action
- Ensure accurate, compliant use of the appointment and practice management systems
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with client confidentiality, GDPR, Health & Safety, and RCVS requirements
- Maintain accurate practice records and implement corrective action where required
- Manage practice security, including controlled access door systems
- Be fully familiar with emergency procedures and ensure safe evacuation when required
- Financial & Administrative Duties
- Manage the non-payers report, including customer contact, payment arrangements, and escalation where appropriate
- Oversee daily cashing up, banking procedures, and reconciliation
- Ensure all administrative tasks are completed efficiently, accurately, and in a timely manner
Qualifications
- GCSEs essential
- A Levels desirable or NVQ Level
Skills & Attributes
- Self-motivated, trustworthy, and customer-focused
- Previous team manager experience essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Proven ability to lead, manage, and delegate effectively
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Target driven with the ability to work under pressure
- Confident decision-maker able to work on own initiative
If you are an experienced receptionist looking to take the next step in your career with a well-established veterinary practice, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join Shepherds the Vets today. Applications close on 27 February 2026.
Head Receptionist employer: Shepherds The Vets
Contact Detail:
Shepherds The Vets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field or related industries. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to reception management. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share examples of how you’ve inspired and managed teams in the past. This is your chance to shine as a confident decision-maker!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Receptionist role. Highlight your previous team management experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can lead and inspire a team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Shepherds The Vets. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and improved customer service in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills: Since customer service excellence is key, make sure to include examples of how you've handled challenging situations or received positive feedback from clients. We love to see how you go above and beyond for customers!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply 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 – just follow the prompts and submit your documents!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherds The Vets
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Head Receptionist inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around team leadership and customer service excellence. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your previous experience in team management. Think of specific examples where you've inspired or motivated your team, handled performance issues, or implemented improvements. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively across multiple branches.
✨Prepare for Customer Scenarios
Customer service is key in this role, so expect questions about how you would handle challenging situations. Prepare some scenarios from your past experience where you successfully diffused a difficult situation or received direct client feedback. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and customer-focused approach.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the practice is the right fit for you.