At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our HQ while supporting senior executives with their daily tasks.
- Company: Join XMA, a leading UK tech solutions company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, pension, gym discounts, and 25-30 days holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to supporting all individuals, including those with disabilities.
- Why this job: Step into a dynamic role with growth opportunities and mentorship in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, professional, and confident; experience in admin or reception is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
XMA Group is looking for a friendly, organised, and proactive Personal Assistant & Receptionist to join our team at our Reading headquarters. This is a highly visible role sitting at the heart of the business, combining front-of-house responsibilities with executive support. You’ll be the welcoming face of our HQ while also providing day-to-day administrative and diary support to a small group of senior Executives. This role is ideal for someone with strong coordination skills who enjoys variety, responsibility, and being relied upon.
You’ll be supported and mentored as you grow into the PA side of the role, making this a great opportunity for someone looking to step up from an administrative or office support position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Front of House & Office Support
- Acting as a warm and professional first point of contact for visitors and colleagues
- Managing reception duties and supporting meetings with refreshments and room coordination
- Liaising with facilities to ensure smooth day‐to‐day HQ operations
- Executive & Diary Support
- Managing calendars, meetings, and schedules for senior Executives
- Coordinating appointments and anticipating scheduling conflicts
- Ensuring Executives are fully prepared for meetings
- Travel & Logistics
- Organising UK and international travel, including accommodation and itineraries
- Managing changes and last‐minute requests calmly and efficiently
- Communication & Administration
- Acting as a gatekeeper for Executive communications when required
- Drafting correspondence and handling confidential information
- Supporting expenses, invoices, and basic financial administration
- Meetings, Projects & Events
- Preparing agendas, briefing packs, and presentations
- Supporting board meetings, offsites, and internal events
- Taking minutes and tracking actions
Requirements:
- Naturally organised and calm under pressure
- Confident, professional, and personable
- Proactive, flexible, and solutions‐focused
- Discreet and trusted with sensitive information
You’ll ideally have:
- Experience in an administrative, office support, or receptionist role
- Strong Microsoft Office skills (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Confidence managing diaries, travel, and competing priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- PA experience is not essential; training and mentoring will be provided.
We’re proud to be recognised as a Disability Confident Level 3 Employer, the highest level in the UK Government’s scheme. This reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our inclusive recruitment practices, we ensure that individuals with disabilities are given fair and equal access to opportunities within our organisation.
As part of this commitment, we participate in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, which offers an interview to any candidate with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. We will ensure that individuals who have a disability are provided reasonable accommodation, to enable full participation in the job application and interview process.
Personal Assistant and Receptionist in Oxford employer: The Channel Recruiter
XMA Group is an exceptional employer located in Reading, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With benefits such as private healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, employees are supported in their career journeys while enjoying a collaborative environment. As a leading technology solutions company, XMA fosters innovation and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant and Receptionist in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on XMA Group. Understand their values, recent projects, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the 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 skills as an organised and proactive individual can benefit the role of Personal Assistant & Receptionist. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially in a front-of-house role. Choose an outfit that’s professional yet comfortable, so you can focus on showcasing your personality and skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant and Receptionist in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to be friendly and approachable in your tone. Remember, this role is all about being the welcoming face of our HQ.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Focus on your organisational abilities and any previous roles that involved front-of-house or administrative support. We love seeing how you can fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that showcases your qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
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 shows you’re keen to join our team at XMA!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Channel Recruiter
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant and Receptionist. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing diaries, coordinating meetings, and handling communications. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and how you prioritise tasks effectively. This is crucial for a role that requires strong coordination skills.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As the first point of contact for visitors and colleagues, excellent communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you had to handle difficult conversations or manage sensitive information.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and what success looks like in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
