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 vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, 25-30 days holiday, gym discounts, and more perks.
- Why this job: Perfect for organised individuals looking to grow in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a proactive attitude are key; PA experience is a bonus.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to supporting all employees, including those with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Reading (HQ)
Salary: £28,000 – £32,000 per annum
Working Pattern: On-site, Monday to Friday
Benefits: Private Healthcare, Pension, 25 days holiday rising to 30 over 5 years, Group Life Insurance, Income Protection, Gym Discounts, Free Fuel Fridays, Employee of the Quarter, Employee Referral program and many more.
About the Role
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.
Join XMA - a leading UK technology solutions company partnering with the biggest names in the industry. Established in the 80’s, XMA has grown to become one of the top ten largest value-added resellers in the UK. Today, we’re an independent UK company with full geographic coverage – and our skilled workforce serves a diverse customer base across the public and private sector. We win awards for our ability to help organisations and users achieve more with technology. We specialise in realising individual ambitions to transform and evolve. We consult, define, adapt and deliver on real-life outcomes. We collaborate closely to bring that positive impact home.
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:
We’re looking for someone who is:
- 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. If you have any such requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us on our email, we will be happy to action your requests.
Personal Assistant and Receptionist in Reading employer: The Channel Recruiter
Contact Detail:
The Channel Recruiter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant and Receptionist in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research XMA Group and understand our values, culture, and what we do. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to personal assistant and receptionist roles. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the skills we're looking for, like organisation and communication.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining XMA and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant and Receptionist in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills: As a Personal Assistant & Receptionist, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights any experience you have in managing schedules or coordinating events. We want to see how you can keep things running smoothly!
Be Personable and Professional: Since you'll be the first point of contact for visitors, it's important to convey your friendly and professional nature. Use a warm tone in your cover letter and showcase any customer service experience you have. We love a good personality!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your skills with what we're looking for. Mention specific responsibilities from the role that excite you and how you can contribute to our team. We appreciate a personalised touch!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Channel Recruiter
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research XMA Group. Understand their values, mission, and the services they offer. 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 Personal Assistant & Receptionist, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or handled scheduling conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with visitors and executives, practice clear and confident communication. You might want to rehearse common interview questions with a friend or family member to refine your responses.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, company culture, or what success looks like in this role. This shows that you’re engaged and serious about finding the right fit for both you and the company.