At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of UPP, managing reception and supporting student services.
- Company: Join UPP, the UK's leading provider of student accommodation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension, life assurance, and personal development days.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak times and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' university experience in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and experience in a similar role are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25589 - 25589 £ per year.
A successful university campus is about so much more than buildings. It’s about the environment, the atmosphere and the people – creating that sense of home that will help students feel safe, secure, and help them thrive.
We currently have an opportunity for a Receptionist to join our fantastic UPP team onsite at Reading University. This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week between 8.30am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday. The salary is £25,589 per annum.
Our Receptionist is responsible for being front of house and operating the Reception Desk, switchboard, and the computerised system that controls the monitoring of all the maintenance work.
Role responsibilities include:- Delivering a professional reception service for residents and the office team, maintaining accurate records for visitors, contractors, key issue/return, and parking permits.
- Liaise, as necessary, with the university client, sub-contractors, UPP RSL staff and residents.
- Assist the relevant manager(s) in the co-ordination of all on-site activities and day to day administration.
- Operating a computer based property management database monitoring all reactive work and planned maintenance.
- Support fire safety compliance through weekly alarm testing, logging of activations/incidents, and reporting near misses.
- Support mailroom operations, ensuring accurate recording, sorting, distribution, and compliance audits.
- Manage and monitor out-of-hours access, ensuring adherence to fire, health & safety, and residence procedures.
- Support marketing and engagement initiatives, including Open Days, accommodation show rounds, and promotion of incentives to maximise occupancy.
- Assist the Accommodation Services team with resident enquiries, guidance, pre-arrival information, and ongoing support.
- Assist in procurement of goods and services via the purchase system including producing purchase orders and processing invoices.
We are looking for you to have worked in a similar role and environment with great communication and administration skills; comfortable working with databases and spreadsheets. Most of all you will have the passion to work as a team to do an excellent job, always being helpful and welcoming to our students, staff and visitors. You will also be flexible to work (with notice) to work additional hours when the need arises, especially during the main student arrival and departure weekends.
Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory vetting, inclusive of employment referencing covering the past three years and you may be subject to additional vetting and barring checks to ensure your suitability for the role, which could include completing a basic DBS check.
In return, we are offering a busy and interesting environment to work in with a competitive salary and a great benefits package which includes 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, life assurance, enhanced family leave policy, training, two paid volunteering or personal development days and cycle to work scheme.
UPP welcome all applications and recognise the value of having a diverse and inclusive culture, which reflects the communities we work with and has a positive impact on our people, our student residents, and our university partners. We understand all disabilities, impairments and conditions are unique, so please advise us of any adjustments which would support you through our recruitment process and also help you to thrive at work.
Our core values of Innovation, Sustainability, Community, Partnership and Respect, are fundamental to our culture and summarise what is important to our business and our people.
Interviews will take place w/c 29th June 2026 for shortlisted candidates.
We are proud to be the UK’s leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation, with over 35,000 beds where more than 500,000 students from around the world have called home over the years. We provide a complete solution of Design, Build, Fund, and Operate (DBFO) student accommodation and campus facilities exclusively to the higher education sector. This means we not only design and create cutting edge sustainable buildings, but we also help finance them and successfully manage the onsite operations long-term. However, we’re more than just accommodation, we create spaces where students can thrive, connect, and make the most of their university experience. Our mission is to support every student's journey by offering a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment to live and learn.
At UPP, we believe your career should be as rewarding as the impact you make. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: An inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered.
- Career Growth: Learn, lead, and progress with tailored training and leadership programmes.
- Rewards & Benefits: Competitive package and range of benefits designed for you.
- Health and Wellbeing: From mental health resources to wellness programmes, and everyday support.
- Purpose & Impact: Every role shapes the student experience.
To learn more about what we offer, check out our Working Environment, Benefits and Career Development tabs on our Careers Hub.
Apply today and start your journey with UPP.
Receptionist in Reading employer: UPP Ltd
UPP is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees. As a Receptionist at Reading University, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including 25 days holiday, and opportunities for career growth through tailored training programmes. Join us in creating a supportive environment where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the student experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist in Reading
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at UPP Ltd. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like UPP Ltd before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to UPP Ltd:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at UPP Ltd specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at UPP Ltd!
How to prepare for a job interview at UPP Ltd
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
