Head of Reception

M&C Saatchi; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in Greater London is seeking a Head Receptionist to oversee front-of-house operations and ensure a stellar guest experience. You will manage a team and coordinate across departments to support various initiatives. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in a corporate reception, is detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. This position provides a competitive salary, 27 days annual leave, and a well-rounded benefits package promoting wellbeing and inclusivity.

Benefits

27 days annual holiday

Private healthcare

Employer contributory pension

Life assurance

Income protection

Subsidised gym membership

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a corporate reception environment.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities while maintaining high standards.
• Confident using visitor platforms and switchboard tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all front-of-house activity ensuring high standards.
• Manage and develop the reception team including training.
• Act as a key point of contact for onboarding and guest experiences.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team leadership

High-energy service

IT system proficiency

Detail-oriented

Job description

The Head Receptionist will provide, develop, and support a proactive and efficient front-of-house service across the M+C SaatchiGroup. This is a pivotal role, sitting at the heart of our people! Focused on the client and visitor experience, while ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Reception is proudly considered the “northern star” of the building, there’s not a face they don’t know or a question they can’t answer. The role is fast-paced, people-heavy, and packed with variety. You’ll work closely with the UK Workplace Operations Manager and senior stakeholders to support the wider business, while leading a team to deliver consistently excellent service.

What you'll do

• Lead by example—oversee all front-of-house activity and ensure reception runs to a consistently high standard.
• Manage and develop the reception team, including performance, recruitment, training, and rostering.
• Champion a best-in-class guest experience—ensuring every client, visitor and colleague receives a warm welcome.
• Act as a key point of contact for new joiner onboarding and candidate experience.
• Own and update the switchboard, directory, and visitor booking systems.
• Support pitch meetings, internal events, and company-wide initiatives.
• Take care of all things meeting room related—set-up, refreshments, bookings, tech, and general upkeep.
• Work closely with the Catering team to deliver seamless hospitality.
• Carry out essential roles including Fire Marshal and First Aider.
• Maintain high standards in reception and communal areas—ensuring everything is tidy, stocked, and functioning.
• Keep operational documents, statistics, and records up to date.
• Troubleshoot any front-of-house issues and elevate if needed.
• Support the broader operations team with admin and DSE tasks.
• Take ownership of reception processes and suggest smart ways to improve how we work.
• Work closely with IT and Facilities to log and follow up on any technical issues.
• Create POs, manage stock, maintain business card orders, and oversee staff ID / access pass processes.
• Provide ad hoc support to Security (including break cover) and step in with after‑hours reception where required.
• Deliver building tours, headcounts, and track guest movements as needed.
• Be flexible, reliable, and ready to take on any task that helps the team and business thrive.

What you’ll bring

• A natural people person, with excellent communication skills and a calm, professional manner.
• Experience working in a high-energy, service-led reception environment (ideally 5‑year corporate).
• Previous team leadership or supervisory experience.
• Confident using IT systems, visitor platforms, and switchboard tools.
• Comfortable juggling multiple priorities while keeping standards sky high.
• A ‘yes’ attitude, always thinking outside the box to create a better experience.
• Reliable, approachable, and able to build strong working relationships at every level.
• A keen eye for detail and a pride in the space you manage.
• Positive, energetic and solutions‑focused—someone who sets the tone for the wider team.
• A team player who reflects the company’s values in every interaction.
• Passionate about service, people, and doing things the right way.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE

Thursday, 31st July . No Recruiters.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

For the right candidate, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 27 days annual holiday, private healthcare, employer contributory pension, life assurance and income protection. We also offer a host of benefits that support wellbeing including subsidised gym membership, whilst our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion sees us offer learning opportunities around D+I, targeted mentoring programmes and the opportunity to participate in a number of active Employee‑Led Networks and associated events. Finally, this role will be supported with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.

M+C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture. As part of this M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please make us aware as part of your application.

All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).