Reception Host

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Oxford is seeking a professional Reception Host to ensure a warm welcome for visitors and support front of house operations. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience in a corporate setting and possesses strong communication skills. The position offers a salary of £30,000 - £32,000 plus benefits, with a commitment to excellence and a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Reception Host in corporate environments, preferably 5 years+.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and clients warmly and direct them as necessary.
• Manage office entry points and maintain a professional reception area.
• Answer, screen, and route incoming phone calls.

Skills

Strong verbal communication

Strong written communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; artificial intelligence and robotics

EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

We are looking for a professional and efficient corporate Reception Host to join our office team in Oxford. This crucial position will serve as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and employees, ensuring everyone who walks through our doors receives a warm welcome and efficient service. The Reception Host will also handle various administrative tasks to ensure our front of house operations run seamlessly.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and clients warmly, serve as the point of contact, and direct them to the appropriate person or department, providing information as necessary.
• Monitor and manage office entry points, maintaining a professional and clean reception area, ensuring compliance with all security protocols.
• Answer, screen, and route incoming phone calls while accurately taking and relaying messages.
• Manage email inquiries, directing them to the appropriate department.
• Assist with a variety of administrative duties, including calendar management and document preparation.
• Assist with incoming deliveries, replenishment & inventory of office supplies & equipment.
• Support the coordination of meetings, presentations, conferences, and special events (providing refreshments)
• Help arrange travel for staff as needed.
• Occasional cover work at our London office when staff members are on annual leave.
• Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor and customer centric approach that embodies the values of EIT Oxford.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Proven and demonstrable experience as a Reception Host within corporate environments, preferably 5 years+
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with the front of house team as well as other cross-departmental teams throughout EIT.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and capability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy, ever-changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A friendly and professional demeanor with a commitment to representing EIT Oxford’s values.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry small office supplies as needed (up to 15 lbs).
• Ability to greet and assist visitors as needed in a timely manner.

We offer the following salary and benefits

• Salary: £30,000 - £32,000, plus bonus
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment

We are looking to appoint the Reception Host as soon as possible for a start date of mid August.

You must be eligible to work in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. This role will require some occasional working from our London office, therefore you must be in a position to commit to this.

This is a permanent role based in the office 5 days per week, with core hours of 8:30 - 17:30. You must be based in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.

This role will require some occasional working from our London office, therefore you must be in a position to commit to this.

During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.

Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how it aligns with your experience. We cannot progress your application further without a cover letter.