Receptionist

Cambridge SU; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Cambridge SU is seeking a friendly, proactive Receptionist to join our team in the heart of Cambridge. This permanent, part-time role starts at 8 hours per week with shifts that fit around reception hours, typically mornings or afternoons.

You will be the first point of contact for students, visitors and staff, handling enquiries, phone calls and administrative tasks. Experience in customer service and strong communication are valued.

Qualifications

• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Front-of-house or reception experience is an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills expected.
• Proficiency with common office software such as MS Office and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• The day-to-day running of the reception desk, shop and services.
• Greeting visitors warmly and offering help.
• Taking and directing calls.
• Responding to enquiries by phone, email or in person.
• Providing information and signposting students to other university services.
• Completing administrative tasks like filing and mail delivery.
• Cleaning and maintaining the reception area.
• Assisting with binding orders and basic office duties.
• Keeping supplies stocked and ordering as needed.
• Co-ordinate the In-Post parcel service and set up meetings.

Skills

Customer service

Front-of-house

Communication

Reception experience

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Hourly rate:£13.67

Hours: 8.00

Job Description

Join our Reception Team at Cambridge SU
About Cambridge SU: Cambridge SU is the representative body for over 24,000 students at the University of Cambridge. As a registered charity led by elected Sabbatical Officers, we exist to represent, support, and empower students throughout their university journey. We deliver campaigns, support student societies, and provide independent advice and services that make a real difference to student life. The Role: We are looking for a friendly, approachable, and proactive Receptionist to join our team in an office space located in the heart of the city! As the first point of contact for students, visitors, and staff, you will play a crucial role in creating a warm, positive, and helpful first impression. Whether you’re assisting a student with an enquiry, handling thesis binding orders, managing shop operations, or providing admin support to wider SU teams, your work will directly impact our vibrant student community. Location: University Centre, Cambridge Contract: Permanent, Part-Time (minimum 8 hours per week) Shifts: Monday - Friday, within reception opening hours (typically 4 hour shifts: 9:25am - 1:25pm or 1:00pm - 5pm) Pay: £13.67 per hour

You will be responsible for:

The day to day running of the reception desk, shop and services, including during busy periods, lunch breaks or holidays and periods of leave.

Greeting visitors warmly and offering them help immediately.

Taking and directing calls.

Responding to enquiries by phone, email or in person.

Providing information and signposting students to other University service providers.

Completing administrative tasks like filing and delivering and accepting mail.

Cleaning, organising, and maintaining the reception area.

Support with completing and administering soft and hard binding orders.

Keeping basic office supplies like pens stocked and accessible.

Ordering supplies for the rest of the office.

Co-ordinate and deliver our In-Post parcel service

Setting up meeting and event facilities.

Answering questions about products or services offered.

Scheduling appointments and meeting times.

Representing the Cambridge SU with a positive attitude and professional manner.

Providing administrative support to all Cambridge SU teams as and when required.

Liaise with University Facilities and Estates Management for room booking requirements.

Liaise with external suppliers for purchasing of goods and services.

Other duties may include:

Attending meetings, training events and conferences where necessary.

Portraying Cambridge SU in a positive, proactive and professional manner.

To liaise as required with University and College personnel and appropriate external organisations.

To contribute and assist in the organisation’s planning processes and the review of its performances and systems.

To be involved with organisational wide events such as Elections and Fresher’s Fair

Assisting the Activities Team with the Shadowing Scheme

To provide cover, where appropriate, for other staff during holidays, sickness etc.

About You:We are looking for someone who is reliable, organised, and passionate about helping people. You will bring:

Previous customer service experience (front-of-house or reception experience preferred).

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Excellent organisational, time-management, and multi-tasking abilities.

A proactive, flexible mindset and the ability to work independently.

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Willingness to provide sexual health supplies to students as part of the role.

A positive, professional attitude representing Cambridge SU values.

Why Join Us:

Flexible Permanent Hours: We offer flexible contracted working patterns that suit your schedule within our operating hours.

Prime Location: Work in a friendly, supportive team environment with views overlooking the River Cam.

Benefits: We offer a range of generous benefits as well as learning and development opportunities to expand your skills across multiple areas.

Cambridge SU is committed to creating an organisation in which all members and employees are respected, discrimination is not tolerated and diversity is encouraged. All members and employees will be treated fairly and with respect. Selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit will be on the basis of aptitude and ability. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, as they are under-represented within Cambridge SU at this level. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post. We will do our utmost to provide formats more accessible to prospective applicants, please email us.