Receptionist

Sodexo; Colchester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Car parking

Subsidised Dining facilities

Sodexo Flexible benefits

Job summary

Sodexo is recruiting a Receptionist for the Army Education Centre at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT. You will be the first point of contact for visitors, staff and personnel, providing a professional, welcoming and helpful service.

This varied role combines reception, customer service and administration to help the centre run smoothly on a day‑to‑day basis. The position offers 30 hours per week with a 08:00–14:30 schedule; interviews planned 28 September 2026 and 1 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in a reception, customer service or administrative role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Friendly, approachable and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, customers and clients.
• Good attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming visitors and providing a friendly, professional first point of contact.
• Dealing with enquiries and directing visitors to the appropriate department or individual.
• Supporting visitors arriving for courses and ensuring nominal rolls are completed.
• Managing the centre's booking calendar and coordinating the use of classrooms, common rooms and the study centre.
• Keeping reception noticeboards up to date and organised.
• Reporting building, IT and maintenance issues to the relevant teams and following these through as required.
• Providing administrative support to the centre, including assisting with the monthly Essex & Suffolk Military Herald.
• Supporting the Centre Administrator and Officer Education Clerk when required.
• Assisting with marketing activities for the centre.
• Maintaining excellent relationships with customers, colleagues and the client.
• Ensuring your work area is clean, tidy and maintained to the required standards.

Skills

Reception experience

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

PLEASE NOTE - Interviews are taking place Monday 28th September 2026 PM ONLY - with a follow-up meeting with the military team on 1st October 2026, which can be held via Microsoft Teams if preferred.

• 30 hours per week
• Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 14:30 (incl 30min lunch break)
• £12.71 per hour
• Free Car parking
• Subsidised Dining facilities
• Sodexo Flexible benefits

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is Colchester, CO2 7UT

Job Introduction:

Are you friendly, organised and confident dealing with people? Do you have experience in reception, administration or a customer-facing environment?

We're looking for a Receptionist to join our team at the Army Education Centre at Merville Barracks, Colchester, CO2 7UT. You'll be the first point of contact for visitors, staff and personnel using the centre, providing a professional, welcoming and helpful service.

This is a varied role where you'll combine reception, customer service and administration, helping the centre run smoothly on a day-to-day basis.

What you'll do:

• Welcoming visitors and providing a friendly, professional first point of contact.
• Dealing with enquiries and directing visitors to the appropriate department or individual.
• Supporting visitors arriving for courses and ensuring nominal rolls are completed.
• Managing the centre's booking calendar and coordinating the use of classrooms, common rooms and the study centre.
• Keeping reception noticeboards up to date and organised.
• Reporting building, IT and maintenance issues to the relevant teams and following these through as required.
• Providing administrative support to the centre, including assisting with the monthly Essex & Suffolk Military Herald.
• Supporting the Centre Administrator and Officer Education Clerk when required.
• Assisting with marketing activities for the centre.
• Maintaining excellent relationships with customers, colleagues and the client.
• Ensuring your work area is clean, tidy and maintained to the required standards.
• Attending team meetings, briefings and training as required.

What You Bring:

• Experience working in a reception, customer service or administrative role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a variety of tasks.
• A friendly, approachable and professional manner.
• The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, customers and clients.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to work independently.

The role requires basic security clearance, and you'll be required to complete the relevant MODNET and Defence Information Management Passport (DIMP) training. A JPA account is also required, with workplace training provided.

Experience of working within a military environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications