Receptionist

Sodexo Group; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health support

EAP

Virtual GP

Discounts

Job summary

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

The role combines reception, customer service and administration to help the centre run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. There is a 30-hour week, with interviews scheduled on 28th September 2026.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Welcoming visitors and providing a professional first point of contact.
• Handling enquiries and directing visitors to the right department.
• Assisting with course arrivals and maintaining nominal rolls.
• Managing the booking calendar for classrooms and study spaces.
• Keeping reception noticeboards up to date.
• Reporting building, IT and maintenance issues to relevant teams.

Skills

Reception experience

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

IT skills

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 tobe part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you foryou;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