Receptionist / Administrator

The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain; Staines-upon-Thames; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent industry trade association in Staines-upon-Thames is seeking a part-time Office Receptionist/Administrator to provide administrative support. The role requires welcoming guests, managing front-desk activities, and assisting key personnel. The ideal candidate will have prior receptionist experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask effectively. This role is onsite with no remote working options.

Qualifications

• Experience with office equipment and IT systems.
• Ability to maintain office security and follow safety procedures.
• Flexibility to work in shifts and manage emergency tasks.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact, welcoming guests and directing visitors.
• Coordinate front-desk activities and manage correspondence.
• Maintain tidiness of the reception area and ensure necessary supplies.
• Handle incoming phone calls and distribute mail and deliveries.
• Assist General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary with office tasks.

Skills

Proven work experience as a Receptionist

Solid written and verbal communication skills

Resourceful and proactive problem-solving

Excellent organisational skills

Multitasking and stress management

Education

A level standard or equivalent

Job description

A part time permanent position has become available for Office Receptionist / Administrator with The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, based at the Guild’s Central Office in Staines-upon-Thames.

The Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain is the leading Trade Association for the Travelling Fairground Industry, representing circa 3000 members and their families UK-wide. It operates from its Central Office in Staines upon Thames with 10 regional Section offices across the UK. Its members operate funfairs throughout the year from historical Charter Fairs; to Holiday Fairs and at most public outdoor events such as Festivals; Melas; Winter Wonderlands and Carnivals.

The position arises following the challenging period and the need for the Guild to respond to the pace of change in legislation and guidance at short notice.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Receptionist / Office Administrator, you will be the first point of contact for our company. Duties will include offering administrative support across the organisation. You will welcome guests and greet people who visit the business and provide them with refreshments. You will also coordinate front‑desk activities, including distributing correspondence and redirecting phone calls. You will be asked to assist the General Secretary and the Assistant General Secretary with their office administration duties.

• Direct visitors to the appropriate person and office
• Answer, screen and forward incoming phone calls
• Ensure reception area is tidy and presentable, with all necessary stationery and material (e.g. pens, forms and brochures)
• Provide basic and accurate information in‑person and via phone/email
• Receive, sort and distribute daily mail/deliveries
• Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk
• Order front office supplies and keep inventory of stock
• Perform other clerical receptionist duties such as filing, photocopying etc

Must have proven work experience as a Receptionist, Front Office Representative or similar role and I.T. experience is essential, as well as having hands‑on experience with office equipment. Must also have solid written and verbal communication skills and the ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise along with excellent organisational skills.

The Candidate

To be the successful candidate you should have a pleasant personality, professional attitude and appearance as this is also a face‑to‑face role where you will be meeting Guild members, members of other professional organisations and legal teams. You should also be able to deal with emergency tasks in a timely and effective manner, while streamlining office operations. Multitasking and stress management skills are essential for this position. This role may require working in shifts, so flexibility is a plus. All administrative tasks must be worked to the highest quality standards with attention to detail.

Qualifications

Must be educated to A level standard with grades C and above or equivalent.

It is important to note that this is an onsite role therefore there are no provisions for a remote or hybrid working pattern.