Switchboard Operator

Sodexo; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A global service company is seeking a confident Switchboard Operator to manage calls for multiple client sites. The ideal candidate will have strong customer service and communication skills, with at least a year of experience in a similar role. Responsibilities include efficient call handling and maintaining contact databases. This role requires a commitment to providing excellent service in a fast-paced environment, offering substantial opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Wellbeing support platform

Employee Assistance Programme

24hr virtual GP Service

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Pension Plan membership

Learning and development opportunities

Bike to Work Scheme

Enhanced benefits and leave policies

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a Switchboard or Customer Service role.
• Clear and precise verbal communication.
• Strong PC literacy and competent keyboard skills.
• Ability to handle critical calls and remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Answer and manage internal and external calls with professionalism.
• Operate the switchboard and ensure efficient call handling.
• Maintain and update contact databases.
• Follow emergency protocols effectively.

Skills

Customer service experience

Strong communication skills

PC literacy

Problem-solving

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Job Title: Switchboard Operator
Location: Home based but must be a commutable distance from the London office - WC1A 1DG
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday – Friday, shifts from 08:00 – 18:00

About the Role

We are seeking a confident and customer‑focused Switchboard Operator to join the dedicated team. Serving as the primary point of contact for 12 client sites, the Switchboard is recognised as a centre of excellence, setting the standard for telephony operations. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment and enjoy delivering outstanding service, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer and manage internal and external calls with professionalism and courtesy.
• Use active listening and questioning to resolve queries quickly and effectively.
• Operate the switchboard and operator console efficiently.
• Follow emergency and reporting procedures, including handling of bomb threats and nuisance calls.
• Conduct daily system checks, log‑on, and shutdown procedures.
• Maintain and proactively update contact databases and directories.
• Assist with locker service tickets at HQ via ServiceNow.
• Record and utilise key information to support and enhance the switchboard operation.
• Deliver consistent service across all supported GSK and ViiV Healthcare sites.

Person Specification

• Confident and approachable with strong communication skills.
• Personable and a strong team player.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to use initiative.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a Switchboard or Customer Service role.
• Clear and precise verbal communication.
• Strong PC literacy and competent keyboard skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle sensitive or critical calls (e.g., bomb threats, nuisance calls).
• Willingness to complete annual objectives and contribute to the wider team’s success.

Why Sodexo?

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. Belong in a company and team that values you for you. Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions. Thrive in your own way.

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
• Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular big‑brand retailers
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
• Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
• Sodexo UK and Ireland’s enhanced benefits and leave policies

A little more about Sodexo: At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, SoTogether, Generations and Origins. We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job. Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture. Ready to be part of something greater? For careers that mean business. Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.