OFFICE MANAGER / LEAD RECEPTIONIST

Aldenham Riyadh; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldenham Riyadh seeks a capable Office Leader to oversee the school office, ensuring responsive, compliant and welcoming administrative services. The role includes leading reception, coordinating staff work, and providing senior-level administrative support to the Headmaster and leadership team.

The post holder will manage front-desk standards, safeguarding procedures, and inter-department coordination to keep workflows smooth and pupils and families supported throughout school operations.

Qualifications

• Leadership and team coordination experience in a front-office setting.
• Strong reception and visitor management skills.
• Excellent administrative and clerical abilities.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead reception and front-of-house duties, setting standards and supervising staff.
• Provide executive/administrative support to senior leaders and teams.
• Coordinate office operations, calendars, procurement and communications.
• Maintain records, compliance, and prepare documentation for external reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Reception

Administration

Compliance

Record keeping

Stakeholder communication

Job description

To lead the school office and ensure that administrative services are organised responsive compliant and welcoming The Office Manager coordinates people systems information and day-to-day workflows so that leaders staff pupils and families receive reliable support and the school operates smoothly The post holder also acts as Lead Receptionist personally setting and upholding front-desk standards and providing senior cover at reception

Office Leadership and Service Standards

Lead, allocate and review the work of reception and administrative staff, setting clear priorities and service expectations. Establish efficient office procedures, shared calendars, filing systems, communication protocols and cover arrangements. Provide coaching, induction and day-to-day support to administrative colleagues, addressing performance or workload issues promptly. Promote a calm, professional and solutions-focused front-office culture.

Lead Reception and Front-of-House Duties

Act as Lead Receptionist, personally covering the front desk when required and setting the standard for visitor welcome, telephone manner and enquiry handling. Ensure visitor identification, signing-in, badge, escort and access procedures are applied consistently and that safeguarding or security concerns are escalated immediately. Oversee accurate recording of late arrivals, early departures and authorised pupil collections, ensuring identity and collection arrangements are verified before a pupil is released. Manage reception rotas, cover and handover so that the front desk is staffed and responsive throughout school operating hours. Ensure reception inboxes, calls and messages are monitored, logged and routed promptly, and that the School Nurse or designated first-aider is contacted without delay when medical attention is required.

Executive and Administrative Support

Provide high-quality administrative support to the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team, including correspondence, meeting coordination, reports and briefing materials. Manage key school calendars, deadlines and administrative action logs to ensure timely follow-through. Coordinate official correspondence and ensure documents are accurate, appropriately approved and securely retained. Support whole-school planning, inspections, accreditation activity and major school initiatives.

Operational Coordination

Coordinate administrative arrangements for events, parent meetings, school trips, examinations, training and visitors. Act as an operational link between academic, admissions, HR, finance, facilities, transport and support departments. Oversee office supplies, routine procurement, vendor communication and administrative inventories within approved controls. Maintain clear escalation routes for urgent operational, safeguarding, health and facilities matters.

Records, Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure administrative records, forms, templates and shared drives are accurate, current and consistently maintained. Support preparation for BSO, COBIS, Ministry and other external reviews by coordinating evidence and administrative documentation. Apply school policies for confidentiality, records retention, data protection and secure information handling. Review office processes regularly and implement practical improvements that reduce delay, duplication and error.

Stakeholder Communication

Ensure parent, visitor and staff enquiries are acknowledged and routed efficiently, with agreed response standards monitored. Handle sensitive or complex concerns professionally and

Working Arrangements

The role is based on-site during the school working week and may require support outside normal hours for major events, inspections or urgent operational matters. The post holder must be visible and accessible to staff and families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. The post requires a visible front-of-house presence during school operating hours, including direct reception cover at peak times or during staff absence.