Helpdesk and Reception Assistant

HOURS: Part-time 22.5 hours per week

We are seeking an organised, approachable and customer-focused Helpdesk & Reception Assistant to join our Estates team. This is a varied front-line role supporting students, staff, visitors and contractors, while helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the Estates Helpdesk and University Information Desk.

You will act as a key point of contact for a wide range of enquiries, coordinating maintenance requests, supporting reception and post room activity, managing bookings and administrative processes, and making sure customers receive a prompt, professional and helpful service.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as a first point of contact for students, staff, visitors and contractors, responding to enquiries in person, by telephone and by email.
• Logging, prioritising and coordinating maintenance requests, liaising with the Maintenance team and contractors to support completion within agreed service levels.
• Managing shared Estates inboxes and maintaining accurate records, correspondence and work request information.
• Supporting the processing of purchase orders, invoices, deliveries, stock and other general Estates administration.
• Providing a welcoming and professional reception service, including managing the main University telephone line and checking contractors in and out of site.
• Supporting room and minibus bookings, ensuring relevant documentation and compliance requirements are in place.
• Assisting with student post room duties and helping to direct accommodation, IT and other University queries to the appropriate service.
• Working collaboratively across the Estates team and wider University, using initiative to resolve queries and improve service delivery.

We know that sometimes people may hesitate to apply if they don’t tick every box. However, we are committed to investing in our staff and encourage applications from those who meet most of the requirements and are keen to develop further.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in an administrative, reception or customer service role, ideally within a busy front-line environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a friendly and professional approach to customers.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities, urgent requests and a varied workload.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook, with good attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative when required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with students, colleagues, contractors and suppliers.

What We Offer

• A unique and friendly working environment on our beautiful Buckingham campus.
• Aviva Pension Scheme.
• 30 days annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Christmas closure period.
• Free on-site parking.
• Access to on-site gym and exercise classes.
• A varied role at the heart of the University, supporting colleagues, students and visitors every day.

If you enjoy helping people, keeping things organised and being part of a busy, supportive team, we would love to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is 28 August 2026; however, the advert may be closed early if a suitable candidate is appointed before this date.

All offers of employment are subject to standard pre-employment checks including eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and DBS (if applicable).

To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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