Reception and Administrative Assistant - Maternity cover

Job Summary

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a passionate, dedicated and skilled Reception and Administrative Assistant to cover maternity leave at Southampton College. The role will involve working Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. The following description outlines the key duties, qualifications and benefits for this position.

• Provide a welcoming and professional front‑of‑house Reception Service for students, staff and visitors.
• Handle initial enquiries from the public, students and staff, ensuring safeguarding protocols are followed at all times.
• Taken ownership of the entire College Reception area, ensuring it is clean, tidy, welcoming and up to date.
• Operate the College switchboard effectively to ensure that all stakeholders have a positive interaction with the College.
• Maintain appropriate records, statistics and electronic data in connection with the service provided and complete all necessary administrative tasks to support this.
• Support the Admissions team in administrative tasks for the department.
• Produce standard reports from the Admissions system and contact students regarding any missing information.
• Use and provide support for college systems.
• Attend and support college events including Open Evenings, Welcome Days, Advice Evenings and other appropriate occasions.
• Handle multiple enquiries via telephone, email and in person and work flexibly.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required of the role, in line with your line manager and across College sites as necessary.

• Minimum GCSE grade 4 / C in English & Maths or equivalent.
• Experience of delivering excellent customer service.
• Experience of data inputting and administrative delivery in a fast‑paced environment.
• Previous experience working in a Receptionist role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with staff, students and visitors, in person and over the phone.
• Experience of successfully working in a school/college environment (desirable).
• Customer service and/or Business Administration qualifications (desirable).

• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Positive, enthusiastic and welcoming attitude.
• Proficiency in accurate record‑keeping and appropriate information sharing.
• Collaborative and enthusiastic team player.
• Well‑developed IT and administration skills, including word‑processing and accurate database input.

• 30 days annual leave per year, pro‑rated, plus bank holidays.
• Generous employer pension contribution.
• Regular training and development opportunities.

The South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is a dynamic, purpose‑driven Further Education organisation with a commitment to Creating Better Futures for learners, employers and communities within South Hampshire and beyond. We pride ourselves on living our values – Collaborative, Inclusive and Aspirational – and we understand the difference exceptional employees can make to us delivering outstanding results. We are always seeking to attract talent who can add value and who will be proud to be part of our growing organisation.