Head Receptionist

Head Receptionist £27,319 rising to £28,031 pro rata Part Time, Permanent - Professional Ser

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised university focused on providing high-quality teaching and delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research.

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgement of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The Role

Based at our Centre for Sport, Headington Campus and reporting to the Customer Services Manager, the Head Receptionist will deliver a professional, efficient and customer-focused service within a fast-paced environment. As the first point of contact for students, staff and the wider community, you will ensure a positive and welcoming experience while supporting the smooth operation of our facilities. Working arrangements will be on an operational shift pattern, including some evenings and some occasional weekend work such as working on events days.

This post is a job share role at 17 hours per week on a permanent contract to work Monday and Tuesday, working into the evening (exact hours to be discussed at interview).

If you have any queries, please contact Jo Harris, Customer Services Manager (jharris@brookes.ac.uk)

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 14 July.

About the Team

Sport & Active Wellness (SAW) is the newly formed Directorate responsible for delivering an outstanding and inclusive sporting experience at Brookes. Our reception team is the frontline of the student and community experience. You will work within a supportive team environment, collaborating closely with the Sports Operations team to ensure high-quality service delivery, effective booking processes and a positive atmosphere for all users.

What will I be doing?

• Customer Service Excellence: Act as the primary contact for visitors, responding to enquiries via telephone, email, helpdesk and in person with a focus on outstanding service.
• Financial Management: Reconcile card payment tills at the end of shifts, investigating and resolving discrepancies to maintain full accountability.
• Team Support & Supervision: Assist with the line management of casual reception staff, including scheduling, overseeing regular 1:1 talk times and providing ongoing feedback.
• Systems & Digital Support: Develop expert knowledge of the Gladstone Leisure Management System and assist customers with troubleshooting web-based applications and mobile apps.
• Staff Training: Lead the training for staff on all departmental software and ensure the team is fully up to date with relevant operational procedures.
• Operational Coordination: Work with the Customer Services Manager to manage rotas, check pay claims and maintain smooth day-to-day reception and booking operations.
• Administration: Maintain electronic filing systems and databases using the Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

What skills do I need?

• Education: GCSE-level education (Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English) or equivalent.
• Supervisory Experience: Prior supervisory or team leader experience, with a proven ability to handle complex tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Competency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and leisure booking/scheduling software.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, with the ability to communicate routine and non-routine information in an engaging way.
• Problem-Solving: Strong ability to explore causes and effects of operational issues and generate effective solutions.
• Leadership Qualities: Ability to empower and motivate a team, acting with integrity and building credibility with colleagues and customers.
• Desirable: First Aid at Work certification, marketing and communications experience, or experience within a higher education/leisure setting.

About the Location

This role is based at our Headington Campus. Youll experience a vibrant campus atmosphere. The campus is well-served by regular public transport and is just a mile from Oxford city centre. This is an operational, site-based role due to the nature of reception services, requiring presence on campus to support the team and our members.

This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points based immigration system.

Benefits

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of 25 days holiday (pro rata), rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).

We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
• An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages)
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks providing support, guidance, and friendship.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

https://my.corehr.com/pls/oburecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.jobspec?p_id=192805 Closing Date : 28-Jun-2026 Vacancy ID : 192805 Faculty or Directorate : Sports and Active Wellness Location : Cheney Centre for Sport For more information : pdteam-operations@brookes.ac.uk Posted on : 26-May-2026 Click on the link(s) below to view documents Filesize A. Job Description and Person Specification 178 Return to Search Apply for Job