Receptionist & Personal Assistant

Makower Architects is seeking a well organised and approachable individual to join our Studio in a dual role as a part time Receptionist (70%) and Personal Assistant Support (30%) role. This is a dynamic position where the core role will be as the first point of contact for visitors and callers while also supporting the Office Manager with administrative tasks. In additional to the core role, the ideal candidate will be excited to be involved with, and capable of supporting events held on the premises (which we call The Cabin). You will also be interested in supporting and capable of undertaking basic business development tasks (which can be learned and prior experience not essential). Key requirements include: Experience as a receptionist or in hospitality is beneficial In-office presence required on all working days (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM). (We are also open to half days or full days, and can be flexible on which days are worked for this part time position. A fixed agreement will be set prior to employment starting). Opening the office in the morning. Strong organisational and multitasking abilities. Discretion, diplomacy, and the ability to manage tasks independently Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Apple OS. Excellent English communication skills, both spoken and written. Additional beneficial but not essential skills: IT knowledge (the role would benefit from and IT competent person, however the IT and AV support tasks are simple and the role is supported by our office IT consultant. Day to day IT tasks would include supporting staff resolve arising issues, being a conduit to our remote IT management company and setting up AV for meetings). Additional beneficial but not essential skills: Experience of running and supporting social events (these occasionally occur out of hours). The key responsibilities are as follows: Receptionist & Office Management Support Personal Assistant Support Event and Bid Support Reception & Office Management Support The key front of house responsibility will be to efficiently manage the day to day running of the studio, ensuring all non-architectural operations run smoothly. * Act as front of house for the business. Meeting and greeting clients and visitors * Take phone calls and distribute to the relevant staff or take messages for them if they are not available. * Manage all incoming and outgoing post, deliveries and couriers. * Support the office manager in looking after the office facilities such as organising repairs and regular maintenance * Monitor office calendars for meetings, preparing and serving refreshments, arranging lunch as necessary * Ensure that meeting rooms are prepared both before and after meetings. This includes setting up equipment for online meetings and be able to troubleshoot if needed * out of hours (in which case time will be paid as single time overtime). * Support the office manager in maintaining the office, facility and kitchen supplies and inventory * Support the Office Manager in providing impromptu IT support to Principal and Staff. * Health and Safety: Support the Office Manager and the Studio in everyday Health and Safety matters * You are asked to comply with and contribute to the development and maintenance of highly efficient methods in the office; to be a tidy and well-organised working environment at all times. Personal Assistant Support Support the Principal, Tim Makower, and the other Directors with limited PA tasks, including: * Arrange meetings and manage diaries * Manage and filter incoming emails * Arrange business travel and manage travel itinerary * Book events, conference and other activities. * Other ad hoc tasks as reasonably required, e.g. printing and scannin Event and Bid Support * Support the Bid Manager with simple Business Development tasks like downloading of tender documents from portals (training provided). * Support the Office manager, Directors and the Bid Manager to organise internal studio events. * At times provide support for the organising and running of events. Events may be held Job Type: Part Time, In office (3-4 days / week) Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Some half-days also possible) Salary: £28,000 annual salary pro rata Perks: * Annual bonus based on performance, contribution and company targets being achieved. * The business is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Staff have representation at the trust board meetings via our Employee Representative, inputting staff opinion and influence on business direction. * Office Closure at Christmas: We close our office generally from Christmas Eve to New Year. This is an additional 3-4 paid days off (this is in addition to your 20 days of annual leave). The total time off with bank holidays averages at least one week. Makower Office Culture and Manifesto: It is very important for the receptionist personnel to fully embrace, understand and represent the Makower Architects culture. The role will be a fundamental part of the studio community, and a lively and sociable personality is a benefit. Our office culture manifesto is covered by these five key statements: 1. Collaboration and Creativity: We foster a culture of teamwork, where ideas are shared freely, and every perspective is valued. Great architecture is a collective effort, and collaboration is at the heart of our practice. 2. Excellence in Design: We are committed to delivering the highest quality work, striving for innovation and excellence in every project, with a passion for architecture that enhances the built environment. 3. Sustainability and Responsibility: Sustainability is central to our ethos. We design with future generations in mind, ensuring our projects minimize environmental impact while promoting well-being and resilience. 4. Respect and Inclusion: We champion a respectful and inclusive workspace, where diversity strengthens our team and enriches our designs. Every individual is valued, and open communication is encouraged. 5. Well-being and Work-Life Balance: We believe in a healthy work-life balance, supporting flexibility and well-being to ensure our team can thrive personally and professionally. This manifesto reflects our core values and guides the way we work together to create meaningful, impactful architecture