The Company

Usborne is an independent, family business, creating books which spark curiosity in children of all ages. These range from books for babies such as the bestselling That’s not my… series of touchy-feely books, to YA fiction from acclaimed authors such as Holly Bourne and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé – with everything from Magic Painting to Politics for Beginners in between. In the last five years Usborne fiction titles have been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, the Costa Book Award, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the National Book Awards, the Books Are My Bag Readers Award, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Diverse Book Award.

Whilst the company is now a market-leader in children’s publishing and one of the best-known brands in children’s books, the company retains a friendly and familial feel. If you want to work somewhere close-knit enough for people to know your name, which has a first-class reputation around the world, Usborne is the place for you.

The Department

The Facilities team are responsible for the keeping Usborne’s office facilities running smoothly, ensuring they are safe, comfortable and productive spaces. Some of the key activities undertaken by the department include planned and reactive maintenance, desk moves, health and safety training and risk assessments, cleaning, security, post, general administration and reception. The Facilities team is a proactive, approachable and problem-solving department that adapts to the needs and requirements of staff.

The Role

The role of Receptionist will be based at the reception desk of our offices at 83-85 Saffron Hill. The post-holder will act as the first point of contact for the company to visitors, contractors and members of the public both in person, on the phone and over email. Key will responsibilities include:

• Answer inbound calls and route accordingly, managing cold calls/ unsolicited contact
• Monitor and mange communications in the London Reception email inbox
• Take ownership of enquiries on HelpScout customer service system, ensuring they are resolved quickly and professionally (training will be given)
• Accept deliveries and sort incoming post
• Admit and welcome visitors and contractors ensuring they have signed in and their Usborne contact is informed
• Oversee meeting room calendar bookings and resolving conflicts where appropriate
• Book taxis and couriers in line with company policy as appropriate
• Relay any reported facilities or health and safety issues to the Facilities Manager
• Other ad hoc administrative tasks at the request of the Facilities Manager or other colleagues

Experience

The successful candidate will ideally have at least three years’ experience in a standalone reception or front of house role. In addition, they should demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

• Approachability, confidence and professionalism when dealing with enquiries from staff, visitors and members of the public
• Excellent Customer service and problem solving skills, particularly in relation to resolving customer queries or complaints
• Good computer proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook and Teams
• Good working knowledge of telephony systems and call routing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident working autonomously with a desire to be helpful and support various departments from reception
• Eagerness to understand the company structure and our Usborne products to more effectively undertake the role
• A basic knowledge of the publishing industry would be advantageous but not essential

Location and benefits

This role is a 22.5 hour contract (plus an hour each day unpaid for lunch) to be worked from 9:00am to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from our Farringdon offices.

In addition to our transparent salary grading structure, for this role we also offer a range of benefits including:

• 25 days paid holiday entitlement plus bank holidays, increasing with service (pro-rata)
• Healthcare Scheme for you and your dependents
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Free fruit in the office
• 50% Discount on Company Books
• Industry-leading Pension Scheme and Life Assurance