Finding a receptionist role that genuinely fits your skills, location, and career goals should never be complicated. At Staff Direct, we have spent years building relationships with employers across England and Wales — from corporate headquarters in London and Birmingham to medical practices in Cardiff and law firms in Leeds — so that when you upload your CV, we can match you to live, active receptionist vacancies the same day.
What Does a Receptionist Do? Understanding the Role
A receptionist is the first point of contact for any organisation — the voice on the phone, the face at the front desk, and the backbone of daily office communication. Employers across the UK consistently rank strong communication, a professional manner, and reliable attendance as the top qualities they look for when hiring front-of-house reception staff.
Modern reception roles have expanded far beyond answering telephones. Today's receptionist is expected to manage bookings, coordinate diaries, greet clients, handle visitor sign-in systems, process deliveries, and support administrative teams. Many positions — particularly in healthcare and legal sectors — require experience with specialist software such as NHS SystmOne or case management platforms.
Corporate Reception
Multi-line switchboard, visitor management, executive support
Medical Reception
Appointment booking, patient records, clinical admin systems
Legal & Professional
Client liaison, document handling, meeting room coordination
Hotel & Leisure
Check-in, reservations, concierge duties, guest experience
Live Receptionist Vacancies by Location – England & Wales
We currently hold active receptionist roles across the following regions. New vacancies are added daily — upload your CV to get automatically matched when new roles appear in your area.
| 📍 Location | Role Type | Contract | Rate / Salary | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | Corporate Receptionist | Temp & Perm | £13.00–£16.00/hr | View Jobs → |
| Birmingham | Medical Receptionist | Permanent | £23,000–£27,000/yr | View Jobs → |
| Manchester | Hotel Front Desk | Full-Time | £12.50–£14.50/hr | View Jobs → |
| Cardiff | Legal Receptionist | Permanent | £22,000–£26,000/yr | View Jobs → |
| Leeds | Office Receptionist | Temp & Perm | £12.00–£14.00/hr | View Jobs → |
| Bristol | Dental Receptionist | Permanent | £21,000–£25,000/yr | View Jobs → |
| Swansea | Spa & Leisure Reception | Part-Time | £11.44–£13.00/hr | View Jobs → |
| Sheffield | School Receptionist | Contract | £11.44–£13.50/hr | View Jobs → |
| Nottingham | Financial Services Rec. | Permanent | £24,000–£28,000/yr | View Jobs → |
| Newcastle | Estate Agent Reception | Full-Time | £12.00–£14.00/hr | View Jobs → |
| Liverpool | NHS Receptionist | Temp & Perm | £11.44–£13.50/hr | View Jobs → |
| Exeter | Hospitality Receptionist | Full-Time | £11.44–£13.00/hr | View Jobs → |
⚠️ Rates shown are indicative. All roles are subject to IR35 assessment where applicable. Learn about IR35 rules →
How to Apply for Receptionist Jobs Through Staff Direct
Our process is designed to be fast, transparent, and candidate-centred. Most applicants move from CV upload to interview stage within 48 hours.
Step 2
Consultant Briefing
A dedicated consultant reviews your experience and preferred locations
Step 3
Role Matching
We match your profile to live receptionist vacancies the same day
Step 4
Start Working
Interview, confirm placement, and start your new role — often within days
What Employers Are Looking for in Reception Candidates
The UK job market for receptionists remains consistently strong. According to the Office for National Statistics, administrative and secretarial roles continue to account for one of the largest segments of employment in England and Wales, with steady demand from healthcare, professional services, and hospitality sectors.
Employers consistently seek candidates who can demonstrate competence across core reception skills alongside sector-specific knowledge. For administration roles through Staff Direct, the most requested competencies include:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and digital booking platforms
- Confident, professional telephone manner with multi-line switchboard experience
- Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain composure in busy front-of-house environments
- Discretion and confidentiality — especially in legal, medical, and financial settings
- Strong written communication for email correspondence and visitor logs
Many of the receptionist positions we fill also come with broader temporary job opportunities that can develop into permanent offers — particularly within NHS trusts, law firms, and national hotel chains, where reliable front-desk staff are in continual demand.
What Our Placed Candidates Say
"I uploaded my CV on a Monday and had a confirmed interview for a corporate reception role in the City by Wednesday. Staff Direct was professional, quick, and genuinely supportive throughout."
"After being made redundant, I needed a temporary role quickly. Staff Direct placed me in an NHS reception post in Cardiff within three days. I've since been offered a permanent contract."
"The consultant took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for — part-time hours, within commuting distance of Leeds. They found exactly that. Brilliant service."
"I was new to the UK and nervous about finding work. Staff Direct treated me respectfully, explained everything clearly, and placed me in a great hotel reception role in Manchester. Highly recommended."
Ready to Find Your Next Receptionist Role?
Whether you are seeking temporary cover work, a fixed-term contract, or a permanent position, Staff Direct is your dedicated recruitment partner for receptionist roles across England and Wales. Our consultants are active, our employer network is wide, and our commitment to placing the right candidate in the right role is absolute. Don't wait for the perfect job to find you — upload your CV today and let us do the work.
We also support employers across England and Wales looking to hire experienced reception staff at short notice. Contact our business team to discuss your staffing requirements today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about finding receptionist jobs through Staff Direct.