Reception services and venue manager jobs

Are you passionate about the Samaritans’ mission and eager for a new challenge?​

We’re looking for a part-time Executive Assistant (20 hours per week) to support our Executive Leaders and help Samaritans continue to be there for people when it matters most.​

As an Executive Assistant, you’ll be highly organised and a great communicator. You’ll be responsible for providing highly efficient and effective support across all administrative and organisational activities. Working in a responsive team you will be one of the first points of contact for the Executive Leadership Team and will assist with administration and organisation of diaries for meetings and travel arrangements, preparing briefs and drafting a range of communications. You’ll attend key meetings in a supporting role and ensure efficiency and timely support to the Leadership team.​

​You’ll also assist with front-line reception administration services in the Ewell (Surrey) Office as required.

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Contract terms:

£32,000 - £34,000 per annum, plus benefits (£18,285 - £19,428 pro-rata for 20 hours)

Permanent

Part-time, 20 hours per week

Predominately office Based in Ewell (Surrey), with occasional opportunity to work from home

Some occasional out of hours and weekend attendance at events/meetings.

We are passionate about flexible working. Talk to us about your preferences.

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​What you'll do:

• ​Manage the diaries of our Executive Leadership Team, prioritising demands where required
• Coordinate travel, accommodation and other logistical arrangements
• Prepare, check and administer paperwork for meetings, ensuring deadlines are communicated and met
• Provide coordination support to our Senior Leadership Team for key meetings and activities
• Draft correspondence for the Executive Directors and monitor responses
• Coordinate the preparation and dissemination of reports and documentation
• Liaise with key stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Leadership Team, building and maintaining positive relationships
• Provide reception cover when required

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What you’ll bring:

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Knowledge of general office administrational functions
• Excellent organisation skills with proven ability to prioritise competing deadlines and demands
• Ability to produce clear documentation
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience of working with sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to maintain a professional approach, even when working under pressure
• Experience of working within the charity sector, and project support or project management is desirable.​

See full Job Description and Person Specification

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Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.​

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.​

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.​

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.​

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to one application question and to upload your CV and cover letter.

Applications close: ​09:00am on Monday 13th April 2026

Interviews will be held at our office in Ewell (Surrey) w/c 20th April

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.

The Role

This is a pivotal new role at SUSU, leading the operational delivery of our vibrant student spaces across our three buildings on Highfield Campus. As Head of Operations, you’ll ensure our facilities are safe, compliant, well-maintained, and consistently deliver excellent service.

You’ll oversee room bookings and reception, technical event support, transport operations, and sustainability initiatives, keeping services running smoothly across a busy and diverse programme of over 1,500 bookings each year.

As SUSU’s lead competent person for Health & Safety, you’ll champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance across all activities, working closely with University stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to drive continuous improvement.

No two days are the same — this is a fantastic opportunity to shape and enhance the student experience at scale.

About You

• Significant experience in soft facilities or operational management, including contracts and service delivery
• A recognised Health & Safety qualification, with strong experience in compliance and risk management
• Proven track record of leading teams in fast-paced, complex environments
• A confident communicator and problem-solver, able to build strong stakeholder relationships
• Highly organised and analytical, with the ability to balance strategic planning and hands-on delivery

About Us
We are the University of Southampton Students' Union (SUSU) – independent from the University and run by students, for students. Our vision is simple:  SUSU is here to enrich the life of every student. We are a workplace that’s buzzing with life, ideas, and opportunities – where your work directly shapes the student experience. 

As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Salary of £43,337 to £47,325
• Generous paid holiday - 30 days per year, plus eight closure days (around Easter, August and Christmas) on top of eight bank holidays (and an opportunity to purchase up to an additional week of holiday). 
• Great pension – we contribute 10% into your defined contributions pension scheme. 
• Travel perks – discounted UniLink and Blue Star bus passes, a Cycle-to-Work scheme. 

To find out more, visit our website.

Apply Now
You can easily apply using your CV and covering letter by clicking on Apply Now.

For further information prior to submitting your application, please find the relevant contact details within the advert posted on our website.

Closing Date: 19 April 2026

Interview Date: 5 May 2026

Please note feedback will not be provided if you are not shortlisted for interview.   

SUSU is an equal opportunities employer that values a diverse workforce and we want to reflect the student body that we represent. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination and will ensure that our recruitment activities are mindful of equality and diversity matters.  

We are seeking a forward‑thinking leader with a track record in changing organisations that have a good and loyal team in place with a commitment to our mission and values, and the imagination to explore new ways of meeting local needs. A track record of fundraising in the charity sector is needed. Whether you come with a background from the advice sector, the wider charity world, or another relevant field, if you have the vision and drive to steer CAEW into the future, we would love to hear from you.