Receptionist Jobs in Leicester LE1 | Immediate Start & Flexible Roles
Phone Direct is actively recruiting experienced Receptionists for multiple immediate start opportunities in Leicester city centre and the LE1 postcode area. Join a trusted local staffing agency for competitive pay, weekly payments, and access to the best temporary and permanent receptionist roles.
Leicester LE1
City Centre & Surrounding Areas
ASAP / Immediate
Temporary & Temp-to-Perm
£11.50 - £13.50 p/h
Weekly Pay, Competitive & Fair
Receptionist / Front Desk
Full-Time, Part-Time & Flexible
Receptionist Job Description: Leicester LE1
Phone Direct is partnering with leading businesses across Leicester city centre to recruit proactive, professional Receptionists for immediate vacancies. As the first point of contact, you will play a crucial role in shaping the customer experience, managing front desk operations, and providing essential administrative support. Whether you're looking for a long-term career move or a flexible temporary position, we have a variety of roles suited to your skills.
Our clients range from dynamic corporate offices and medical practices to legal firms and hospitality venues in the LE1 area. By registering with Phone Direct, you gain access to exclusive opportunities not always advertised publicly, along with the support of a dedicated consultant who understands the local Leicester job market. For those with experience as a Call Centre Operator or in customer support, these skills are highly transferable and in demand.
Why Choose Phone Direct for Your Next Receptionist Role?
- Local Expertise: We specialise in Leicester recruitment, connecting you with employers right on your doorstep.
- Speed & Efficiency: Our process is designed for fast placement. Many candidates start work within 48 hours of registration.
- Ongoing Support: Unlike applying directly, you have a dedicated point of contact for any queries, pay issues, or career advice.
Key Responsibilities & Requirements
1Core Receptionist Duties
- Key Task Professionally manage all incoming calls, emails, and face-to-face enquiries, directing them appropriately and ensuring no call goes unanswered.
- Key Task Maintain the reception area, ensuring it is tidy, presentable, and stocked with necessary supplies.
- Key Task Handle administrative tasks such as mail sorting, booking meetings, managing room diaries, and data entry.
- Key Task Welcome visitors, clients, and staff with a positive and helpful attitude, upholding the company's professional image.
- Key Task Assist with basic financial tasks like invoicing, processing payments, or managing petty cash, depending on the role.
- Key Task Provide general support to other teams, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative spirit.
2Ideal Candidate Profile
- Requirement Proven experience as a Receptionist, Front Desk Agent, or in a similar customer-facing role. Transferable experience as a Call Centre Operator is highly valued.
- Requirement Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with a clear, polite, and confident telephone manner.
- Requirement Strong organisational skills and the ability to multitask effectively in a busy environment.
- Requirement Competency in standard office software (Microsoft Office Suite, email calendars). Experience with specific switchboard or booking systems is a bonus.
- Requirement A professional appearance and a proactive, problem-solving attitude.
- Requirement The right to work in the UK and reliability – punctuality is paramount for a front-of-house role.
Salary, Benefits & How We Support You
Phone Direct believes in fair compensation and transparent terms. Receptionist roles in Leicester LE1 offer competitive hourly rates that reflect your experience, the specific sector (e.g., legal, medical, corporate), and the responsibilities of the position.
Your Benefits Package with Phone Direct
Get paid reliably every week, directly into your bank account. No waiting for monthly payroll.
Earn paid holiday entitlement on top of your hourly rate, in line with UK employment law.
Access to workplace pension schemes, helping you plan for your future.
Many temporary roles lead to permanent offers. We also have pathways to roles like Medical Receptionist or team leader positions.
Your personal point of contact for shift queries, pay advice, and finding your next role.
We offer full-time, part-time, and flexible hours to suit your lifestyle, including school-friendly hours.
Rates typically range from £11.50 to £13.50 per hour, with potential for higher rates for specialised sectors, evening/weekend work, or roles with additional languages. All pay rates are clearly agreed before you start any assignment.
How to Apply for This Receptionist Role
Applying for a Receptionist position through Phone Direct is straightforward and designed to get you working quickly. Follow these simple steps:
Submit Your CV
Click 'Apply Now' or email your CV to us.
Quick Registration
A brief call with our team to discuss your skills and availability.
Role Matching
We match you with suitable vacancies and arrange interviews.
Start Work
Complete any quick onboarding and begin your new role.
Ready to Start Your New Role?
These Leicester receptionist positions are filling fast due to high demand from local businesses. Don't miss your chance to secure an immediate start with competitive pay and professional support.
Prefer to Apply Directly? If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Apply or Enquire Now
Contact the Phone Direct Leicester team directly for more information on this role or to discuss other receptionist opportunities.
Phone Direct Leicester
Serving Leicester LE1 and the surrounding region with dedicated staffing and recruitment solutions for both job seekers and businesses.
Related Immediate Start Roles
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Medical Receptionist
Leicester & Loughborough • £12.00-£13.50 p/h
-
Call Centre Operator
LE1 City Centre • Flexible Shifts
-
Customer Service Advisor
Hybrid/Office • Immediate Start
-
Remote Receptionist
Work from Home • Part-Time
Common Questions Answered
Got questions about pay, hours, or the registration process? We have answers.
Visit our FAQ SectionThe Leicester LE1 Receptionist Job Market
Leicester's city centre (LE1) is a thriving hub for business, healthcare, legal services, and hospitality, creating a consistent demand for skilled receptionists. As businesses grow and adapt, the role of the receptionist has evolved beyond simple call answering to become a key administrative and customer relationship position. Phone Direct's deep local knowledge allows us to place candidates in environments where they can truly excel, whether in a fast-paced corporate office, a patient-focused hospital receptionist setting, or a client-facing legal practice.
Skills in High Demand
Beyond the basics, Leicester employers increasingly value:
- Multi-lingual abilities to serve diverse communities.
- Experience with specific software like PMS or legal case management systems.
- Ability to handle basic financial transactions or invoicing.
- Social media or basic marketing support skills.
Career Pathways
Starting as a receptionist opens doors to numerous career advancement opportunities within Leicester's business landscape:
- Office Manager or Team Leader
- Executive Assistant or PA
- Customer Service Team Manager
- Specialist roles in sectors like HR or Facilities
Why Use a Local Agency?
Applying directly can be time-consuming. As a local Leicester agency, Phone Direct offers distinct advantages:
- We often know of roles before they are advertised publicly.
- We can advise on pay rates specific to the Leicester market.
- We provide feedback and coaching after interviews.
- We handle all the contractual and payroll admin.
Your Next Career Move Starts Here
Stop searching and start working. Join the many candidates who have found their ideal receptionist role in Leicester through Phone Direct.
Remember: If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected] for a prompt response from our Leicester recruitment team.
A Closer Look: Receptionist Roles Across Leicester LE1 Sectors
The title"Receptionist" encompasses a variety of specialisations within Leicester's diverse economy. Understanding the nuances of each sector can help you identify where your skills and personality would be the best fit. Here’s a breakdown of the primary industries hiring through Phone Direct in the LE1 postcode.
Corporate & Professional Services
Financial services, consultancy firms, marketing agencies, and shared office spaces.
Role Characteristics & Daily Tasks:
In these fast-paced LE1 offices, receptionists are often the central nervous system. The environment is dynamic, requiring a sharp, professional demeanour.
- CommonManaging complex, multi-line switchboards for large teams.
- CommonCoordinating high-volume meeting room bookings and client visits.
- AdvancedProviding light PA support to senior managers, including travel booking.
- AdvancedUsing CRM systems to log client interactions and update records.
Skills Highlight: Discretion with confidential information, proficiency with advanced office tech (e.g., video conferencing setups), and the ability to project a corporate brand image are paramount here.

Healthcare & Medical Practices
GP surgeries, dental practices, private clinics, and specialist treatment centres in LE1.
Role Characteristics & Daily Tasks:
This sector requires a unique blend of administrative efficiency and deep empathy. Receptionists are critical to patient care flow and experience.
- Key TaskBooking, amending, and cancelling patient appointments using specialist medical software (e.g., SystmOne, EMIS).
- Key TaskHandling sensitive patient enquiries with discretion and compassion, often under time pressure.
- CriticalProcessing patient registrations, updating records, and managing confidential data in line with GDPR.
- CriticalCoordinating with clinicians, managing prescription requests, and handling specimen logistics.
Skills Highlight: Knowledge of medical terminology is a huge advantage. Resilience, the ability to de-escalate anxious patients, and absolute adherence to confidentiality protocols are essential traits we look for.
Hospitality & Leisure
Hotels, premium gyms, leisure centres, theatres, and visitor attractions in central Leicester.
Role Characteristics & Daily Tasks:
The focus here is squarely on customer service excellence and creating a memorable first impression in a vibrant, often busy environment.
- CommonProcessing check-ins, bookings, and membership enquiries with a sales-oriented approach.
- CommonHandling cash, card payments, and till reconciliation at the end of a shift.
- VitalPromoting in-house services, events, or membership upgrades.
- VitalSolving real-time customer issues, from lost property to complaints, with a solution-focused attitude.
Skills Highlight: A bright and energetic personality, cash handling experience, and the ability to work evenings and weekends are often required. Knowledge of booking systems like Rezlynx or Gladstone is beneficial.
Behind the Scenes: Your Journey from Application to First Day
Understanding the process removes uncertainty. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to what happens after you click ‘Apply’ or send your CV to Phone Direct for a Leicester receptionist role.
Initial CV Review & Contact
What We Do: Our Leicester-based recruitment team reviews your CV for key receptionist indicators: relevant previous job titles, tenure, and highlighted skills like “switchboard,” “customer service,” or “Microsoft Office.”
What You Can Expect: A phone call from a consultant usually within one working day. This isn't an interview; it’s a conversation to understand your career goals, preferred locations in LE1 (e.g., near the Highcross, St. Georges area), salary expectations, and availability.
Pro Tip: Prepare for This Call
Have your diary handy. Be ready to discuss your right-to-work status and if you have any specific sector preferences (e.g., “I’d love to work in a legal firm”). This speeds up the matching process significantly.
Registration & Compliance
To place you with our clients, we are legally required to verify your identity and right to work. This is a non-negotiable but straightforward step.
- Documentation: You’ll receive a secure link to upload copies of your passport, proof of address, and NI number. This can often be done on your smartphone.
- Speed is Key: Candidates who complete their compliance quickly are always first in line for the newest “immediate start” roles. We guide you through every step.
- Confidentiality Assured: All documents are stored securely in line with GDPR and are only used for the purpose of placing you into work.
Simultaneously, we build your personal profile in our system, noting your skills, commute range, and any shift patterns you cannot work, ensuring we only put you forward for perfectly suited roles.
The Interview & Placement Process
This is where our local Leicester expertise truly benefits you. We don’t just send your CV blindly; we prepare you.
Client Interview Preparation
When we secure an interview for you, we provide detailed briefing:
- Company Background: We tell you about the business, its culture, and why the role is vacant.
- Interviewer Style: Insights into who you’ll be meeting and their expectations.
- Role-Specific Tips: For a legal receptionist, we’ll suggest highlighting discretion; for a gym, focus on your sales ability.
- Logistics: Precise directions to the LE1 office, parking advice, and who to ask for on arrival.
The Offer & Onboarding
After a successful interview, we manage the offer on your behalf.
- Negotiation: We discuss the offer with you first, ensuring the rate, hours, and terms meet your expectations before confirming with the client.
- Paperwork: All contractual terms, including your hourly rate, holiday accrual, and pay schedule, are detailed in a clear Assignment Confirmation.
- Pre-Start Guide: You’ll receive a helpful email covering your first day: dress code, start time, who to report to, and what to bring.
Success Stories: From Candidate to Valued Team Member
Hearing directly from candidates we’ve placed can provide the best insight into what your experience with Phone Direct could be. Here is a recent example from our Leicester team.
From Temp to Permanent Manager
Candidate: Sarah K.
Role Started: Temporary Receptionist
Sector: Legal Services, LE1
Timeline: 6 months from start to promotion.
Sarah's Journey in Her Words:
"I was looking for a fresh start after my previous role ended. I applied online to Phone Direct late on a Tuesday and had a call first thing Wednesday."
The Initial Placement:"My consultant, Jay, knew of a temporary cover role at a law firm near Jubilee Square. They needed someone immediately for two weeks while their regular receptionist was on leave. Jay prepped me on the firm's specialism and the specific phone system they used."
Exceeding Expectations:"I treated the two-week temp role as a extended interview. I streamlined their visitor log process and proactively managed a tricky diary clash for a partner. The team were really impressed."
The Outcome:"Not only was I asked to stay on permanently when the original receptionist decided not to return, but after six months, I was promoted to Office Coordinator, managing the reception team and facilities. Phone Direct handled the smooth transition from my temp contract to a permanent one with the firm, including negotiating a higher salary for the new responsibilities."
"I wouldn't have found this opportunity myself. It was Phone Direct's relationship with the firm and their belief in me that opened this door. For anyone in Leicester looking for reception work, I'd say register with them straight away."
Addressing Your Questions & Concerns
We understand that starting with a recruitment agency can bring up specific questions. Here, we tackle some of the more detailed concerns candidates often have.
What if I don't have a recent CV?
This is extremely common. Our consultants are experts at drawing out your relevant skills over the phone. We can also guide you to simple, free templates and help you highlight transferable experience. For example, if you've worked in retail, we'll help you frame that as"customer service,""cash handling," and"problem-solving"—all vital receptionist skills. The initial conversation is the most important part.
Will I be pressured into roles I don't want?
Absolutely not. Our ethos is about right fit, not fast fill. We will present opportunities that match the criteria you give us. If we suggest a role outside your preferred location (e.g., a role just outside LE1 in LE2) or sector, we will explain why we think it's a good match, but the choice is always yours. You are never obliged to accept an interview or a role. Our goal is your long-term satisfaction, which leads to repeat business and referrals.
How does pay work between assignments?
You are paid by Phone Direct only for the hours you work on an assignment. There is no retainer or salary between roles. However, the benefit is that when you are working, you are paid weekly without fail. If you finish a temporary assignment on a Friday, you will be paid for that week the following Friday as usual. Our team then immediately begins searching for your next placement to minimise any gaps. Many of our receptionists move seamlessly from one assignment to the next.
Can I work while claiming benefits?
Temporary and part-time work can often be undertaken while claiming certain benefits, but it is your responsibility to declare any work to the relevant authorities (e.g., DWP, HMRC). We advise all candidates to be transparent with their work coaches about taking on temporary assignments. We provide clear payslips and can confirm your hours worked if required by authorities. We cannot give personal financial advice, but we ensure our payroll is transparent to assist you in managing your declarations.
More Than Just an Agency: Part of the Leicester Community
Phone Direct isn't a remote, national call centre. Our team lives and works in Leicestershire. We understand the local transport links, the peak traffic times around the city centre, and the character of different business districts within LE1. This local knowledge allows us to give you practical, realistic advice about roles.
Leicester Businesses Partnered
From long-standing legal firms to new tech startups, our network is extensive and trusted.
Average Time to First Interview
Our efficient process gets you in front of employers faster than applying directly.
Temp-to-Perm Conversion Rate
The majority of our temporary receptionists are offered permanent positions by their host company.
By choosing to partner with us, you're not just finding a job; you're gaining a local advocate for your career in Leicester.