If you’ve ever dreamed of working in a role where you’re the friendly face that greets people, keeps things organized, and makes every visitor feel welcome — then a receptionist job could be your perfect match. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fresh opportunity, finding the best companies hiring receptionists in the UK can make your job search a whole lot easier.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the top UK companies known for hiring receptionists regularly, what makes them great employers, and how you can land one of these roles. Let’s dive in!
💼 Why Work as a Receptionist in the UK?
Receptionists are the heartbeat of an organization. They keep things running smoothly, handle communication, and create that all-important first impression for customers and visitors.
Here’s why so many people love this career:
- You get to meet new people every day.
- You learn valuable communication and organization skills.
- It’s a great starting point for admin, HR, or office management roles.
- The work environment is usually friendly and team-oriented.
Whether you want to work in a hotel, corporate office, hospital, or salon, there’s a receptionist role out there waiting for you.
🌟 Best 5+ Companies Hiring Receptionist Jobs in the UK
Now let’s get to the exciting part — the top companies where you can find receptionist jobs across the UK.
🏨 1. Marriott Hotels
Why It’s Great:
Marriott is one of the world’s leading hotel chains, and their UK branches are constantly hiring receptionists to help guests feel welcome. If you love hospitality, customer service, and a lively environment, this is a fantastic place to work.
What You’ll Do:
- Greet guests, handle check-ins/check-outs.
- Answer phone calls and assist with reservations.
- Provide information about hotel services and local attractions.
Perks:
- Employee discounts on stays.
- Training and career growth opportunities.
- A fun and diverse work culture.
💡 Tip: Visit Marriott Careers UK to explore openings near you.
🏢 2. NHS (National Health Service)
Why It’s Great:
If you want a job that makes a difference, working as a receptionist in the NHS is incredibly rewarding. You’ll be helping patients and supporting healthcare teams — a job that truly matters.
What You’ll Do:
- Welcome patients and book appointments.
- Handle medical records and admin tasks.
- Support doctors, nurses, and staff.
Perks:
- Stable government job with great benefits.
- Pension plans, holidays, and flexible hours.
- Opportunities to move up within the NHS.
💡 Tip: Check official NHS openings on NHS Jobs UK.
🏦 3. Barclays Bank
Why It’s Great:
Barclays is one of the UK’s biggest banks, and their offices often hire receptionists for front-desk and client relations roles. It’s perfect if you enjoy professional environments and have strong communication skills.
What You’ll Do:
- Greet clients and manage meeting room bookings.
- Handle calls and internal communication.
- Provide a polished, professional front-of-house experience.
Perks:
- Excellent training and advancement opportunities.
- Competitive pay and benefits.
- Work in modern, professional offices.
💡 Tip: Explore roles at Barclays Careers.
🧑💼 4. Hays Recruitment
Why It’s Great:
Hays isn’t just a recruiter — they also hire receptionists for their own offices and for other companies they represent. Working here gives you the inside scoop on hiring trends and great networking opportunities.
What You’ll Do:
- Welcome clients and candidates.
- Manage front-desk tasks and office admin.
- Support recruiters and coordinate interviews.
Perks:
- Exposure to various industries.
- Office-based stability with professional growth.
- Great for building admin and HR experience.
💡 Tip: Check out Hays Careers.
🏙️ 5. Hilton Hotels
Why It’s Great:
Another big name in hospitality, Hilton offers plenty of receptionist and front-desk roles across its UK locations. If you love helping people and want a dynamic environment, this is the place to be.
What You’ll Do:
- Greet guests and manage check-ins/check-outs.
- Handle bookings and inquiries.
- Provide top-notch customer service.
Perks:
- Travel and accommodation discounts.
- On-the-job training and career progression.
- Work in a globally recognized brand.
💡 Tip: Browse openings on Hilton Careers.
🏫 6. University and College Campuses
Why It’s Great:
Universities across the UK often hire receptionists for student services, libraries, and admin offices. It’s a calm, professional environment — great if you like helping students and staff.
What You’ll Do:
- Assist students with inquiries and forms.
- Manage appointments and maintain records.
- Keep the reception area organized.
Perks:
- Stable working hours (mostly weekdays).
- Access to campus facilities.
- Friendly, inclusive environment.
💡 Tip: Visit specific university websites or job boards like Jobs.ac.uk.
🚀 Bonus: Recruitment Agencies That Can Help
If you want someone to do the searching for you, consider registering with these top UK recruitment agencies that specialize in office and receptionist roles:
- Office Angels – Known for matching candidates to admin and front-desk roles.
- Adecco UK – Offers temporary and permanent receptionist positions.
- Reed Recruitment – Has hundreds of receptionist listings daily.
These agencies can help you find jobs faster and even prepare for interviews.
💬 Real-World Example
Let’s say you live in Birmingham and are looking for a receptionist role. You might start by checking Hays Recruitment or Reed, but then you also spot a local Marriott hiring on Indeed. You apply, attend a friendly interview, and — just like that — you’ve landed a hotel front-desk job with great perks.
That’s how many people find success: by combining online job boards, company sites, and local listings.
🌈 What Makes a Great Receptionist Candidate?
Employers look for people who are:
- Friendly and approachable – you’re the face of the company.
- Organized and detail-oriented – you keep things running smoothly.
- Tech-savvy – comfortable using booking systems or Microsoft Office.
- Calm under pressure – able to multitask with a smile.
Even if you’re new to this field, a positive attitude and willingness to learn go a long way.
