Security Receptionist

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  • 40 hours per week
  • 3.5 days out of 7 per week with various shift patterns
  • Monday - Sunday Rolling rota 12 hour shifts 06:30 to 18:30 & 18:30 to 06:30
  • £12.46 per hour
  • Access to Sodexo reward hub and discounts
  • SIA licence required to be considered for this role


Please Note: Due to the festive period, applications will not be reviewed or shortlisted until 5 January 2026.

Job Description:

Join Sodexo as a Security Receptionist at Merville Barracks Colchester, CO2 7UT, where you will play a crucial role in creating a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for all staff, visitors and military personnel. As the first point of contact, you’ll combine excellent customer service with strong administrative and security awareness to ensure smooth and compliant entry to the site.

What you’ll do:

  • Welcome, engage with and support all visitors, checking entry documentation and ensuring compliance with MoD entry criteria.
  • Provide first-class customer service and maintain a professional, well-kept reception area that creates a positive first impression.

  • Operate reception systems, process site passes, and maintain accurate manual and digital records in line with service standards.

  • Monitor access control systems, respond to incidents in line with procedures, and follow correct reporting processes at all times.

  • Manage incoming queries, relay messages, and provide clear guidance to visitors, contractors, staff and stakeholders.

  • Ensure compliance with GDPR, Sodexo policies, client site rules, and relevant legislation.

  • Maintain the highest standards of personal presentation and wear the provided uniform at all times.

  • Support additional administrative or office tasks as required.

What you bring:

  • Ability to interact with employees, contractors, consultants, visitors, and management as well as local police and fire authorities
  • Standard SIA license

  • Ability to provide a continuous 5-year UK employment and residency history.

  • Previous experience in a customer-facing role.

  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow set standards.

  • Good IT skills and confidence using digital systems.

  • Ability to work independently and within a team.

  • Resilience when dealing with conflict, aligned with SIA-based training.

  • Working knowledge of GDPR.

  • Flexible, proactive and professional approach.

Desirable

  • Experience within a military or security environment.

  • Security Clearance (SC).

  • Full UK Driving Licence.

Please Note: Due to the festive period, applications will not be reviewed or shortlisted until 5 January 2026.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

  • Mental health & wellbeing support
  • Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
  • 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
  • Discounts for you & family
  • Financial tools & retirement plan
  • Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!


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