Receptionist & Library Assistant

Job Description

We are the UK’s leading premium publisher, home to iconic and influential media brands including Esquire , Men’s & Women’s Health, ELLE , Good Housekeeping , Harper’s Bazaar , Digital Spy , Cosmopolitan , Red and more. At Hearst UK, we don’t just create content – we shape culture.

Our workplace is driven by passion, shaped by authenticity and powered by creativity. We back bold ideas, act with an entrepreneurial mindset and continually evolve to meet the moment - while respecting the legacy that’s brought us here. We believe in each other’s potential and push boundaries together to create meaningful impact, both across the media landscape and in people’s lives.

We’re proud of our heritage - but even more excited about making history.

Hearst UK operates an in office policy with flexible Friday’s. Our office is based at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 4AJ, where teams collaborate in person and connect across brands and functions.

Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 - Salary is dependent on experience and will be assessed in line with the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and relevant expertise.

The Role…

Whilst acting as the Receptionist, you will report to the Front of House Supervisor. You will work closely with Building Management and Office Services, managing time-sensitive tasks to agreed deadlines. You will be responsible for delivering a 5-star experience for all visitors and clients, as well as supporting Hearst colleagues and internal stakeholders.

Whilst acting as the Library Assistant, you will report to the Syndication and Archive Manager. You will support the organisation, care, and accessibility of Hearst’s archive collections, alongside carrying out library administrative tasks, including the physical restocking of magazines. Please note, this role will involve occasional lifting of items up to 10kg.

Main Duties…

Reception

Operate the switchboard, ensuring all calls are handled in a friendly, professional and timely manner and redirected where necessary. Create a welcoming environment and ensure anyone waiting in reception is well looked after, including offering refreshments and answering questions. Respond promptly to client requests, keeping clients informed and updated within agreed timeframes. Ensure the reception desk is always clean and tidy; newspapers and food are not permitted at the desk. Monitor the reception area to ensure a high standard of cleanliness is maintained at all times, including keeping magazines neatly displayed on shelves and tables. Ensure all client meeting rooms are left clean and tidy after each meeting. Book visitors and guests in using Touchpoint software. Regularly check the shared reception mailbox for incoming messages and action them promptly. Authorise bookings, including: Accepting or declining meeting requests Ensuring meetings do not clash in diaries Adding set-up/reset requirements to the Facilities calendar and e-logbooks Manage access passes, including: Issuing daily, weekly and permanent passes to permanent staff, freelancers and contractors Updating the database and running reports Ensuring all passes are returned Issuing replacement access passes Processing leavers (including deactivating passes and maintaining records) Maintain stock levels of magazines, refreshments and sundries. Carry out regular floor walks to ensure the reception area, meeting rooms and storage areas are clean, tidy and free of boxes/clutter, and that products and supplies are stored correctly. Manage the locker allocation system for staff, including updating the locker database, allocating lockers, issuing keys, arranging distribution and collection, and handling related queries. Maintain knowledge of all entrances, fire exits and the locations of the nearest fire extinguishers. Be aware of promotional activities taking place in the building and the main point of contact. Promotional items/samples must not be taken without permission. Work closely with the Reception and Facilities teams to ensure the smooth running of Front of House. Build and maintain excellent relationships with contractors, clients and colleagues; a “can do” approach must always be maintained.

Library

Focus: day-to-day service, hands-on work, and collections access and care.

Support syndication & archive operations: Assist internal staff with queries and access requests. Assist with external queries and access requests. Monitor the Hearst Archive inbox and respond to requests within remit or escalate to the Syndication & Archive Manager. Learn specialist software to assist with syndication requests and digital archive tasks. Support on Library admin tasks including (but not limited to): Magazine restocking. Maintaining and tidying shelves outside the library. Updating monthly bulk order documents. Assist with sorting and organising archival materials (physical and digital) Promote awareness and correct use of the archive

Undertake any other ad hoc duties or project work, as reasonably requested.

What We Are Looking For…

Proven experience in a customer service environment, ideally within a front-of-house or luxury setting Excellent customer service skills, with a proactive, engaging approach to delivering a 5* experience Strong communication skills, both written and verbal Able to work under pressure, manage challenging situations, and adapt quickly to changing priorities Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise workload and maintain strong attention to detail A collaborative team player who is supportive of others Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF tools, with a willingness to learn specialist systems An interest in archives, or a willingness to learn, would be advantageous

Benefits…

(Your benefits at Hearst UK are more than just extras—they are tools to help you thrive in every part of life.)

Hearst Exclusives - Only for You!

Get adventurous with Good Housekeeping Taste and Beauty Testing Panels - yes, you could be trying the next big thing in beauty, food & drink. Snag luxe beauty steals at our legendary office sample sales - score big on top brands without breaking the bank!

Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing: Feel Your Best

Stay healthy with Specsavers eye care, a company-funded Health Cash Plan, and access to mental health support. Get active and stress-free with discounted gym memberships and the Cycle to Work scheme. Embrace flexibility with a Location Flex and Holiday Exchange to take time when you need it. Take time to give back with a Charity Day and access wellbeing resources whenever you need them. Join one of our Hearst ERG Groups.

Financial Wellness - Boost Your Budget

Plan ahead with a generous Workplace Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance and Season Ticket Loan for easier commuting. Make smarter money moves using Salary Finance tools, Financial Wellbeing sessions, and Home Tech benefits to spread costs. Treat yourself with major discounts across London plus everyday savings via the HAPI at Hearst app

Hearst UK is deeply committed to using our influential brands to reflect the world we want to live in – one that respects, protects, represents and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people. As a business, we recognise the significant benefits of creativity, collaboration and innovation that comes with diverse teams. Not only is diversifying the voices in our organization the right thing to do, but it also helps us to make powerful and exciting content that can be enjoyed by many more people. This is why we’re working to build a sense of true belonging within our business and foster a culture in which everyone feels heard.