Receptionist

The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating.  It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft. 

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Job Role: Receptionist 

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Salary: £12,548.57 pro rata per annum

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Hours: Part Time - 18 hours per week (Weds: 0900 - 1300, Thurs: 0900 - 1700, & Fri: 0900 - 1700)

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Location: Hamble (office based) 

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• Do you thrive in a busy, people‑focused environment?
• Do you enjoy helping others, creating a positive first impression, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes?
• Are you someone who brings calm, clarity and friendliness — even on the busiest days?

If so, this could be a fantastic opportunity to play a key role at the heart of our organisation.

Join the RYA — and help us deliver exceptional service

We are a membership organisation and a world-leading provider of training schemes and publications, supporting a diverse community through an extensive network of over 2,400 Recognised Training Centres and 1,500 Affiliated Clubs. As the first point of contact for many of our members, visitors and partners, our reception service is crucial to ensuring every interaction reflects our values of professionalism, support and excellence.

We are now seeking a receptionist to deliver a warm, efficient and proactive reception and telephone service.

What You’ll Do:

As our receptionist, you will be at the centre of daily operations at RYA House. Your role will help ensure smooth communication, timely support for colleagues, and a positive experience for all visitors and callers.

You will:

• Promptly answer and direct a high volume of telephone calls each day (200+).
• Welcome visitors to RYA House, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported from arrival to departure.
• Provide accurate information and direct enquiries to the correct person or department.
• Manage voicemail messages and email enquiries, ensuring they reach the right teams quickly.
• Maintain reception areas, ensuring they are tidy, welcoming, and well‑stocked with relevant information.
• Check that reception and switchboard systems are operational and report any faults.
• Provide general clerical and administrative support for departments as required.
  

This role sits at the heart of a busy organisation — no two days are the same, and your professionalism will make a real difference.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re keen to hear from people who can demonstrate:

Essential - 

• Experience of working on a busy telephone switchboard or in a call‑handling environment.
• Excellent verbal communication and a friendly, professional manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to make a positive first impression.
• Competent IT skills, including email and basic MS Office.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise.
• The ability to remain calm, polite and efficient under pressure.
• Reliability, punctuality and a commitment to excellent customer service.
• A flexible, helpful and team‑focused attitude.

Desirable - 

• Experience using a computerised switchboard system.
• Basic knowledge of databases and data entry.
• Experience working in a large, diverse customer-service organisation.
• Experience supporting multiple teams or departments.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive organisation with a strong sense of purpose. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, people contact and being the go-to person who keeps things running smoothly.

To apply

Please review the full job description and send a completed application form and an equality monitoring form to jobs@rya.org.uk

Job description | Application form | Equality monitoring form

Or alternatively, apply here: 

Apply now

Closing date: 26 March 2026 
(we will review applications on a continuous basis and may close the advert early if sufficient applications are received)

Interviews: Monday 30 March / Tuesday 31 March 2026