Job Description
Office and Administration Manager - PLS Solicitors
Location: Altrincham, WA14 5UW, office-based role
Hours: Full-time, permanent, Monday-Friday, 09:00 - 17:00
Start date: ASAP (happy to consider longer notice periods)
Salary: up to £35k DOE
We’re looking for an experienced Office & Administration Manager to lead our centralised support functions and drive high standards across Reception and Administration.
This role is ideal for a confident people manager who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and knows how to get the best out of support teams. You’ll play a key role in ensuring our front-of-house, administrative and office operations run smoothly, professionally and efficiently.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leadership & Team Management
* Lead, motivate and develop the Reception and Central Administration teams.
* Allocate workload, set priorities and monitor performance levels.
* Provide supervisory oversight of the postroom function (day-to-day management remains within the team).
* Manage escalated issues relating to administration, reception or postroom services.
* Support recruitment and onboarding within relevant departments.
* Act as a key liaison between administration teams and internal stakeholders.
* Work closely with senior management to support operational planning and change initiatives.
Administration & Operational Oversight
* Ensure the efficient handling and distribution of post in line with service level agreements and turnaround times (oversight responsibility).
* Oversee reception services to deliver a professional, welcoming and client-focused front-of-house experience.
* Manage centralised administrative processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely delivery.
* Continuously review and improve workflows to support a high-volume caseload.
* Ensure administrative procedures align with firm policies and regulatory requirements.
* Assist with audits and internal checks relating to administrative and operational processes.
* Support general office management tasks as required.
* Liaise with internal and external parties where necessary.
Facilities & Office Environment
* Liaise with the third-party facilities company to ensure the office environment is safe, compliant and well maintained.
* Coordinate with the facilities provider regarding office moves, reconfigurations, refurbishments and space planning as required.
* Act as the point of contact for escalated facilities-related matters and ensure timely resolution.
Health & Safety
* Oversee office health and safety compliance, including risk assessments, fire safety, DSE assessments and accident reporting (Please note: this role oversees and coordinates H&S activity – delivery is supported by an external facilities provider.)
* Ensure health and safety policies, procedures and records are kept up to date and adhered to.
* Coordinate fire wardens, first aiders and emergency procedures.
* Liaise with external H&S advisors and support audits or inspections where required.
Travel & Accommodation
* Oversee travel and accommodation arrangements for staff where required, ensuring cost-effective and appropriate bookings.
* Maintain travel policies and supplier relationships.
Suppliers & Cost Control
* Manage contracts with office suppliers and service providers, reviewing performance and value for money.
* Support budget management for office operations and facilities expenditure.
* Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Business Continuity
* Work collaboratively with IT, Operations and HR to support business continuity and disaster recovery planning from an office operations perspective.
What We’re Looking For
* Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar Office or Administration Manager role
* Proven experience managing office-based or administrative teams
* Strong leadership and people management capability
* Experience operating in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
* Excellent organisational and multitasking skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* High attention to detail
What You’ll Get in Return
* Opportunity to make a real impact across our business support functions
* Study Support: Once you’ve been with us for a year, we’ll support you with professional qualifications to help you grow
* Long-Term Focus: This isn’t a stop-gap job - we’re investing in people who want to build a future with us. We want to bring in people who see this as a real career move - not just a job
* Team Culture: We’re a sociable, supportive bunch, and our senior leadership team is known for providing a working environment to support your growth and success
* Employee benefits: death in service, healthcare plan, EAP, counselling, and salary sacrifice schemes (tech, nursery, gym, cycle, car)
* Extras: free conveyancing, mortgage advice, staff discounts, free Uber to/from Navigation Rd
If you’re a confident people manager who enjoys developing teams, driving standards and creating structure in a fast-paced environment, this could be the role for you – apply now!
Please note: We do not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. We are not bound by any terms and conditions in relation to unsolicited profiles submitted without prior agreement