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