what is an office coordinator?
Office coordinators keep the office running smoothly by filing documents, paying suppliers, ordering office materials and managing daily workflow by creating efficient systems. As an office coordinator, you support all staff members, from executives to janitors. You facilitate proper coordination between departments by ensuring seamless communication flow. Your role also involves assisting the management with strategy-related tasks like developing objectives for each department in line with the company's vision and mission. You also measure workers' performance and conduct performance appraisals on the approval of top management.
As an office coordinator, you serve as the central clearinghouse for ordering essential supplies and directly impact all staff members' success and work satisfaction. That means you liaise with the procurement department to ensure office supplies are available. Your job also involves assisting department managers with administrative tasks like preparing travel itineraries, managing phone calls, scheduling appointments and preparing conference rooms for meetings.
what does an office coordinator do?
The office coordinator job is an entry-level position similar to a receptionist in large companies. However, an office coordinator usually has additional responsibilities besides welcoming visitors and preparing schedules. In small start-ups, an office coordinator can be a middle-level manager involved in the strategic functions of the business. For instance, small companies without a human resource team rely on an office coordinator to conduct interviews and hire new staff.
Would working as an office coordinator suit your organisation and people skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an office coordinator role.
average salary of an office coordinator
According to ONS, an office coordinator makes around £9.78 per hour or an annual salary of £22,764. At an entry-level position, an office coordinator earns £17,000 per year. When you have years of experience and specialised skills, your salary increases to £31,000 annually. Aside from the basic salary, your compensation package includes overtime pay, performance incentives and bonuses. When working on a full-time schedule, your employer may also provide benefits like vacation days and medical allowances.
factors that affect your salary as office coordinator
Salary rates of office coordinators usually vary due to the scope of the role and level of authority. When your position involves making strategic decisions and other executive functions, your earnings should reflect the level of authority you have. Supervisory duties also boost your compensation package. The employer can affect your earnings. For instance, despite your role being an entry-level position in large organisations, it pays more due to the job complexity. Major companies also provide additional benefits and performance incentives that boost your take-home pay. Small start-ups have limited resources and cannot pay high salaries or provide lucrative benefits packages.
types of office coordinator
Some of the specific jobs titles of office coordinators include:
- medical office coordinator: as a medical office coordinator, you assist doctors or physicians with administrative tasks. For instance, you create schedules for medical assistants, supervise the procurement of medical supplies and file patients medical records. You need to be familiar with medical protocols and workflow to ensure smooth operations in the health facility.
- front desk coordinator: you perform the role of a receptionist, including welcoming guests, directing them to their appointments and answering phone calls. You also ensure the office is clean and assign duties to janitors.
- retail office coordinator: a retail office coordinator manages sales assistants and field sales representatives. You monitor their performance, provide any support they need and handle customer complaints.
- project coordinator: your job is to coordinate project activities based on the plan created by the project manager. Your role involves creating teams and empowering them with the right resources for success.
working as an office coordinator
As an office coordinator, you'll make changes in your work environment to promote efficiency, improve traffic flow and make the office more comfortable. Maintaining a good work environment ranks as one of the most critical responsibilities of an office coordinator.
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office coordinator job description
Your work as an office coordinator ranges from general office upkeep to supervising sales staff and other office workers. Some positions have greater responsibilities; these include specific types of coordinators like medical office coordinators who must be familiar with medical technology, billing codes and knows insurance billing practices. General office coordinator duties include:
- monitoring secretarial and clerical functions: as an office coordinator, you complete data entry tasks and receive correspondence on behalf of the company.
- conducting performance appraisals: you use performance metrics to measure the performance of each office worker and prepare a report. You also recommend the best training and development schemes for workers performing poorly.
- recruiting new staff: as an office coordinator, your duties involve interviewing and recruiting new office workers. You also conduct onboarding sessions and training programmes before they commence work.
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work environment
In this role, you work in well-regulated office spaces that are warm in winter and cool in summer. Most offices are quiet, but noises often arise from certain office equipment like copiers, printers/scanners and computers. Fortunately, you have some control over your office environment as an office coordinator. You might have the authority to set the heating and air conditioning temperatures. You can organise your office to minimise distractions by setting office protocols as follow:
- assigning staff to eliminate clutter for greater productivity
- creating a common area for muted conversations and eating food
- rearranging office equipment where it provides minimal distractions
- introducing decorative and relaxing features like plants, art and crafts
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the business sector or employer you work for, your colleagues may include receptionists, executive assistants and janitors. You might also be working in close proximity to project managers and office managers, as well as other specialists that could include doctors, lawyers and sales directors.
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work schedule
Most office coordinators work standard office hours and 40-hour weeks. However, your job might require working additional hours on special projects or attending meetings and even office-related social events. You spend most of your work hours in office environments, and you experience some pressure to stay on top of your duties from the office manager or your executive-level supervisor. However, some companies offer office coordinators alternative schedules because so many work tasks can be handled remotely on digital technology. Although you must be regularly present at the office, scheduling flexibility and working from home is possible.
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job outlook
Office coordinators are necessary for most private industries, government agencies and university settings. As an office coordinator, you will improve your career outlook by enhancing your organisational skills, technology know-how and interpersonal communication skills. You can increase your attractiveness to potential employers by learning more about their operations and getting certifications. Your career path is also clearly defined, and you can move from an office coordinator role to an executive assistant or office manager. When you join the managerial role, you start as the operations manager or human resources manager.
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advantages of finding an office coordinator job through randstad
Finding your office coordinator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contractsWant a permanent contract? A temporary job as an office coordinator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Although there are no standard educational requirements for being an office coordinator beyond a high school diploma, many employers prefer a bachelor's degree in business administration. Related degrees in information management or human resources management qualify you for this position. Your training and work background can boost your hiring outlook, and strong computer skills are mandatory for most employers.
Office coordinator applicants should have skills in specific areas that prove attractive to employers. For example, a construction office prefers candidates with a broad knowledge of the construction industry from work experience or growing up in a family that worked in construction. If you have real estate experience, you can find a real estate office coordinator job more easily. The same holds true for any industry. Earning certifications raises your prospects even higher.
skills and competencies
Developing the necessary skills and competencies takes some work, but these same skills also lead to career advancement. Some are internal personal qualities, and others can be gained from education and work experiences. The most common skills and competencies needed for office coordinator jobs include:
- organisational skills: as an office coordinator, you supervise multiple tasks and coordinate various functions in an office. Organisation skills help you manage your time and schedule and keep up with the job demands.
- computer skills: an office coordinator needs computer skills and proficiency in using a Word processor, spreadsheets and PowerPoint. Computing expertise will come in handy when handling administrative tasks and a professional role in data entry.
- people skills: you need social and customer service skills to help you positively approach customer complaints. Interpersonal skills also make you a great team member.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an office coordinator
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what does an office coordinator do?
An office coordinator ensures an office runs smoothly. They also provide support in administrative tasks and manage workers in the office.
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what do office coordinators make?
An office coordinator makes an average salary of £22,764 per year. With experience, you can earn more than £31,000 per year. Office coordinators also enjoy various benefits and bonuses.
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what are the skills of a coordinator?
As an office coordinator, you need exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. When giving instructions to workers, you have to communicate clearly.
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is a coordinator a secretary?
While an office coordinator and secretary perform closely-related roles, a secretary focuses on administrative tasks. An office coordinator has a wider range of tasks like recruitment and supervision of office workers.
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is being an office coordinator a good job?
Being an office coordinator is an excellent job for you if you're people-oriented and willing to handle the details of coordinating all office work. Excellent coordinators are highly organised, and demonstrating interpersonal skills and empathy comes naturally. You'll have many deadlines and some degree of stress. Still, if you can carry out your administrative policies, the job will lead to career advancement, a higher salary and great job satisfaction.
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how do I apply for an office coordinator vacancy?
Applying for an office coordinator job is easy: Submit your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
