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.
 

office coordinator jobs
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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.
 

Female smiling, sitting on a table with pen in her hands
Female smiling, sitting on a table with pen in her hands
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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.
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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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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.
two colleagues working together in the office
two colleagues working together in the office
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FAQs

FAQs about working as an office coordinator

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