Front Office Receptionist

About the role

The Office Assistant owns the day-to-day operations of the California office, serving as the primary front desk presence and first point of contact for visitors, clients, customers, and vendors. This role manages reception, phones, mail and shipping, office supplies, vendor and building coordination, and supports company events and celebrations. The position reports to the Executive Assistant and provides backup support when needed, acting as the administrative anchor of the office and ensuring a professional, welcoming, and well-organized environment. The company operates in the security and loss-prevention space, manufacturing grocery store security systems and cart lock-theft prevention products, such as locking wheels that prevent carts from leaving the lot and automatic cart pushers used by major retailers. Founded in 1998 on principles of innovation, quality, and service, the organization is in full growth mode following a recent private equity acquisition and has recently moved into a larger building to support continued expansion. The culture emphasizes honesty, loyalty, and investing in people, with a strong focus on growth and promoting from within. This department offers clear opportunities for advancement, and employees are encouraged to develop their careers over time. This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the face of the California office by greeting and welcoming visitors, clients, customers, and vendors in a courteous, professional manner that creates a positive first impression.
• Manage visitor sign-in procedures, issue visitor badges, and maintain a secure and organized front desk area.
• Answer, screen, and route incoming calls on the main office line, take accurate messages, and direct inquiries to the appropriate team members.
• Receive, sort, and distribute incoming mail and packages, and prepare outgoing shipments while coordinating courier services such as FedEx, UPS, and USPS.
• Accept deliveries, including food and supply orders, and promptly notify employees for pickup.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional reception area and shared office spaces at all times.
• Order, restock, and manage office, conference room, and kitchen/breakroom supplies, monitoring inventory and reordering as needed.
• Coordinate catering and food deliveries for meetings, and ensure conference rooms are properly set up, stocked, and ready for use.
• Help plan and coordinate company events, employee gatherings,