Receptionist / Administrative Assistant (Alameda, US)
Metaswitch Networks is an internationally renowned technology company specializing in the exciting world of voice
and data communications. Our leading-edge software and hardware products are used by some of the biggest names in
the telecommunications and computer industry, such as Microsoft, Cisco, AT&T and Sprint.
Metaswitch was founded with a vision to simplify the delivery of next generation voice services, building
seamlessly on existing networks. We are now one of the leading providers of next generation telephone switching
systems and applications to North American service providers, with more than 450 customers, as well as being a software
supplier to all of the top 10 computer and telecom vendors worldwide.
As well as providing our customers with world-class products and services, we pride ourselves on providing our
employees with an excellent work environment and outstanding benefits. Our success is based on our ability (and
dedication) to recruit outstandingly talented individuals, and train and develop them into world-class business men
and women. As a company, developing the skills and talents of our people is at the heart of what we do.
Started in 1981, we have grown from the seven founders to more than 500 people, retaining the flexibility and
vibrancy of a small organization. Our head office is in Enfield (on the edge of North London, UK), and we also have
offices in Chester and Edinburgh in the UK, and Alameda (CA), Reston (VA), Dallas (TX), Boston (MA) and Tampa (FL) in
the US.
Our success derives from four fundamental beliefs that guide our culture; Quality Engineering, Reliability,
Exceptional Support and Innovation. At first glance, these values may not seem that special – many companies would
have a similar list. But as you explore each of these values, we hope you will come to see how Metaswitch uniquely
embodies these values - in how we develop products, how we support our customers, and ultimately how we create a
successful, enduring organization.
We are a remarkably stable and profitable organization, with revenue increasing every year since the company was
formed. In our last financial year we achieved a profit of $14m on a revenue of $114m. North America is our most
important market, representing more than 80% of our total revenue.
The Alameda office is the primary support, sales and marketing office for Metaswitch in North America. It has
grown from a handful of people nine years ago to approximately 30 today, plus several remote workers who view the
office as their "home base". With our market success, there is a constant "buzz" of people
working very hard to increase our sales and support our growing customer base.
Our office is based in the Marina Village business park, on the northern end of Alameda Island (near the Webster
tube, and close to the I-880 freeway). The entire office was refurbished to our specifications in 2005, with new
furniture, carpet and paint, making it a very pleasant working environment. Our well-stocked kitchen area offers
(free) tea, coffee, sodas and cookies. An additional benefit of our office location is that we are adjacent to
the Marina Village shopping center, which offers several good delis, cafes and restaurants; Luckys supermarket; CVS
Pharmacy; a dry cleaner’s; etc.
Our current office lease expires in June 2010, and we are currently looking at alternative office locations, both
in Alameda and San Francisco; if we move to San Francisco it will be to a downtown location commutable from the East
Bay by BART.
We are looking for a bright, energetic and enthusiastic individual to work on a part-time basis for 30 hours per
week. The hours of work will be 9am-4pm (with an hour for lunch), Monday to Friday. There is a possibility that this
position may become a full time position in the future as our business support needs increase. In this case, the role
would be 37.5 hours per week; 8:30am - 5:00pm.
As a Receptionist / Administrative Assistant, you will form part of the global administration/secretarial team. In
Alameda, you will be part of a team of three, working alongside our existing Office Administrator, Jabirah, reporting
to the current Manager of Office Administration, Carly.
Your role will be challenging and varied. With plenty of help and guidance, you will provide the team with
administrative support and will also provide assistance with the day-to-day administration of the office.
Your tasks will include
- staffing reception and answering phone calls (this will form the main part of the role)
- updating internal databases
- managing incoming/outgoing US mail, faxes, weekly packages to other offices, and scanning documents
- tracking stock levels and ordering office and project supplies from local vendors
- calendar management and conference room bookings
- processing expense forms
- booking taxi and limo transportation for employees and visitors
- back-up resource for arranging Fed-Ex and standard deliveries
- booking travel.
We are looking for a Receptionist / Administrative Assistant who is
- articulate and well-presented with a good telephone manner
- helpful and friendly, with strong interpersonal skills
- confident with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- committed to high standards, with a meticulous eye for detail
- flexible and able to work well in a team
- able to multi-task successfully
- able to withstand pressure (including managing conflicting priorities and deadlines) and the continual demand
for high standards
- not afraid of learning about, and using, new technology.
The ideal candidate will also have some reception and office administration experience (although if you do not
have experience but have the aptitude and motivation to develop, you may still apply as full training will be given).
Our administration packages are above the normal range to ensure that we attract candidates of exceptional
quality. For this position, we are offering a competitive starting package up to $32,000, depending on experience.
This claim is strengthened by our policy of profit distribution. Metaswitch is privately owned by top-tier
investment firms Francisco Partners and Sequoia Capital, together with the Metaswitch Employee Benefit Trust (EBT),
which distributes a share of profit to all employees, equitably rewarding them for their contribution. In addition,
the company operates an employee share scheme which further provides ownership incentives to our people. This means
that all employees have a stake in the future wealth that the company creates, and there is exceptional potential for
the right candidate to increase remuneration over time.
All employees benefit from the following benefits 'package,' which is a combination of what you would expect from
a modern, well-managed organization - along with one or two specials of our own.
- We provide excellent retirement benefits (10% of salary contributed by the company into your retirement
fund), short and long-term disability insurance, private medical and dental schemes.
- Employees receive three weeks' paid vacation in the first 12 months, rising to four weeks' paid vacation
(pro-rata) for the second and subsequent years, as well as public vacations.
- There are also regular company outings to relax (in 2006 we visited the sun and sights of Rome, and in
2008, we went skiing in Courchevel, France), in addition to local events for the US offices (for example, going
to a nice restaurant, a baseball game, or even a weekend away in the wine country).
In terms of personal development, we offer the opportunity to do an interesting
and demanding job in a well-managed and very successful company. Despite being
established for over 28 years, we are a young, dynamic organisation with an
outstanding record of getting the best out of people - which is why our staff
retention is exceptionally high.
Our recruitment is designed to be thorough and tough, yet informative and friendly. Initially, you may be asked to
take part in a short telephone interview. You will then normally be asked to come for two visits.
The first will be an interview at our Alameda office when you will be asked to complete a number of short exercises
and you will meet our Office Manager and one of our Senior Managers. A shortlist of candidates will be invited back
for a half-day session in our Alameda office for an in-depth briefing, with time spent working alongside members of
the team.
Upon selection, the successful candidate will begin work in Alameda with a 30-day probation period. At the
successful conclusion of the probation period, the candidate will travel to the Enfield, UK office to meet more people
(including the Chief Executive), learn more about the company and complete the final step in the hiring process.
Please send a comprehensive resume (including all academic grades) along with a covering letter/email (including
your interests and why you feel you are suitable for the role) to our email address
. If you have any further questions or queries please
contact Kay Crosbie at the same email address.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Metaswitch is an equal opportunities employer.