Business Support Officer

About the role

As Business Support Officer, you will provide efficient and effective administrative support to the Design Council, helping to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation and our work. You will be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks, including maintaining accurate records, coordinating meetings, processing correct internal documentation, HR & office administration and supporting internal systems and processes.

The role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, providing a professional and responsive service while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in all aspects of your work.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a varied role, takes pride in delivering high-quality administrative support, and is committed to contributing to the success of the team and wider organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational support

Maintain an organisation calendar of events and activities ensuring coordination of schedules between teams

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Provide day to day administrative support across the organisation, predominantly across the Finance and Operations and Programmes teams, providing ad hoc support the Communications team where needed

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Scheduling fortnightly online and in person all-colleague meetings including setting up slide decks and room bookings where necessary

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Supporting logistics on annual team awayday and two in person half days usually in June and November

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Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to provide excellent administrative support

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• Schedule and coordinate our regular cross-organisation business development meetings

Leadership Team support

Schedule meetings for Senior Management Team, prepare agendas and send-out pre-read incl. fortnightly meetings, monthly SMT-Exec meetings and Quarterly Reviews

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- Provide diary management cover for the Executive Team during Senior Executive Administrator leave or absence

Finance and Operations Support

Administration of room bookings at our Morelands office, liaising with the AHMM team, and external suppliers where needed

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Support the administration of the organisations systems, processes and information management

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Support the preparation, formatting and distribution of reports, presentations and other documents

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• Monitor office supplies and equipment, arranging orders and liaising with suppliers as required

Programme Team support

Schedule and coordinate key meetings for the Programmes Team including fortnightly team meetings

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Overall coordination of the Head of Programmes availability and schedule, including 1:1s

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Support effective contract management & knowledge management systems across the team

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Monitor tender portals & associated programme team inboxes

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Monitor workshop materials required for our work, arranging orders and liaising with suppliers and studios as required

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Work collaboratively with Senior Operations and Special Projects Manager to ensure the effective us of our systems and processes across project delivery

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Provide administrative support across our Design Council Expert network and associated events

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Support the preparation, formatting and distribution of project delivery & impact reports, presentations and other documents

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• Coordinate & send regular team newsletters

HR support

Support the administration of HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding and training records

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- Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably required

Who we're looking for

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive professional business support officer who takes pride in delivering high-quality support and keeping processes running smoothly. You will have excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage a varied workload effectively. A confident team player, you will be comfortable working with a range of people, maintaining accurate records, and using systems and technology to support efficient ways of working. Above all, you will be reliable, adaptable, and committed to providing excellent service to colleagues and stakeholders.

Skills and Experience

- Essential skills

Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks effectively.

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Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

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Ability to maintain accurate records and manage confidential information appropriately.

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Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

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Ability to work independently, use initiative and solve problems effectively.

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- Good numerical and data entry skills with a high level of accuracy

Essential experience

Experience of providing administrative support in a busy office or organisational environment.

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Experience of managing records, databases and filing systems.

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Experience of coordinating meetings, diaries, and correspondence.

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Experience of preparing documents, reports and presentations.

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- Experience of using Microsoft Office and other business systems effectively