At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Operations Team to ensure smooth running of events and provide excellent customer care.
- Company: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, a vibrant venue welcoming 650,000 visitors annually.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous leave, professional development, and free Welsh language lessons.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a lively arts environment and make a real difference for visitors.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence, strong communication skills, and a commitment to health and safety.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
The Role
Aberystwyth Arts Centre is looking for a reliable individual to join our Operations and Planning Team. The Arts Centre is a lively and ever-changing venue and we welcome 650,000 visitors a year through our doors. The Operations team is key to providing a high level of customer care and support for the programme of activity and ensuring the comfort and safety of all our visitors.
Evening and weekend work will be required on a rota basis and to cover sickness and holiday absence.
Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date
What you’ll do
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
Responsible to: Operations Manager
- To work closely and take instruction from the Operations Team Leader to ensure the smooth running of events taking place within the Centre.
- Duties include the setting up of staging and retractable seating unit, moving furniture and equipment. Setting out tables and chairs for meetings, performances and special functions. This may be a physically demanding role.
- To clean designated areas to ensure that they are presentable and hygienic, using commercial equipment provided.
- Provide support for life safety systems to include the weekly testing of the fire alarm systems, assist with passenger release from lifts and other emergency situations as required.
- To use their own initiative as and when required and in the absence of the Operations Team Leader.
- To provide help and assistance to the general public and visiting companies and hirers visiting the Arts Centre.
- To follow and support the delivery of Health and Safety and fire regulations within the venue. This includes monitoring the fire alarm system playing a key role in evacuation procedures.
- In the absence of the Operations Team Leader, to report maintenance faults to the Duty Manager.
- Recording all lost property found.
- Pre-show checks to ensure public spaces are safe and ready to open.
- To act as Duty Porter, ensuring the security of the Arts Centre by locking and unlocking the building and setting the intruder/fire alarm systems.
- To aid with the transportation of equipment both on campus and off using University vehicles.
- To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
- To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
- To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
- Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
Essential
- Full valid UK driving licence, or equivalent right to drive in the UK.
- Excellent Communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Flexibility and an ability to work to a rota that includes evenings and weekends on a regular basis.
- An understanding of Health and Safety within the context of a public building.
- Experience of cleaning in a public facing environment.
- A basic understanding of IT, to support assisting with setting up equipment for events/workshops, to include screens and laptops.
- An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.
- Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A1 or evidence to demonstrate an on-going commitment to learn Welsh to this level.
Desirable
- Qualifications in First Aid, Manual Handling, COSHH.
- Security Industry Authority Licence.
- Basic maintenance experience.
- Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B1.
*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:
How to apply
To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.
Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.
Benefits
- Flexible working policy
- 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
- Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
- Commitment to Professional Development
- Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
- Staff recognition and reward schemes
- Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
- Staff relocation bursary
- Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
- Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.
Employment Visa
Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.
Operations Assistant in Aberystwyth employer: Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth Arts Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that welcomes 650,000 visitors annually. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave entitlements, staff are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The inclusive culture promotes diversity and provides unique opportunities, such as free Welsh language courses and staff discounts on campus facilities, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Assistant in Aberystwyth
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Aberystwyth University. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Aberystwyth University before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Assistant in Aberystwyth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Aberystwyth University:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Aberystwyth University specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Aberystwyth University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aberystwyth University
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.