At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance customer service for prospective students globally.
- Company: ARU, a global university known for innovative and inclusive education.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension schemes, training opportunities, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to exceptional customer experiences and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while embracing innovation in customer service.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in leading customer service teams required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
About ARU: ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.
About the Role: We are seeking an experienced and customer-focused leader to manage our Customer Enquiries Services Team and help deliver a sector-leading experience for prospective students, applicants and offer holders across the globe. As Customer Enquiries Services Manager, you will lead a high-performing team responsible for responding to enquiries across multiple communication channels, including telephone, email, live chat and AI-powered platforms. You will play a central role in ensuring that every interaction with ARU is professional, informative and supportive, helping prospective students make confident decisions about their future.
This is an exciting opportunity for a customer service professional who combines excellent people management skills with a passion for innovation and digital engagement. You will take responsibility for planning and delivering enquiry services throughout the admissions cycle, including overseeing the University's annual Confirmation and Clearing operation. Working closely with colleagues across student recruitment, admissions and international recruitment, you will ensure services are appropriately resourced, responsive to demand and aligned with ARU's recruitment objectives.
Educated to degree level or holding an equivalent professional qualification, you will bring significant experience of leading customer service or advisory teams. You will be confident managing performance, coaching colleagues and fostering a positive, customer-focused culture. You will also have experience using CRM systems, live chat technology and AI-powered communication tools to improve service delivery and enhance the applicant experience.
Using data and customer insight to drive continuous improvement, you will analyse enquiry trends, identify opportunities to enhance processes and make recommendations that improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Acting as the University's subject matter expert on live chat and AI chatbot systems, you will help shape the future of applicant communications by embedding new technologies, supporting automation initiatives and sharing best practice across the institution.
We are looking for a proactive and organised individual with excellent communication and leadership skills, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service. If you are passionate about improving the customer experience, supporting colleagues to succeed and helping prospective students navigate their journey to higher education, we would love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries can be made to Sean Rowlatt, Senior Admissions Manager - Applicant Services, at sean.rowlatt@aru.ac.uk.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK and will conduct Right to Work checks in line with UKVI’s Right to Work policy and our own institutional policy.
Furthermore, we must note: Applicants applying from outside the UK: At this time, ARU is unable to sponsor applicants applying from overseas for a Worker Route visa. Applicants already in the UK: ARU is unable to offer Worker Route visa sponsorship to applicants whose salary does not meet our minimum sponsorship threshold, which aligns with roles at Grade 6 and above. Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
Customer Enquiries Services Manager in Chelmsford employer: Anglia Ruskin University
Anglia Ruskin University is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration. Located in Peterborough, the university provides competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and robust pension schemes, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance for its staff. With a focus on delivering industry-ready degrees, employees have unique opportunities to engage with industry partners and contribute to shaping the future of computing education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Enquiries Services Manager in Chelmsford
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Anglia Ruskin 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 Anglia Ruskin 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 Customer Enquiries Services Manager in Chelmsford
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 Anglia Ruskin University:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Anglia Ruskin 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 Anglia Ruskin University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglia Ruskin 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.
