Operations Officer in Swindon

Operations Officer in Swindon

Swindon Full-Time 30895 - 30895 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the AHRC Grants Operations team with administrative and operational tasks.
  • Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a leader in arts and humanities research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Hybrid working available with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities required.

The predicted salary is between 30895 - 30895 £ per year.

Salary: £30,895 per annum. Band: UKRI Band C. Contract Type: Fixed Term (9 months). Ends 31st March 2027. Hours: Full-time (minimum 0.8 FTE) (flexible working available). Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - Hybrid working available. Closing Date: 28 June 2026.

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) supports world-class arts and humanities research. Part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which works in partnership with universities, research organisations, businesses, charities, and government to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish. We fund academic research in over 50 subject areas from archaeology to linguistics, law to visual arts as well as supplying to cross-cutting research agendas addressing the major challenges facing the world today, such as climate change, global poverty, gender inequalities and health crises.

About The Role

The role is fundamentally an administrative role tasked with the operational delivery of the team's objectives.

Your Responsibilities

  • Providing general operational and organisational support to the AHRC Grants Operations team including managing shared mailboxes, supporting the implementation of grants policy and process updates, supporting the purchase order process, creating online surveys, processing disabled student allowance claims and supporting the research outcomes reporting process.
  • Being a first point of call for external enquiries; engaging directly with prospective applicants, grant holders and other external stakeholders in relation to AHRC grants policy, funding provision and processes, and providing answers and guidance in a timely manner.
  • Engaging with and supporting continuous improvement project work and initiatives, seeking to refine processes, policy, and ways of working within both your team and the wider organisation.
  • Occasionally you may also support meetings, webinars, and events both internally and externally and both in-person and virtually; tasks include securing venues (or virtual meeting space), arranging logistics, making travel and accommodation arrangements, and processing expenses claims.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

  • You have excellent organisational and administrative skills, and the ability to work flexibly and multi-task with good attention to detail, often at pace (S&I).
  • You have sound numeric skills, including handling and analysing data sensitively, accurately, and responsibly (S&I).
  • You have excellent written communication skills and can draft and understand complex written documents and interpret them clearly (S&I).
  • You can work independently, think creatively, solve problems, and make effective decisions (S&I).
  • You are a great team player and can provide support to colleagues, sharing knowledge and information, and giving towards the achievements of your team and the wider organisation (S&I).
  • You are an excellent communicator with good social skills, working effectively with colleagues at different levels both inside and outside the organisation, while being an effective ambassador for the AHRC (S&I).
  • You have a good working knowledge of IT and programmes (Outlook, MS Word, Excel, MS Teams, etc.) with the ability to quickly learn new software and systems. (S&I).

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact AMRT1_UKTJ.

Operations Officer in Swindon employer: Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

At the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at our Polaris House location in Swindon. With a commitment to employee development and a culture of continuous learning, we provide flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to impactful research initiatives that address global challenges.

A

Contact Details:

Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Officer in Swindon

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Officer in Swindon

Organisational Skills
Administrative Skills
Attention to Detail
Numeric Skills
Data Analysis
Written Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC).