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- Tasks: Support planning and delivery of summer programmes for young people, ensuring a smooth operation.
- Company: Join Celtic English Academy, the largest English language centre in Wales.
- Benefits: Earn £27,000 per year, with full-board accommodation during the summer phase.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people, strong organisational skills, and a valid UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork in a vibrant environment.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 29700 £ per year.
Please note that we only accept applications submitted via the official Job Pack. Kindly ensure your application is completed and returned using the Job Pack only.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on organisation, leadership and problem-solving, and who enjoys supporting people and programmes behind the scenes. As an Operations Assistant, you will be a key member of the Junior Programme leadership team. You will support the planning, setup and delivery of our summer centres, working closely with the Centre Manager and wider team to ensure that students and staff feel supported, safe and well-informed throughout the programme.
This is a two-phase role, combining year-round centre planning with a fully immersive 24/7 residential summer environment.
- Salary: £27,000 per year (pro rata for the duration of the summer programme).
- Contract: Fixed-term
- Dates: 27 April – 21 August 2026
- Hours:
- Preparation Phase: 20 hours per week
- Onsite Phase: 50 hours per week
- Preparation Phase: Cardiff (all-year-round centre – no accommodation provided)
- Onsite Phase: Monmouth, Wales or Mayfield, East Sussex
Key Dates
- Applications open: 20 Feb 2026
- Application deadline: 31 March 2026
- Online interviews (Stage 1): 9 – 10 April 2026
- In-person assessment centre: 17 April 2026 (Cardiff – lunch and travel provided)
- Preparation Phase begins: 27 April 2026
- Onsite delivery: 4 July – 10 August 2026
- Last day of employment: 21 August 2026
Who We Are
Celtic English Academy is the largest English language centre in Wales, with over 20 years' experience delivering high-quality English language education to international students. Our Junior Summer Programme welcomes young people aged 11–17 from around the world to take part in immersive residential programmes combining English language learning, cultural experiences, activities and excursions. In 2026, we will operate across two summer centres: Monmouth and Mayfield.
Why This Role Matters
The Operations Assistant plays a vital role in bridging planning and delivery. Based initially in Cardiff, you will be part of the planning team, supporting the preparation of schedules, logistics, staffing structures and operational processes. This allows you to gain a deep understanding of the programme before transitioning to the onsite residential centre. During the onsite phase, you will help bring the programme to life, supporting day-to-day operations, leading teams, responding to challenges and ensuring that the centre runs safely, calmly and professionally within a 24/7 residential environment.
What You Will Be Doing
Prep Phase (Cardiff – April to early July)
- Supporting programme planning, scheduling and logistics
- Assisting with staffing preparation, briefings and resources
- Liaising with departments across the year-round centre
- Gaining operational insight to support the transition to a summer-only site
Onsite Phase (Residential – July to August)
Programme & Operations
- Supporting centre setup, daily operations and close-down
- Coordinating schedules and communicating changes clearly
- Supporting and briefing Activity Leaders
- Providing leadership cover for Activity Leader duties when required
- Managing the emergency phone on a rota basis
Accommodation
- Liaising with housekeeping teams
- Leading room turnovers and readiness checks
- Acting as the first point of contact for accommodation-related issues
Activities & Excursions
- Supporting the quality and safety of activities and excursions
- Reviewing session plans and collecting feedback
- Managing resources, logistics and daily reports
- Supporting risk assessments alongside the Centre Manager
Transport & Welfare
- Coordinating transport with coach providers
- Supporting emergency responses and hospital visits when required
- Acting as Welfare Lead and supporting safeguarding processes
- You must hold a valid UK driving licence, as access to a vehicle may be required for emergencies.
Who We Are Looking For
Experience, Skills, Education, Training & Qualifications
- Experience working with young people (ideally in residential, education or summer settings)
- Experience leading or supporting teams
- Strong organisational and coordination skills
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above)
- English proficiency at C2 level
- Full UK driving licence (access to a vehicle may be required for emergencies)
The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here
- Calm under pressure and emotionally resilient
- Empathetic, warm and supportive
- Proactive and solutions-focused
- Confident, approachable and comfortable leading others
Desirable:
- Experience in accommodation or activity coordination
- Familiarity with British Council standards
- Mental Health First Aid certification
- Knowledge of UK city destinations
- Additional language skills (e.g. Arabic, Italian, Spanish)
Safeguarding & Legal Requirements
- Right to work in the UK
- Two references
- Enhanced DBS check
- Overseas police check (if applicable)
How to Apply
Apply via our Jotform application by 8:30am on Tuesday 31 March 2026. For queries, contact Link.
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Pay: £27,000.00 per year
Application question(s): Please submit your application via our official Job Pack using the following link: Work Location: In person
Operations Assistant in Cardiff employer: Celtic English Academy
Contact Detail:
Celtic English Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Assistant in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Celtic English Academy and their Junior Summer Programme. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that Operations Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills in organisation, leadership, and problem-solving can shine through. Practice answering common questions and have examples ready that showcase your experience with young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure you complete the Job Pack as instructed. It’s your chance to stand out, so take your time and ensure everything is spot on before hitting submit.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Assistant in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Use the Job Pack: Make sure you fill out the official Job Pack for your application. We only accept applications submitted through this format, so don’t skip this step!
Show Your Organisational Skills: Since this role is all about organisation and support, highlight any relevant experience you have in these areas. We want to see how you can keep things running smoothly!
Be Personable: This role involves working closely with young people and teams, so let your personality shine through! Share examples of how you've supported others or led a team in the past.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or missing info. We appreciate attention to detail, and it shows you care about your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Celtic English Academy
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Operations Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities, especially around organisation and problem-solving.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role is all about supporting people and programmes, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight any leadership experiences or times when you’ve helped others feel supported, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenges in a residential environment. Think of specific situations where you had to manage logistics or respond to emergencies, and be prepared to discuss how you approached these scenarios.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of activities planned for the summer programme, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.