Senior Administrator (First Contact) in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield’s Strategy includes a clear focus on student employability, with university-wide objectives to support the development of skills, graduate attributes, and access to work experiences. The Careers & Employability Service (CES) informs the strategy delivery plan to meet these objectives and coordinates the work to provide students with equitable access to opportunities to enhance their employability, career awareness and future outcomes.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide high level administrative and organisational support across all functions administered by the Student Jobshop and First Contact team.
• Provide excellent customer service and front line services to students, graduates and key stakeholders; dealing with enquiries in an efficient, friendly and professional manner, interpreting requirements, providing information and advice and/or signposting to further services as appropriate.
• Assist students in their search for jobs and placements and preparation for the workplace.
• Support the effective delivery of employability projects to students and employers, in line with university policy and guidelines, including monitoring compliance, and ensuring systems and records are efficiently maintained, accurate and up-to-date.
• Support the generation of part‑time work with local employers through networking events, 1‑1 meetings and proactive marketing, particularly focusing on jobs aligned with University courses.
• Follow up with employers who have advertised vacancies through CES to find out the outcome and discuss future recruitment needs.
• Support the team in organising and delivering activities and events such as the Part‑time Jobs Fair and Inspiring Student Worker Awards.
• Produce evaluations, reports and presentations relating to employability activities or events.
• Together with colleagues, proactively monitor and review processes and procedures and use feedback to ensure excellent customer service, identifying areas for improvement.
• Attend CES and University events such as Careers Fairs and Open Days to promote careers and employability provision, support for part‑time work and other work experiences to students.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person specification

• Previous administrative experience within an office or reception environment, demonstrating the ability to provide excellent consistent customer service (Essential).
• An understanding of employability support for HE students and graduates, and a particular interest in facilitating work experiences for students (Essential).
• Competent IT skills with experience of business software, ideally Google Suite, plus social media for marketing and promotion activity (Essential).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact appropriately with people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds (Essential).
• Effective time management skills – able to prioritise and progress a range of simultaneous projects and activities, and accommodate additional unscheduled tasks (Essential).
• Ability to work independently, addressing issues as they arise, involving others and managers as appropriate (Essential).
• Ability to work effectively within a team, maintaining positive relationships and supporting others (Essential).
• Competent in managing records and following correct processes, with excellent attention to detail (Essential).
• Ability to obtain and analyse data to evaluate activity, compile reports, and offer suggestions for process and service improvements (Essential).
• Knowledge and understanding of current employment legislation and the local employment market (Desirable).

Further information

• Grade: 5
• Salary: £27,319 - 31,236 (pro rata)
• Work arrangement: Part‑time (0.7FTE); Working pattern to be agreed
• Line manager: Jobshop & First Contact Manager
• Direct reports: N/A

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parents’ networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development: access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies.
• Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
• Access to menopause support in the workplace.
• Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.

Closing Date: 17/06/2026