At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver top-notch customer service and support administrative tasks at a vibrant college campus.
- Company: Join Sunderland College, a leading provider of post-16 education in the North East.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that prioritises your growth and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: NVQ 3 in Customer Service/Business Administration preferred; strong admin skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
About the College
Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students. The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
Role Responsibilities
- Provide an excellent customer experience, acting as the first point of contact for enquiries from students, parents, employers and staff, and follow up as required.
- Working with colleagues, ensure all enquiries are dealt with appropriately and in a timely and accurate manner.
- Provide high standard of administrative support to the Faculty Directors, Curriculum Managers, teaching staff, support departments and students.
- Arrange, facilitate and attend meetings as requested with colleagues, students, parents and external agencies and record actions as required.
- Contribute to a front line generic initial enquiry information service (one stop shop) for all Student Support enquiries at a Student Service base.
Qualifications
- NVQ 3 in Customer Service/Business Administration or the willingness to obtain one.
- English and Maths GCSE Grade C/4 or above.
- Previous experience in a similar role with strong administrative and organisational skills, including meeting deadlines and managing workloads effectively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to interpret numerical and statistical information to produce accurate, timely outputs.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly assimilate information, identify issues, and implement effective solutions.
- High attention to detail, maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance in all aspects of work.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and engage with a range of stakeholders.
- Flexible, resilient, and professional, with the ability to multitask, work under pressure, and support safeguarding, equality, and health & safety responsibilities.
What's in it for you?
- Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
- Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts).
- Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
- LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role.
- Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
- We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
- Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Free parking on most campuses.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Front of House Administrator in Sunderland employer: Education Partnership North East
Sunderland College is an outstanding educational institution that prioritises the professional development and wellbeing of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Science Technician, you will benefit from generous holiday allowances, flexible working options, and extensive wellbeing support, all while contributing to a vibrant community dedicated to shaping lives and futures through education. With opportunities for growth and engagement with industry professionals, Sunderland College is an excellent employer for those passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Contact Details:
Education Partnership North East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Front of House Administrator in Sunderland
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Education Partnership North East. 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 Education Partnership North East 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 Front of House Administrator in Sunderland
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 Education Partnership North East:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Education Partnership North East 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 Education Partnership North East!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Partnership North East
✨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.