Administrative Officer in Kidlington

Administrative Officer in Kidlington

Kidlington Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the smooth running of the UK's oldest botanic garden with diverse administrative tasks.
  • Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford and be part of a vibrant community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, a great pension scheme, and childcare services.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a historic setting while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong admin skills, IT proficiency, and excellent communication abilities required.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum (OBGA) seeks a capable and effective Administrative Officer to contribute to the smooth running of the department, which is home to the UK’s oldest botanic garden and a 130-acre arboretum.

You will be the first point of contact for all internal and external enquiries, handling information that is often sensitive, confidential, or time critical. You will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Head of Operations, Director of OBGA, and senior managers within OBGA, including diary management, organising meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and coordinating travel and visits.

You will support departmental activity across finance, HR, events, facilities, and volunteer administration. This will include processing invoices and financial transactions, supporting recruitment activity, assisting with event administration, liaising with suppliers and contractors, and maintaining effective office systems and records. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of office management practices and provide cover for other administrative roles as required.

This is a permanent, full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). The role is based on site and does not support working from home. The post may require occasional weekend or overtime work.

About you

You will have a high standard of general education, or equivalent practical experience, and bring strong administrative skills gained in a busy working environment. You will be highly organised, numerate, and confident using office IT systems, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to manage diaries, arrange meetings, and maintain accurate records.

You will communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of colleagues and external contacts, using sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information. You will be comfortable supporting financial processes, drafting correspondence and minutes, and working both independently and collaboratively to meet competing priorities.

What we offer

  • An excellent contributory pension scheme
  • 38 days of annual leave
  • A comprehensive range of childcare services
  • Family leave schemes
  • Cycle loan scheme
  • Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits

Diversity

The University of Oxford’s staff and students come from all over the world, and they proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

The University of Oxford is committed to ensuring that the recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

The University of Oxford aims to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. For enquiries relating to the role please contact Frances Young (recruitment@obg.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within the Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Monday 16 February 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 02 March 2026.

Administrative Officer in Kidlington employer: Experience Oxfordshire

The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum offers a unique and enriching work environment, where employees are part of a historic institution dedicated to education and conservation. With a strong emphasis on professional development, a generous benefits package including 38 days of annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the OBGA fosters a supportive culture that values each team member's contributions. Located in the heart of Oxford, this role provides an opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders while contributing to the smooth operation of one of the UK's most cherished botanical sites.
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Contact Detail:

Experience Oxfordshire Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Administrative Officer in Kidlington

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, their values, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to administrative roles, like handling sensitive information or managing multiple tasks. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed diaries, organised meetings, or supported financial processes. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to leave a positive impression and keep you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Officer in Kidlington

Administrative Skills
Diary Management
Meeting Coordination
Financial Transaction Processing
Recruitment Support
Event Administration
Office IT Systems Proficiency
Communication Skills
Confidentiality and Discretion
Organisational Skills
Record Maintenance
Collaboration
Numeracy
Judgement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what they're looking for in an Administrative Officer. This will help us tailor your application to highlight the skills and experiences that matter most.

Craft a Strong Supporting Evidence Form: Your supporting evidence form is crucial! List each selection criterion and explain how you meet them with specific examples. We want to see your skills in action, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Keep Your CV Relevant and Concise: While we love a detailed CV, make sure it’s relevant to the role. Highlight your administrative experience, IT skills, and any other relevant qualifications. Keep it clear and concise – no one wants to sift through pages of fluff!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Experience Oxfordshire

✨Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Administrative Officer position. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like diary management, financial processes, and event administration. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Prepare for Common Questions

Think about the types of questions you might be asked, especially around handling sensitive information and managing competing priorities. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure. This will help you answer confidently and effectively.

✨Showcase Your IT Skills

Since the role requires proficiency in office IT systems like Word, Excel, and Outlook, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. You could even mention any specific projects where you used these applications to improve efficiency or manage data, which will highlight your technical capabilities.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the workplace culture aligns with your values.

Administrative Officer in Kidlington
Experience Oxfordshire
Location: Kidlington

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