At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential admin support to the Executive Director and Board, ensuring smooth office operations.
- Company: Join NIFDA, a key player in the food and drink industry with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid work, 25 days leave, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and skill development in a vibrant workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, making a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs or equivalent; experience in executive support is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 29500 - 29500 € per year.
NIFDA is currently recruiting for the role of Business Support Assistant. Providing all-round administrative support for the Executive Director, Chair, and Board of Directors, the successful candidate will play a key office management role for NIFDA as well as supporting the organisation's growth.
Job Purpose: To provide all-round administrative support to both the Executive Director and Board of Directors. To support NIFDA member growth. To take responsibility for office management, project management, deadline compliance and security of documents and files.
Responsibilities:
- Be a point of contact with customers, handling enquiries and complaints aiming to provide excellent service always.
- Schedule Board meetings, prepare meeting agendas, papers, take minutes during meetings and distribute to Board members.
- Provide administrative support to the Director and manage various cluster groups.
- Maintain office correspondence including crafting routine letters and documents.
- Assist in event management for the various public and private NIFDA Events.
- Maintain and develop NIFDA databases.
- Maintain and develop the NIFDA portal (solve simple IT problems liaising with support provider as required).
- Maintain electronic filing system, ensuring processes and software are up to date, in working order and compliant with Data Protection legislation.
- Assist with key projects as directed.
- Liaise with outside agencies and governmental bodies on various projects.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Qualifications: a minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades A-C), or equivalent. At least three years experience providing executive-level support to a management board or committee is highly desirable but not essential if the candidate can demonstrate the appropriate skills & qualities required. Experience or knowledge of the food and drink industry or related sectors is highly desirable.
Competencies: In addition to the minimum requirements outlined above, the post holder will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Executive support experience.
- Confidentiality and discretion.
- Good telephone manner, remaining professional in all circumstances.
- Administration, organisational and clerical skills.
- Clear communication skills, multi-tasking capability and professionalism.
- Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Good working knowledge of social media platforms.
- Confidence, flexibility, self-motivation and persistence.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to prioritise.
- Attention to detail, accuracy, efficiency and good time-keeping.
- Motivation to achieve work objectives in line with the requirements of the Board.
- Willingness to gain new skills and knowledge to achieve ongoing self-improvement.
The candidate must occasionally be willing to work outside office hours, e.g. early morning Board / Industry meetings and events which are held late into the evenings.
Outline Terms and Conditions:
- Total working hours 15, over the period Monday to Friday (flexible).
- Probationary period of six months.
- Company pension scheme membership (contributory).
- Company Sick Pay Scheme (following qualifying period).
- The role will be hybrid but using the office base when necessary, subject to business needs being met.
- Office parking on-site (free).
- 25 days annual leave + 11 Statutory days (pro-rata to hours worked).
- Salary £29,500 (pro-rata to hours worked).
- Deadline for applications 12 noon, Friday 5th June 2026.
Click apply now where you will be redirected to our careers page to download full application form.
Business Support Assistant in Newtownabbey employer: Northern Ireland Food and Drink
NIFDA is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With flexible working hours, a generous leave policy, and opportunities for professional growth, the role of Business Support Assistant offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to the organisation's mission while enjoying a balanced work-life environment. Located in a vibrant area, NIFDA also provides on-site parking and a contributory pension scheme, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment in the food and drink industry.
Contact Detail:
Northern Ireland Food and Drink Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Assistant in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to NIFDA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching NIFDA's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what we do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Business Support Assistant, you'll need to handle enquiries and complaints. Role-play with a friend to get comfortable with different scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Assistant in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Business Support Assistant. We want to see how you can support our Executive Director and Board, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of correspondence and customer interaction, it’s crucial to demonstrate your clear communication skills. Use your application to show us how you handle enquiries and maintain professionalism in all situations.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks and keep everything running smoothly. In your application, give examples of how you’ve managed projects or office tasks efficiently in the past. This will help us see your potential fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Ireland Food and Drink
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Business Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like scheduling meetings and managing office correspondence. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised your workload and maintained attention to detail, as these are key competencies for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding customer enquiries and complaints. Think of specific situations where you handled difficult interactions or resolved issues effectively. This will showcase your ability to provide excellent service and maintain professionalism under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savviness
As the role involves maintaining databases and using Microsoft Office, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. If you have any knowledge of social media platforms or IT troubleshooting, mention it! Showing that you're comfortable with technology will give you an edge in the interview.
