At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a dynamic team and manage office operations while juggling multiple tasks.
- Company: Join a vibrant organisation focused on community engagement and teamwork.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to lead community volunteering events.
- Why this job: Be the backbone of our team and make a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: 3 years in admin or EA roles, excellent communication, and organisational skills.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Office Manager will be supporting the Grand Union and Marble Arch BIDs, a team of 12 people, with looking after the team and the office, senior managers, volunteering and events. This is a part-time role (28 hours per week) that could be configured flexibly across the week to suit the successful candidate. Minimum attendance in the office three days per week. Occasional evening working may be required to support events, for which time off in lieu will be given. You will be an ambassador for both BIDs, and be capable of juggling multiple tasks, contacts and resources to support a busy office.
Team and Event Support:
- Supporting the Chief Executive and senior managers with diary management and the annual cycle of Board meetings.
- Organising meeting invitations, reminders for key meetings and compiling attendee lists for hosts.
- Setting up team meetings for both BIDs, ensuring meetings are accessible to as many colleagues as possible.
- Helping team members with securing venues for meetings, training and briefings – negotiating prices, checking contracts, ensuring room layout and IT provision.
- On-site assistance at events and activities, including room set-up and AV checks.
- Assisting the community team with preparing equipment for volunteering.
- Ordering more stock if appropriate, keeping on top of equipment volume and condition.
- Preparing event registers and signs ahead of events in order to ensure all activities run smoothly.
- Assisting with multi-company volunteering events and company-wide volunteering events, occasionally leading small-scale volunteer events supporting the community team during busy periods.
- Keeping track of supplier accreditation and insurance as appropriate.
- Supporting team members at competitive socialising, networking or wellbeing events, with equipment, prizes and participant registration.
HR Admin Support:
- Uploading job adverts to job sites, and downloading applications.
- Arranging interviews for shortlisted candidates.
- Providing written feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
- Seeking reference requests and undertaking DBS applications.
- Co-ordinating induction programmes for new starters.
- Booking training for new starters as required.
- Booking training on a rolling basis for existing staff, including first aid, fire marshal and safeguarding, keeping an eye on pending expiry dates.
- Devising and managing systems for annual leave, time off and sickness monitoring.
- Overseeing the company’s Employee Assistance Programme and liaising with providers to flag new starters.
- Liaising with our retained external HR consultant to ensure our Employee Handbook is up to date with all relevant legislation and good practice.
Office Management:
- Be responsible for FM issues internal to our office space including regular PAT testing, HVAC, IT and connectivity, fire equipment servicing, printer/scanner contract, stationery supplies like paper and toner.
- Keep updated the list of trained first aiders and fire marshals and keep displayed.
- Liaise with the landlord over issues within the common parts like the kitchen, lift, toilets, access arrangements.
- Create and maintain an inventory of IT assets, liaising with our external IT providers as necessary, keeping track of aging assets and organising data clearance and compliant disposal of old IT assets.
- Placing IT orders for new starters, overseeing installation and checking completion prior to new starters arriving.
- Oversee our telecoms contracts for landlines and mobiles, ensuring expiry dates are monitored and best value is maintained.
- Oversee our waste and recycling arrangements ensuring compliance.
- Manage contracts and arrangements with overspill office locations in Paddington as required.
- Liaise with the office cleaner and ensure cleaning supplies including waste and recycling bags are available.
- Flag to the landlord if kitchen supplies run low.
- Keep stocked office consumables for colleagues, including the water contract and teas/coffee etc in the kitchen.
Person Specification:
- Minimum three years’ experience of working in an administrative or EA support role working in person in a busy office environment.
- Excellent customer care and communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Ability to liaise via telephone, in person, and in written correspondence with senior business representatives and a variety of professionals, suppliers and community partners.
- Excellent personal and independent planning, organisational and administrative skills.
- Not afraid to ask questions and being approachable.
- Good attention to detail.
- Showing absolute discretion.
- Highly organised, detail-oriented and able to prioritise competing demands.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines whilst ensuring a high standard of work.
- Flexibility to adapt to change, showing resilience, re-allocating resources as necessary, being mindful of project timelines and critical path.
- Ability to compile and accurately record information.
- Intermediate skills in Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint and experience of using CMS databases.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment with a “can-do”, willing approach towards colleagues to facilitate effective performance from a small and dedicated team.
Academic Qualifications:
- A minimum of 2 “A” levels, or equivalent, plus GCSEs in Maths and English (6 or above).
How to Apply:
A CV and covering letter should be uploaded by 12 noon on Tuesday 16 June 2026 setting out why you think you would be a great fit for this role. A probationary period of six months will apply. The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and a full DBS check. The successful candidate will be required to complete level 1 safeguarding training for adults and children and emergency first aid at work within one month of commencing employment. The company will meet the costs of these.
Office Manager employer: PADDINGTON PARTNERSHIP
As an Office Manager at the Grand Union and Marble Arch BIDs, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic work environment that values teamwork and community engagement. With flexible part-time hours and opportunities for professional development, including training and volunteer event leadership, this role offers a unique chance to contribute meaningfully while enjoying a collaborative culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Grand Union and Marble Arch BIDs. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience in office management and how it relates to the role. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks, as this is key for supporting the Chief Executive and senior managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your people skills! As an Office Manager, you'll be liaising with various professionals and suppliers. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully communicated and built relationships in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Office Manager role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, like your organisational skills and experience in a busy office environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've supported teams or managed events in the past.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Keep your language clear and professional, and double-check for any typos or errors before submitting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at PADDINGTON PARTNERSHIP
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Office Manager role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the job description, especially the key tasks like diary management, event support, and HR admin. This will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires juggling multiple tasks, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed competing demands in previous positions. Prepare a few anecdotes that highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are crucial for keeping the office running smoothly.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the team dynamics, office culture, or upcoming events. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you too.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As an Office Manager, you'll be working closely with a small team. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your 'can-do' attitude and willingness to support colleagues, as this will resonate well with their expectations for a team player.