Lead Administrator -Lead Administrator - Year in Industry Student in Kent

Location: Defence Academy, Shrivenham, SN6 8LA

Salary: £24,823.00 plus excellent benefits

Schedule: 12-month FTC/FT/ 37 hours

As a Lead Administrator - Year in Industry Student in our Defence team, you’ll gain hands‑on experience supporting day‑to‑day business operations while contributing to work that helps deliver vital services at the Defence Academy of the UK. This placement is designed to build real‑world skills, confidence and insight across a large, purpose‑driven organisation. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, supporting projects and core administrative activities that help teams operate smoothly and effectively. Your work will have purpose, supporting colleagues whose roles ultimately have a positive impact on communities and national capability – while giving you headroom to learn, grow and shape your future career.

You’ll Be Entrusted To:

• Support daily administrative operations, including scheduling, document handling and accurate data entry
• Help organise meetings, prepare materials, draft correspondence and maintain trackers
• Work with project leads to support coordination, research and task follow‑up
• Gain exposure to business areas such as projects, finance administration, procurement research, HR coordination and customer service
• Learn and use business systems and processes, with guidance and mentoring from colleagues
• Provide flexible support to team members during busy periods, building adaptability and resilience

Does this sound like you?

• You are studying towards a degree and completing a placement year as part of your course
• Have a professional, reliable approach with strong organisation skills and attention to detail
• Have clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to work well with others
• You are confident using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Have the ability to manage your time, work under pressure and take initiative when needed

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

What We Offer:

• Uniform will be provided
• Holidays: Competitive holiday Package
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Let’s impact a better future, together. At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.