At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage customers, manage bookings, and develop partnerships for exciting outdoor activities.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Calshot Activities Centre, a leader in outdoor education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and access to a pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of an adventurous environment and help create unforgettable experiences for all ages.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, customer service experience, and proficiency in Word and Excel required.
The predicted salary is between 27780 - 30564 £ per year.
Job Reference: HCC624708
Salary Range: £27,780 - £30,564 per annum
Work Location: Calshot Activities Centre, Southampton
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 16 August 2026
Interview Date: 25 August 2026
Part of Hampshire Outdoor Centres, Calshot Activities Centre is a leading provider of outdoor education and recreational activities for children and adults. We are situated in an ideal location overlooking the Solent, offering experience sessions and in-depth courses in a wide range of activities.
Our site features 3 large hangars that house an impressive range of activity facilities including a dry ski slope, large climbing wall complex, target sport ranges and an indoor velodrome. Our watersports facilities are equipped to lead sailing, kayaking and windsurfing activities. We also have a dedicated environmental education department with specialist staff and resources, delivering a range of ecology and geography fieldwork sessions both on-site and out in the New Forest.
Activities are experienced by a wide range of customer groups who access a variety of products through a mixture of self-serve website transactions and tailored custom bookings. Our Customer Engagement team is a vital part of the centre, responsible for managing bookings, generating and handling enquiries, financial and data management, and scheduling activity programmes.
The Role: Are you someone who thrives on creating new opportunities, developing partnerships and turning first conversations into long-term customer relationships? Calshot Activities Centre is seeking an enthusiastic and commercially minded Centre Support Officer to join our Customer Engagement Team. This exciting role combines customer engagement, business development and relationship management, helping us grow and diversify our non-school bookings for groups and individuals.
You’ll be at the forefront of developing new opportunities with corporate organisations, uniform groups, youth groups, community groups, families and other organisations looking for adventurous activity experiences. Through proactive engagement and excellent customer service, you’ll help introduce new customers to Calshot while encouraging existing customers to return year after year.
This role is 37 hours per week including weekend working on a rota basis.
What you’ll do: Duties will include line management, managing booking enquiries, and interrogating, maintaining and developing electronic and paper-based systems. You’ll need to be able to work within a small team and on your own initiative, and work weekends on a rota basis. You should have strong computer skills, with sound proficiency in Word and Excel and the confidence to learn the use of web-based CRM and booking systems. You should have previous experience of working in a busy administrative role. Attention to detail is vital, as is the ability to manage a workload with conflicting priorities.
Please see the candidate pack for more information on your responsibilities.
What we’re looking for: We’re looking for a pro-active and self-motivated Centre Support Officer to provide excellent customer service, develop meaningful customer relationships and administrate bookings with a high degree of competency and efficiency. You’ll be instrumental in securing new business, developing customer relationships and encouraging repeat bookings across our diverse range of outdoor, educational, corporate and leisure experiences.
You’ll be a confident and experienced individual, highly motivated with exceptional office-based skills. You will have the ability to work under pressure, working in a fast-paced environment, often to deadlines. You’ll be able to prioritise and approach tasks with confidence and clarity, using your own initiative and will be proactive in your approach to supporting essential administrative tasks required to ensure business continuity.
Why join us? Our employment and benefits package includes:
- Work pattern – 37 hours per week currently averaged over a five-week period including weekends, public holidays and early evenings
- Annual leave entitlement starting from 24 days full time equivalent plus bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension scheme
Additional Information: Centre Support Officer Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements: This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: Richard Birkinshaw, Customer Engagement Manager on richard.birkinshaw@hants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Equal opportunities: In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Centre Support Officer in Chilworth employer: Shared Services Partnership
Shared Services Partnership is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours and a competitive leave entitlement, this role as an Occupational Health Advisor allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the UK.
Contact Details:
Shared Services Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centre Support Officer in Chilworth
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Shared Services Partnership. 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 Shared Services Partnership 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 Centre Support Officer in Chilworth
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 Shared Services Partnership:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Shared Services Partnership 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 Shared Services Partnership!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Services Partnership
✨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.
