Operations Assistant

Operations Assistant

Guildford Full-Time 25052 - 25052 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Surrey County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Be the friendly face of our centres, helping learners with enrolment and support.
  • Company: Surrey Adult Learning offers diverse courses for personal and professional development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in adult education and community support.
  • Qualifications: Strong IT skills, customer service experience, and excellent communication are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; role may transfer to new councils in 2027.

The predicted salary is between 25052 - 25052 £ per year.

Description

The starting salary for this position is £25,052 per annum based on a 36-hours working week. This is pro-rata for part time roles.

This role is 21 hours per week over 39 weeks per year (term-time only), pro-rata to £14,613.67 per annum. The working hours for this role are Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 4:30pm for 39 weeks per year.

Surrey Adult Learning is looking for proactive and customer focused Operations Assistant to be the welcoming and supportive face in our centres across Surrey. This opportunity is based at our Guildford Adult Learning Centre, with the expectation of supporting at our other centres if required.

Rewards and Benefits

  • 26 days\’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years\’ service and 31 days after 5 years\’ service
  • Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
  • A generous local government salary related pension
  • Up to 5 days of carer\’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
  • Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
  • An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
  • Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
  • Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
  • A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Team

Surrey Adult Learning is a leading provider of diverse daytime, evening and Saturday courses and learning opportunities for adults which is part of our lifelong learning offer. We offer a wide range of qualification courses, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), maths and digital skills. Our courses also cater to individuals with learning disabilities, mental health conditions and parents/carers seeking to upskill to support their children. Additionally, we provide courses for personal development in various subjects such as arts and crafts, languages and exercise. Our outreach provision is designed to assist those currently facing life challenges.

About the Role

As the welcoming face of our centre, you\’ll be the go-to person for learners, offering friendly, high-quality information, advice, and guidance to help them enrol on courses and feel confident in their learning journey. You\’ll also be a key support for tutors, assisting with room and equipment queries and ensuring resources are ordered and available when needed.

Your day-to-day tasks will include managing shared inboxes, responding to enquiries or directing them to the right colleague, and using your IT skills to keep our learner management system accurate and up to date. You will help maintain a safe and smooth-running environment by reporting building issues and acting as a fire warden or first aider when required.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

  • Strong IT skills and experience in data entry or high-volume processing.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A team player with the ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively.
  • Experience in customer service and an understanding of safeguarding practices.
  • Willingness to travel between centres as needed.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all staff to share this commitment. Online searches may be carried out on applicants who are shortlisted for interview, and a DBS \’Disclosure and Barring Service\’ check is required for this role, which will be discussed further at interview.

Contact us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Phil Evans by e-mail phil.evans@surreycc.gov.uk

The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 16th November 2025.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we\’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

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Operations Assistant employer: Surrey County Council

Surrey Adult Learning is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a generous benefits package including up to 31 days of annual leave, a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for personal development through various courses. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture, employees are encouraged to make a meaningful impact in their communities while enjoying a flexible working environment across multiple locations in Surrey.
Surrey County Council

Contact Detail:

Surrey County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of an Operations Assistant at Surrey Adult Learning. Understanding the day-to-day tasks, such as managing shared inboxes and assisting tutors, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your customer service experience in conversations or interviews. Since this role requires a proactive and friendly approach, sharing examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your IT skills by discussing any relevant software or systems you've used in previous roles. Being able to talk about your experience with data entry or learner management systems will demonstrate your capability to handle the technical aspects of the job.

✨Tip Number 4

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices. This is crucial for the role, so having a clear grasp of these principles and being able to articulate them will show that you're committed to the welfare of learners.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Assistant

Strong IT Skills
Data Entry Experience
High-Volume Processing
Excellent Interpersonal Skills
Effective Communication Skills
Customer Service Experience
Time Management
Teamwork
Understanding of Safeguarding Practices
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Basic First Aid Knowledge
Fire Warden Training

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and tasks associated with the Operations Assistant role. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your IT skills, customer service experience, and ability to work under pressure, as these are key criteria for the role.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that not only expresses your interest in the position but also demonstrates how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention the specific location and hours you wish to apply for.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council

✨Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Operations Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing shared inboxes and assisting tutors. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

As the welcoming face of the centre, excellent interpersonal skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided outstanding customer service or resolved issues effectively. This will highlight your ability to connect with learners and support their needs.

✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency

Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with data entry and learner management systems. You might even want to mention specific software you’ve used in the past, which can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Adaptability

The role requires a team player who can work under pressure. Think of instances where you've collaborated with others or adapted to changing circumstances. Sharing these experiences will show that you're not only a good fit for the team but also capable of handling the dynamic environment of the centres.

Operations Assistant
Surrey County Council
Location: Guildford
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