At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our centres, helping learners with enrolment and support.
- Company: Surrey Adult Learning, a leading provider of diverse learning opportunities.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, generous pension, wellbeing discounts, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and a commitment to inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong IT skills, customer service experience, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 25052 - 25052 £ per year.
The starting salary for this position is 1,796.01 per annum for working 6.5 hours per week, 18 weeks per year. The full-time equivalent salary is 25,052 per annum. Surrey Adult Learning is looking for proactive and customer focused Operations Assistant (Saturdays) to be the welcoming and supportive face in our centres across Surrey. This role is based at our Guildford Adult Learning Centre, with the expectation of supporting at our other centres if required.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
- 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 Role
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.
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.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- 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.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
- Please outline your experience in delivering customer-focused services and provide an example of how you have handled a challenging customer interaction.
- Outline your experience using IT systems in a work environment, including how you use technology to manage information effectively and accurately.
- Describe a time when you had to work under pressure as part of a team. What was your role and how did you ensure tasks were completed on time?
- Give an example of how you adapt your communication style to work effectively with different people.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. 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. The job advert closes at 23:59 on Monday 27th April 2026 with interviews planned to follow. We look forward to receiving your application.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all staff to share this commitment. A DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check is required for this role and will be discussed further at interview. Online searches may be carried out on applicants who are shortlisted for interview.
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. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
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.
Operations Assistant (Saturdays) in Surrey employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Assistant (Saturdays) in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Surrey Adult Learning's website and social media. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills match what they're looking for, especially in customer service and teamwork, as these are key for the Operations Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even if it’s a Saturday role, showing up in smart attire can make a great first impression. It shows you take the opportunity seriously and respect the organisation's culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Assistant (Saturdays) in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so make sure you highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match our needs.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send us a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your customer service experience and IT skills. We want to see how you’ve handled challenging situations and worked under pressure, so give us the good stuff!
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: When you get to those four questions, take your time. Think of specific examples that demonstrate your skills. We love stories that show how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure you apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 Operations Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills align with the responsibilities, especially around customer service and IT systems.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
When answering questions, use specific examples from your past experiences. For instance, think of a time you handled a challenging customer interaction or worked under pressure as part of a team. This will show your practical understanding of the role.
✨Show Your Customer Focus
As the welcoming face of the centre, it's crucial to demonstrate your customer service skills. Be ready to discuss how you've provided high-quality information and support in previous roles, and how you can create a positive experience for learners.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might want to inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates across different centres.