At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the education team in delivering an exciting study programme and manage logistics.
- Company: Join a dynamic institute with a passion for wine education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Be part of a small team making a real impact in the world of wine education.
- Qualifications: Genuine interest in wine and transferable skills in administration and communication.
Have you got what it takes to succeed? The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.
Reports to: Head of Study Programme
Salary: £28,000-32,000 dependent on experience
Contract type: Permanent, full time
Application process:
- Apply by sending a CV and cover letter to Sian Silverstone, Head of Study Programme (she/her) by midnight, UK time, on 7 June
- First interviews (online): 12 June
- Second interviews (in person): 18 and 19 June
- Interview themes will be sent to all successful candidates in advance
Role summary
The Programme Officer is responsible for supporting the work of the Institute’s education team in the delivery of the MW study programme. This includes, but is not limited to, programme administration and communications, supporting with accuracy of data and the CRM, and global wine logistics.
Key responsibilities
- Programme administration:
- Student communications: act as first point of contact for student questions, overseeing the education inbox.
- Finance: support across the team with tracking and raising invoices and purchase orders for all study programme activity.
- Programme calendar: ensure accuracy of programme calendar and other associated materials for delivery.
- Policies and processes: general administration across the team supporting with processes such as academic appeals.
- Data and CRM: support with monitoring and evaluation of the study programme, keeping the CRM up to date across the academic year, by assisting the Head of Study Programme, Education Programme Manager, and Exam and Research Paper Co-ordinator.
- Events (course days, introductory courses, webinars and seminars):
- Materials: support with currency and distribution of materials to staff, supporters, MWs, and students.
- Event management: lead delivery of in-person (London) course days, overseeing wine, materials, and AV, and support internationally with seminar delivery.
- Communications: lead on student and MW communication prior to and post event.
- Process and systems: support Education Programme Manager with tracking of admissions, course days, and seminars, keeping CRM up to date.
- Wine procurement and cellar management:
- Procurement: support Head of Study Programme to procure study programme wines, including contacting vendors, raising POs, arranging delivery and returning stock where required.
- Wine shipment: arrange shipment and packing of wines for all study programme events and examinations.
- Stock management: ensure leftover stock is used appropriately; keeping an accurate database of all stock.
- Cellar management: support with project to manage stock in IMW cellar down to reasonable levels, run stock reports and update database when stock is used, and allocate storage costs appropriately with finance.
We are a small team, where we all pitch in, so the job holder will be expected to carry out other activities not listed above during the year as and when required, and commensurate with the role.
Person specification
- Wine procurement: applicants are not required to have experience in the wine industry. However, a genuine interest in wine is essential, and you will be required to undertake after joining if you do not hold this qualification.
- Programme administration: as is common in programme delivery, this is a broad-spectrum role. It is not expected all candidates will necessarily have knowledge and experience that meets all criteria. However, if you can demonstrate transferable skills, or how you may approach new areas then we look forward to hearing from you.
- Communications: can adapt communication style across audiences, sensitively and approachably communicating with a range of stakeholders, and responding in a timely manner.
- Time management: can work both independently and collaboratively and feels comfortable adapting priorities in line with evolving business needs.
- Approach to problem solving: able to proactively identify and resolve logistical or administrative problems, escalating to Head of Study Programme where required.
- Supporting the delivery of projects/programmes: has some experience supporting project or programme delivery, using a CRM, spreadsheets, and other digital collaboration tools, using them to oversee their own work and support with evaluation and data.
- Event management: has some experience supporting in person and online event logistics. Experience with education or wine events is a bonus, but not essential.
- Finance: some experience with tracking, invoicing and reporting processes and tools.
Reasonable adjustments
If invited for interview, Sian encourages candidates to discuss any adjustments that may be helpful, in advance, with her.
Working at the IMW
- Right to work in the UK: applicants must have the right to work in the UK upon application.
- Office attendance: hybrid offered with office attendance required three days per week. Flexibility and additional attendance, for example during course days and seminars will be expected at certain points of the year, including a mandatory six days in person during exam week (usually the first week of June).
- Weekend and evenings: Weekend and evening work will be required, for which time off in lieu will be given.
- Travel: ability to travel internationally is a pre-requisite for this role. Regularity varies annually, but applicants can expect at least several weeks per year.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days, plus public holidays
- Private healthcare: option to opt in to BUPA healthcare, as a defined taxable benefit
- Pension: after three months’ employment, the IMW will contribute 8%, on a non-contributory basis from employees
- Hybrid working: 2 days a week typically working from home
Programme Officer employer: THE INSTITUTE OF MASTERS OF WINE
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, ideal for those passionate about education and the wine industry. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, private healthcare options, and a generous pension scheme, all while promoting a hybrid working model that balances office presence with flexibility. Located in London, our small team environment encourages innovation and personal development, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
Contact Detail:
THE INSTITUTE OF MASTERS OF WINE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Institute and its study programme. This will help you tailor your answers 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. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Be ready to discuss how your previous experiences relate to the Programme Officer role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and event management experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to Sian. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Officer role. Highlight relevant experience in programme administration, event management, and any communication skills that show you can connect with students and stakeholders.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Don’t just repeat your CV; use this space to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the wine industry!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, give examples of how you've tackled logistical or administrative challenges in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to changing priorities.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your CV and cover letter directly, and it helps us keep everything organised during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE INSTITUTE OF MASTERS OF WINE
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the MW study programme and its key components. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Programme Officer, especially in areas like programme administration and student communications. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Programme Officer, you'll be the first point of contact for students. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders in the past, and be ready to demonstrate your adaptability in communication styles during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've identified and resolved logistical or administrative issues. Be prepared to discuss these examples in detail, highlighting your proactive approach and how you escalated issues when necessary. This will showcase your ability to handle challenges that may arise in the role.
✨Get Familiar with Event Management
Since event management is a key part of the job, brush up on your experience with organising events, whether in-person or online. Be ready to discuss any relevant experiences, even if they are from different sectors. Showing enthusiasm for managing events, especially in the context of wine or education, will set you apart.
