About Birmingham City University
BCU is a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 30,000 students from more than 100 countries. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment. Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from racially minoritised backgrounds. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets and potential.
Role Summary
Reporting to the Director of School Operations, you will provide comprehensive administrative support to academic staff and professional services colleagues. The role will be based at our City South Campus in Edgbaston.
You will contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of school operations, supporting local activities, responding to staff needs, and ensuring an efficient and professional administrative service.
The role involves liaison with academic staff, professional services teams, and external stakeholders such as casual workers who support our Experts by Experience provision, requiring strong communication skills and a commitment to providing high-quality support within a busy academic environment.
Key Responsibilities
You will provide general administrative support, ensuring timely and accurate completion of operational tasks. A key focus within this role will be the engagement of casual workers— processing new starter packs, conducting right-to-work checks, liaising with HR where required and ensuring casual worker payments are processed. You will maintain accurate records of right-to-work documentation in accordance with legal and university requirements. You will support the organisation and servicing of school and department-level meetings, working groups and committees, including minute-taking and tracking actions. You will maintain accurate operational records and databases related to school operations — handling confidential information securely and in compliance with data-protection requirements. You will also administer purchasing requests for example raising and goods receipting purchase orders, maintaining accurate records in our procurement system whilst complying the financial and procurement policies.
Essential Requirements
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You should have experience working in an administrative role in a busy and varied office environment.
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You should be skilled in organising meetings, taking minutes, and managing calendars or shared schedules.
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You should be able to manage multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications — especially Outlook, Word, and Excel — is essential.
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You should have experience handling sensitive or confidential information.
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You should be able to communicate clearly and professionally with a range of stakeholders.
Interviews expected to be held on the week commencing 24/08/26
Why work for us
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Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
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Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
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Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
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Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Further Information
If you want to be part of a team shaping the future of the School of Life and Health Sciences, we’d love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jolie Swain, Director of School Operations, at [email protected].
Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: Interactive Map | Birmingham City University
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
