The South Devon Railway is seeking a highly organised and proactive Administrative Assistant to support the General Manager in the day-to-day running of one of the country’s leading heritage railways.
This is a varied and fast-paced role requiring excellent organisational skills, discretion, flexibility, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, and external stakeholders. No two days are the same — one moment you may be coordinating meetings or responding to operational enquiries, and the next assisting with events, preparing reports, or helping manage communications across departments.
The successful candidate will become a key part of the railway’s management team and play an important role in helping ensure the smooth operation of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
· Provide day-to-day administrative support to the General Manager, manage emails, correspondence, diary scheduling, and meeting coordination
· Prepare agendas, minutes, reports, presentations, and internal communications
· Assist with document management and filing systems
· Monitor and respond to enquiries professionally and efficiently
· Liaise with operational departments across the railway
· Assist with coordination of projects, maintenance activities, and operational planning
· Help track actions, deadlines, and follow-ups from meetings
· Support the organisation of internal events, volunteer meetings, and special activities
· Draft internal notices, letters, and announcements
· Assist with stakeholder and volunteer communications
· Help ensure information is shared clearly across departments
· Assist with purchase orders, invoices, and basic record keeping
· Maintain accurate administrative and operational records
· Support data entry and reporting where required
· Welcome visitors, contractors, and external stakeholders where required
· Assist with occasional event support and railway activities
· Undertake other reasonable duties as required by the General Manager
Essential Skills & Experience
· Excellent organisational and time management skills
· Strong written and verbal communication abilities
· Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
· Professional, approachable, and adaptable manner
· High attention to detail and confidentiality
· Experience in an administrative or office support role
Desirable
· Experience working in a heritage, tourism, charity, or volunteer-led organisation
· Interest in railways, heritage, tourism, or events
· Experience preparing reports or presentations
· Familiarity with social media and internal communications
· Experience using administrative software
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
· Is proactive and willing to get stuck in
· Can remain calm under pressure
· Enjoys working with a wide variety of people
· Has a positive and professional attitude
· Is comfortable working in a dynamic operational environment
· Understands the importance of teamwork within a heritage railway setting
What we offer
· A unique working environment within a leading heritage railway and tourist attraction
· Full training and ongoing support.
· The chance to be part of a friendly, community-minded organisation.
· Staff discounts in our retail and catering outlets.
· Free train travel on South Devon Railway trains, and discounted travel on National Rail services.
· Potential for flexible hours.
Pay: £27,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
Work Location: In person
