At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Administrator

Permanent

Guildford

Salary: £22,100 – £24,800

Smart Hybrid Working

Are you enthusiastic about delivering first-rate customer service, managing complex administrative tasks, and contributing to the success of educational assessments? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you.

This Administrator role sits in the Centre Inspection Service team who are critical in ensuring that schools, colleges and centres of learning adhere to the strict regulations which make sure exams are delivered compliantly.

We have two positions currently available, one is full time (35 hours per week) and the other is a part time job share (21 hours per week, ideally Mon – Wed but negotiable for the right person, salary will be pro rata to £13,260 – £13,440). On application, please let us know which contract type you would like to be considered for.

What will I be doing?

Provide exceptional support and guidance to external customers, colleagues, and inspectors. You’ll own telephone, email, and written queries, ensuring every question is answered and every problem is solved.

Efficiently manage adhoc inspection requests, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.

Handle despatches, receipt and processing of reports with precision, ensuring all tasks are completed within agreed timelines.

Deliver administrative services that keep the Inspection team running like clockwork. You’ll manage correspondence, electronic filing systems, and much more, always with an eye on detail and quality.

What’s in it for me?

• Your work will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and integrity of educational assessments.
• We’re committed to your professional development and offer opportunities for continuous learning and improvement.
• A supportive team where your ideas are valued, and your expertise is respected.
• Start with 25 days of annual leave (pro rata for part time position), growing to 30 days, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year. 
• Take up to 5 paid days to volunteering for charities close to your heart. 
• Enjoy private medical insurance through Bupa, covering all conditions from day one. 
• Access the cycle-to-work scheme, corporate Headspace access, a variety of networks and wellbeing initiatives and more
• Benefit from up to 11.5% employer pension contributions. 
• Enjoy a balanced workweek with a mixture of in person and remote working – at AQA great things happen when we work together. 

What Will I need to Succeed?

• You’re confident on the phone, clear in writing, and able to build positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• You take pride in your accuracy and your ability to manage multiple priorities without missing a beat.
• You work well with minimal supervision, using your judgment to handle tasks and solve problems.
• Whether dealing with a challenging query or supporting a colleague, you treat everyone with respect and care.
• Experience with Microsoft Office including SharePoint, Outlook and Teams

If you’re excited about making a difference and thrive in a dynamic, detail-oriented environment, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join our team and help shape the future of education.

How to apply

Read the full job description, then upload your most recent CV with a cover letter explaining why you are the best person for the job.

Interviews will be face to face in the Guildford office in the week beginning 16 September

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Accountable for the day to day administration of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) Centre Inspection Service (CIS).

The JCQ CIS work is undertaken by AQA on behalf of the JCQ Awarding Bodies as a contract which runs until August 2020.

See strategy if required http://thehub.aqa.org.uk/About/2020-strategySection 1 – AccountabilitiesOutcomes:

Customer (External or Internal)

Being trusted and reliable in assessment design and delivery.

Provision of effective customer support, with a positive tone and approach to external customers, colleagues and inspectors; take ownership of telephone/email/written queries relating to the work of the JCQ Inspection Service, and from Inspectors appointed to the service to ensure a professional image is maintained at all times and follow all queries through to completion and where appropriate escalating them for action.

Planning and organising efficiently the despatch, receipt, processing, updating and dissemination of material and reports relating to the JCQ CIS, to an agreed standard of accuracy and timescale.

Organising and coordinating the appointment and scheduling of all inspectors within agreed timescale.

Be responsible for providing administrative service to all inspectors to the required performance standard and smooth operation of the Inspection team, including follow-up of correspondence with centres.

Cash (Finances)

Ensuring sound financial management and a robust base.

Planning and coordination for the most efficient use of resources whilst maintaining a background awareness of the need for timeliness, and JCQ- contractual compliance, under the direction of a line manager.

Product and Internal Processes

Delivering quality products and outcomes – as recognised by the customer.

Undertake a range of clerical or technical tasks which require the exercise of a relatively high degree of personal responsibility, judgement and initiative with little close supervision, although still subject to overall well-defined limits.

People and Culture

Ensuring we have great people achieving their potential.

Work flexibly within the team and across the division to provide administrative support to meet the business needs.

Maintenance of own continuous professional development to meet existing and future business needs.

Contribute effectively and positively to the team by continually looking for ways to improve processes and systems to increase the efficiency and smooth operation of the team.

Technology

Delivering demonstrably secure, reliable, agile and cost-effective systems.

Maintain manual and electronic filing systems and store and retrieve information securely and reliably.

Government and External

Providing timely, valued insight and evidence that inform policy.

Liaison, on behalf of senior members of staff, with members of staff at all levels in AQA and the other JCQ awarding bodies.

Section 2 – Key Relationships and Performance

Key Internal Relationships:

• Team members, malpractice investigators and case analysts, other departments within AQA.

Key External Relationships:

• Heads of centre, Chairs of Governors, Exams Officers, other awarding bodies’ malpractice teams, JCQ secretariat.

Key Performance Indicators:

As determined in consultation with line manager.

Section 3 – Person ProfileKnowledge

A/T/I – Knowledge of a range of manual and electronic administrative systems.

A/I – Understanding of office procedures and practices.

A/T – Good literacy and numeracy.

Qualifications

A – General academic or vocational qualification or demonstrable experience for the required role.

Skills

A/T – Good keyboarding skills and IT competence.

I/P – Good verbal communication skills, including a confident telephone manner.

A/T – Ability to express clearly in writing.

A/I/P – Build and maintain positive working relationship with a range of individuals and external stakeholders.

A/I/P – Handle complaints in a professional and tactful manner.

A/T/P – Prioritises a range of work with minimum supervision.

A/P – Works independently and takes initiative.

A/I/T – Work with conflicting priorities and to deadlines.

A/I/T/P – Attention to detail and accuracy.

Behaviours

I/P – Treating everyone well and with empathy.

I/P – Working together.

I/P – Openness and honesty.

I/P – Abiding by commitments.

I/P – Continuous learning and improvement.

I/P – Acting in best interests of AQA.

I/P – Optimism and determination.

I/P – Valuing Everyone’s Expertise

Experience

A/I – Experience of managing and retrieving data on electronic systems.

A/I – Experience of giving support and advice on the telephone.

A/I – Dealing with complex and challenging queries.

Assessment key (criteria to be assessed at the selection stage)

A – application (it is essential to provide evidence on application for shortlisting purposes)

I – interview

T – test (or work sample)

P – probation

AdditionalAs post holders will or may be visiting customers and centres, there is a requirement for them to complete a Child Safeguarding Declaration in line with the AQA Child Protection Policy.

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