Senior Administrator

Harris Federation

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Senior Administrator to join our Head Office team.

Working within the CEO's Office, you will coordinate a wide range of essential administrative and operational activities, supporting senior staff, payroll processes, compliance requirements, communications and corporate events. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in the day-to-day success of the Federation while helping to ensure our Head Office functions run smoothly and efficiently.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing high-quality administrative and coordination support to the CEO's Office, Senior Leaders and wider Head Office team.
• Preparing and maintaining professional documents, reports, presentations and correspondence.
• Managing filing systems and records, ensuring information is accurate, accessible and compliant.
• Responding to incoming calls, emails and queries in a timely and professional manner, providing excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting the smooth running of Head Office, including providing reception cover when required.
• Coordinating meetings and events, preparing papers, recording actions and following up on agreed outcomes.
• Supporting Federation conferences, corporate activities and wider organisational projects.
• Managing competing priorities and ensuring key administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Providing flexible administrative support and undertaking ad hoc duties as required.

For full details of the role and responsibilities, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Experience of working in a busy administrative, executive support or office coordination role.
• Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and using administrative systems.
• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders and responding to competing priorities.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to prioritise effectively and use initiative without needing close supervision.
• Ability to follow processes carefully while also identifying where improvements may be needed.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate documents, records, action points and correspondence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence and professionalism when dealing with senior leaders, colleagues, academies, external organisations and visitors.
• Ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships at all levels.
• Calm, helpful and customer-focused approach.
• Ability to handle sensitive or challenging queries with tact and discretion

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from all groups and backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.