Administrative Assistant - 0591-26-R

Lancaster University; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual reviews

Generous employer pension scheme

39 days annual leave

Family-friendly approach

Flexible employee benefits

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Lancaster University’s Pre-School Centre in Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK invites applications for an Administrative Assistant on a 9-month maternity cover starting 28/09/26. The role provides reception and admin support to families, staff and students in a busy, friendly setting.

You will handle reception, bookings, records, communications and basic financial tasks, with a focus on safeguarding and data protection. A positive, team-oriented approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in an administrative or reception role.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Experience maintaining electronic records and databases.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.
• Flexible and team-focused approach.
• Commitment to personal development and learning.

Responsibilities

• providing a friendly and professional reception service
• responding to enquiries by telephone, email and in person
• supporting bookings, waiting lists and attendance records
• maintaining accurate electronic and paper records
• preparing correspondence, newsletters and parent communications
• assisting with routine financial administration and invoicing processes
• supporting meetings, events, inspections and open days
• maintaining confidential records and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and data protection requirements
• producing routine reports, spreadsheets and administrative information
• working collaboratively with colleagues across the Centre and wider University

Skills

Reception

Administrative

Customer service

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Is this the job for you?

Are you an organised and customer-focused administrator who enjoys supporting people and making a difference? Do you thrive in a busy environment where no two days are the same?

Administrative Assistant

Pre-School Centre

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £26,093 (Full-Time/Fixed-term)

Closing Date: Monday 07 September 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 0591-26-R

Is this the job for you?

Are you an organised and customer-focused administrator who enjoys supporting people and making a difference? Do you thrive in a busy environment where no two days are the same?

The post is a maternity leave for 9 months in the first instance, start date 28/09/26 and end date 25/06/27.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and professional Administrative Assistant to join our Pre-School Centre team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the day-to-day operation of our highly regarded service, providing reception, administrative and business support to families, staff, students and visitors.

What You'll Be Doing

The Pre-School Centre is open approximately 50 weeks of the year with closures at Easter, Christmas and all Bank Holidays.

As an Administrative Assistant, you will be the first point of contact for parents, carers, visitors, University staff and students. You will provide a welcoming and professional reception service while supporting the efficient running of the Centre through a range of administrative, financial and customer service duties.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• providing a friendly and professional reception service
• responding to enquiries by telephone, email and in person
• supporting bookings, waiting lists and attendance records
• maintaining accurate electronic and paper records
• preparing correspondence, newsletters and parent communications
• assisting with routine financial administration and invoicing processes
• supporting meetings, events, inspections and open days
• maintaining confidential records and ensuring compliance with safeguarding and data protection requirements
• producing routine reports, spreadsheets and administrative information
• working collaboratively with colleagues across the Centre and wider University.

About You

• excellent customer service and communication skills
• experience in an administrative or reception role
• strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel
• experience maintaining electronic records and databases
• the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment
• a flexible and team-focused approach
• a commitment to personal development and learning.

Experience of working in an education, childcare or early years environment would be advantageous, as would knowledge of safeguarding practices.

Why work with us?

Our Pre-School Centre is rated Good by Ofsted, and our dedicated team makes a real difference to children and families every day. We are proud of our supportive and inclusive working environment and would love you to be part of it.

Take a look at our facilities here: https://youtu.be/81Aw-nL95qo

Lancaster University’s Main Bailrigg Campus Is a Wonderful Place To Work, Combining a Vibrant Community Atmosphere With Beautiful Green Surroundings. There Are Many Facilities On Campus Including

• a sports centre
• shops and cafés
• a post office
• a multi-faith centre
• an excellent library
• social groups, clubs and staff networks.

Lancaster University provides an environment that strongly supports employee wellbeing and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

We Offer a Comprehensive Package Of Benefits Including

• competitive salary with annual reviews
• generous employer pension scheme
• 39 days annual leave, including University closure days and bank holidays
• a family-friendly approach for those with caring responsibilities
• flexible employee benefits and salary-saving schemes
• training and development opportunities.

Find out more about our employee benefits on our website: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs

Further Details

Job Description

Person Specification

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.