Business administrator

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the Northeast of England is seeking 4 motivated Business Administration apprentices. The roles involve providing comprehensive administrative support, managing communications, and assisting with various tasks. Ideal candidates will have GCSEs in English and Mathematics and strong communication and IT skills. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave and pension options.

Benefits

31 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working hours

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Mathematics required.
• Proficiency in MS Office or equivalent IT packages.
• Strong communication and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage emails, communications, and administrative tasks.
• Input data accurately and produce reports.
• Assist with customer enquiries and maintain positive relationships.

Skills

Communication

IT

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Customer care

Problem solving

Presentation skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

GCSEs in English (grade 4+/C+)

GCSEs in Mathematics (grade 4+/C+)

Job description

Overview

We are looking for 4 highly motivated Business Administration apprentices to provide an office-based, efficient and comprehensive business and administrative support service. These roles include communicating with the public, creating and presenting reports/invoices using a range of electronic software, minute taking and other administrative duties.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a range of business support tasks such as managing emails, copying, scanning, archiving, post, answering the telephone and taking messages.
• Input data accurately on multiple systems, including extracting basic information, checking accuracy and chasing missing data.
• Produce basic performance management reports and standard presentations.
• Carry out basic audit and quality control of data input.
• Copy typing from notes and completing standardised templates.
• Provide support to deal with a wide range of customer enquiries, ensuring a friendly and responsive service via telephone, email and in person.
• Carry out routine basic invoicing, creating purchase orders and handling ad hoc purchases as required.
• Provide telephone cover and assistance for other teams as required.
• Input and update data in manual and electronic formats, checking accuracy and following up on missing information.
• Population and creation of basic spreadsheets; produce standard reports and presentations.
• Take basic notes at meetings for the user’s team and provide basic facilities management support (setting up rooms, ensuring equipment and resources are available).
• Coordinate public information and literature, maintain stock levels and ensure materials are current.
• Demonstrate proficiency with multiple IT packages (e.g., MS Office or equivalent), write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, and analyse data.
• Produce accurate records and documents (emails, letters, files, payments, reports, proposals); review and improve processes and coach others as needed.
• Demonstrate proactive thinking, good judgment, and the ability to seek advice when appropriate.
• Build and maintain positive relationships within the team and across the organisation; demonstrate effective communication and adaptability.
• Complete tasks to a high standard, review processes, share best practices, and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, managing priorities and deadlines, and organising meetings and events.
• Use project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report on projects as required.

Qualifications and Skills

• GCSEs in English (grade 4+/C+) and Mathematics (grade 4+/C+).
• Communication, IT, attention to detail, organisational, customer care, problem solving, presentation, administrative, numerical, analytical, logical, teamwork, initiative, non-judgemental, patience, and confidentiality skills.
• Follow instructions and maintain confidentiality.

Benefits and Additional Information

Darlington Borough Council is a local authority in the NE East of England. In addition to pay, the Council offers a wide range of benefits, including 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to purchase additional annual leave, pro rata), access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with option to make Additional Voluntary Contributions, Flexi-time, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave, various travel and wellbeing schemes, training opportunities, and more as outlined by the Council.