Business Support Administrator

Watson Batty Architects Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Leeds is seeking a part-time administrative support professional. You will manage various administrative tasks, including data entry, communication with clients, and support for the accounts team. Ideal candidates will have strong organisational skills and previous experience in an administrative or reception role. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is essential. This position offers 22.5 hours per week on-site in Leeds, contributing to a dynamic team focused on architecture and design projects.

Benefits

Company pension

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an administrative, office support, or reception role is highly desirable.
• Exposure to accounts support duties, such as expenses, invoices is beneficial.
• Experience organising events, hospitality, or travel arrangements is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the accounts team with daily administrative tasks.
• Act as first point of contact by managing incoming calls.
• Handle all incoming and outgoing post.
• Prepare, type, and distribute letters and documents.
• Assist with printing, binding, travel arrangements, and meetings.
• Manage holiday requests and maintain the holiday log.

Skills

Strong administrative and organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Professional telephone manner

High attention to detail

Strong time-management

Team player

Problem-solving skills

Confidentiality and discretion

Customer service orientation

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Accountancy software (e.g. Sage)

Job description

About Watson Batty Architects:

With studios in Leeds and Loughborough, Watson Batty Architects has more than 50 years' experience creating many types of buildings across a diverse range of sectors. We undertake projects throughout the UK, ranging from commercial refurbishments to multi-million-pound new-build projects and ground-breaking regeneration schemes. Our cross-sector experience includes the areas of Learning, Retail, Commercial, Living, Regeneration, Industrial and Sport & Leisure projects.

Our core architecture business is supported by specialist in-house services, including Masterplanning, Access Consulting, Graphics & Visualisation, Health & Safety Management, Principal Designer, Interiors, and Project Management. Today, our team comprises over 35 architects, interior designers, technicians and masterplanners. Our management structure consists of Six Directors, supported by two Regional Directors, two Associate Directors and three Associates who manage each sector, lead the design teams and monitor staff resource.

With a strong and respected brand, a financially robust business, a healthy project pipeline, and a strategy to invest in exceptional talent, we are a company that is built for the future.

Key Tasks:

• Support the accounts team with daily administrative tasks.
• Assist with:
  • Data entry
  • Purchase invoices
  • Petty cash
  • Timesheets
  • Expenses
• Credit control activities.
• Act as first point of contact by managing incoming calls, greeting visitors, and providing guest assistance.
• Handle all incoming and outgoing post, ensuring accurate sorting, date stamping, and distribution.
• Prepare, type, and distribute letters and documents via email or post.
• Assist with printing, binding, travel arrangements, and meeting refreshments.
• Organise hospitality events, including bookings for tables, transport, and accommodation.
• Support the organisation of the Annual Autumn Reception.
• Manage holiday requests and maintain the holiday log.
• Provide administrative assistance to the marketing team as required.
• Manage the businesses social media presence.
• Support the Building facilities management team as required.

Skills:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Professional telephone manner and confident front-of-house presence.
• High attention to detail with accurate data entry and document preparation.
• Strong time-management and ability to prioritise effectively.
• Team player with a proactive and flexible approach to supporting different departments.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently when required.
• Confidentiality and discretion, particularly with HR and accounts information.
• Customer service orientation, ensuring positive interactions with clients, visitors, and team members.

Experience:

• Previous experience in an administrative, office support, or reception role is highly desirable.
• Exposure to accounts support duties, such as expenses, invoices is beneficial.
• Experience organising events, hospitality, or travel arrangements.
• Experience in a professional services environment is an advantage.

Software & IT Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite (essential):
• Word - document creation, formatting, letters
• Excel - spreadsheets, data entry, basic formulas
• Outlook - emails, calendars, meeting scheduling
• General IT proficiency, including use of printers, scanners, binding machines, and file management.
• Accountancy software (e.g. Sage) - beneficial but not essential.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 22.5 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension

Experience:

• Account/Business Support: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person