Business Support Hub Associate

The National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

3.5 closure days

Employer pension contribution

Life assurance

Relocation support

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, is seeking an experienced administrator to support the Executive Office across travel, meetings and workshops, and broader business processes.

You will work with the Business Support Team to ensure smooth operations, maintain discretion with sensitive matters, and deliver a high-quality, customer-focused service. This is a permanent, full-time role with 37 hours per week and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience providing high-level customer service to multiple teams.
• Strong organisational skills and discretion handling sensitive matters.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide admin support across the Executive Office, including travel, meetings and workshops.
• Support wider business processes and activities to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Business Support Team and wider organisation to ensure continuity and smooth operations.

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£29,243

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

You’ll play a key role in providing high-quality support across the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), with a particular focus on supporting the Executive Office. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You’ll be part of the go-to team for a wide range of administrative and operational needs, from arranging travel, meetings and workshops, to supporting wider business processes and activities.

You’ll work closely with colleagues across the Business Support Team and the wider organisation, ensuring continuity, efficiency and a seamless flow of operations that helps NOC deliver its mission. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to improving processes and ways of working, helping us provide a consistent and effective support service across NOC.

About you

To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be an experienced and adaptable administrator who can balance multiple priorities with confidence and professionalism. Strong organisational skills, sound judgement, and the ability to anticipate needs will be key, as will maintaining discretion when handling sensitive matters.

You’ll have a background in providing high-level customer service to a range of teams, experience dealing with complex travel arrangements, advanced Microsoft Office skills and excellent communication skills. You’ll be comfortable working independently, building effective relationships with colleagues at all levels and using your initiative to identify issues and find practical solutions.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be Living Wage Employer

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 01/10/2026

Closing date:16/10/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.