Office Assistant (ID4202)

Government Recruitment Service; Sutton Bonington; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government agency seeks an Administrative Support professional to provide essential customer service and support for laboratory services worldwide. Key tasks include managing customer enquiries, preparing shipping documentation, and maintaining accurate records. Ideal candidates will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit. This position is pivotal in supporting the agency's commitment to quality and efficiency in its operations.

Qualifications

• Proven administrative experience in a similar role.
• Ability to handle customer inquiries effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for global laboratory services.
• Manage incoming enquiries related to customer contracts.
• Prepare paperwork for shipping biological materials.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting.

Skills

Customer service skills

Administrative skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Job description

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.

Proficiency testing (PT) is an integral part of laboratory quality assurance. It forms the basis for continuous monitoring of diagnostic test validity and supports laboratories to achieve and maintain accreditation to ISO 17025. VETQAS is a world leader in veterinary PT covering a wide range of diseases, animal species and tests; it is held in high regard globally. VETQAS sits within the Science Directorate of the APHA, which delivers high quality, high impact, and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. The VETQAS PT programme supports the core work of APHA and Defra to safeguard animal health and welfare and public health, protect the economy and enhance food security, for example in the National Control of Salmonella Programme. It is responsible for the development, production, and supply of PTs under the VETQAS brand to veterinary laboratories worldwide.

You will provide administrative support for delivery of products and services to laboratories worldwide. You will work both independently and as part of a team, to perform a wide range of administrative and customer service duties. You will be a contact point for all incoming enquiries and work to improve productivity, efficiency and work processes.

You will provide administrative support and operational expertise to science colleagues, Admin Team, Admin Team Lead (ATL), Business Manager and Head of Department. Proactively manage purchasing, financial and administrative requests and queries.

You will operate as a team member to perform a range of duties including, while not limited to, the following:

Administration and other duties

• Support staff and customers by providing administrative and scientific services.
• Receive and facilitate replies for email and telephone enquiries (most are relevant to customer contracts and shipping administration).
• Preparation of paperwork for shipping biological materials e.g. customs proformas and export/import documents.
• Assisting with the preparation, labelling, packaging and distribution of PT samples.
• Ensure accurate records are kept and updated.
• Monitor and maintain reports and spreadsheets to show customer activity e.g. details of new business, business retention, figures for re-ordering, etc.

Safety & Wellbeing

• Work in accordance with health, safety and wellbeing procedures.

Quality

• Adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures and the relevant ISO standard.