Senior Business Support Officer

Bristol City Council; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bristol seeks a proactive Business Support Officer for a part-time position. You will provide comprehensive administration and support services in a marine environment, managing complex processes and ensuring operational efficiency. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Bristol Harbour's operations while developing your skills. Candidates must demonstrate strong organisational abilities and relevant experience in a similar role. Hybrid working options are available.

Benefits

Flexible working

Local Government Pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication for complex enquiries.
• Experience in administration or business support.
• Ability to work independently under pressure.
• Competent in financial processes and data management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate complex administration and business support processes.
• Handle face-to-face enquiries and provide accurate information.
• Manage end-to-end processes ensuring compliance with procedures.
• Plan resources to maximize efficiency of support services.
• Respond to internal and external enquiries effectively.
• Carry out and reconcile financial transactions accurately.
• Provide data and advice on complex business support matters.
• Monitor compliance with local guidance and legislation.

Skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Experience in administration

Financial competence

Job description

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Job description
Permanent, Part Time - 17hrs per week

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Business Support Officer to join our team at Bristol Harbour.

This is a key role providing comprehensive administration and business support within a dynamic marine environment.

You will take ownership of complex processes, deliver exceptional customer service, and ensure operational efficiency across the harbour's business support functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the coordination and and manage a complex area of administration and business support, taking full responsibility for outcomes.
• Handle face‑to‑face enquiries from service users regarding the City Docks Competent Harbour Area, providing clear and accurate information.
• Manage end‑to‑end processes, ensuring compliance with local and national procedures.
• Plan and deploy resources under the direction of the Harbour Master and Office Manager to maximise efficiency of business support services.
• Respond to internal and external enquiries, including escalated issues, ensuring timely and satisfactory resolution.
• Carry out, monitor, and reconcile financial transactions accurately and efficiently.
• Provide data, information, and advice on complex business support matters, including ABW (Activity‑Based Working).
• Monitor compliance with local guidance and relevant legislation to maintain high standards of service delivery.

About You

• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with complex enquiries and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in administration, business support, or a similar role, ideally within a regulated or operational environment.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Competent in financial processes and data management.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in the smooth running of Bristol Harbour operations. You'll work in a unique setting, supporting a team dedicated to maintaining safety, compliance, and efficiency in one of the city's most iconic locations.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high‑profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you'll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you'll be working in a supportive environment where you'll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please select the apply button below.

To be shortlisted for interview you'll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.

It is Bristol City Council's practice to request references for candidates that have been offered a job. However, if you are applying for a job that requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check then we will request your references once you have been invited to an interview.

We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For further information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification or alternatively, please contact Maria Pearce [e-mail]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit.

The personal information section (including your name) you'll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.