Senior Support Assistant - Metrology

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave and pension benefits

Hybrid working

Flexible working hours

Training & development

Cycle to work

Employee discounts

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking a capable Administrative Support in the Metrology Laboratory within the Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport service. You will assist with calibration, testing and advisory tasks while delivering exceptional customer service to businesses and the public.

The role involves data entry, records management and collaboration with teams to ensure accuracy and compliance with UKAS quality systems.

Qualifications

• Strong IT skills with confidence using Microsoft Office and other systems.
• Experience in customer-facing roles and handling enquiries professionally.
• Excellent organisational, communication and customer service skills.
• Accurate data input, record keeping and database management experience.
• A methodical, problem-solving approach with process improvement experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent customer service across reception, telephone, email and written enquiries, ensuring requests are logged and managed.
• Act as a key point of contact for customers, reviewing contract requests and liaising to meet service standards.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support, including maintaining records and inputting data for processes and outputs.
• Book in and check items received for calibration or testing, ensuring accuracy and traceability.
• Monitor and update customer management systems and other databases used by the service.
• Support financial processes including invoicing and general financial administration.
• Oversee the reception area to maintain a professional environment.
• Carry out research, analyse data and produce reports and statutory returns.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Data input accuracy

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

GCSEs/Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy

Job description

Who We Are & What We Stand For

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Where precision meets customer service excellence

You’ll be part of the Metrology Laboratory within the Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport service, supporting a vital function that ensures accuracy, compliance, and public confidence in measurement standards. The team works closely with businesses and the public, delivering high-quality calibration, testing and advisory services in line with UKAS quality systems. It’s a fast-paced, customer-focused environment where collaboration, precision and professionalism are key.

Be at the heart of a service that keeps business and communities compliant

What You Get To Do

• Deliver excellent customer service across reception, telephone, email and written enquiries, ensuring all requests are logged and managed in line with UKAS quality systems
• Act as a key point of contact for customers, reviewing contract requests and liaising effectively to meet service standards
• Provide comprehensive administrative support, including maintaining records, managing correspondence and inputting data to support operational processes and certification outputs
• Book in and check items received for calibration or testing, ensuring accuracy and traceability
• Monitor and update customer management systems and other databases used by the service
• Support financial processes including invoicing and general financial administration
• Oversee the reception area to ensure a professional and welcoming environment
• Carry out research, analyse data and produce reports and statistical returns as required (including statutory returns)
• Operate the Public Weighbridge and process associated payments
• Take on additional responsibilities appropriate to the role and grade

Bring organisation, deliver accuracy, make an impact every day

What You Will Bring

• Strong IT skills with confidence using Microsoft Office and other systems
• A good standard of general education, including numeracy and literacy at Level 2 or equivalent
• Recent experience in administrative procedures and systems
• Experience of working with the public, including handling challenging situations professionally
• Excellent organisational, communication and customer service skills
• Accurate data input, record keeping and database management experience
• A methodical, problem-solving approach with experience improving administrative processes

What’s In It For You

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation