PA/Senior Administrator

Reference
1116101

Branch
De Montfort University (Leicester)

Start date
26/08/2026

Duration
Other - See Job

Hours and days
see advert

Dress code
Not Applicable

Rate of pay
£13.84

Holiday rate
£2.16

Role

Unitemps is a University-owned temporary staffing agency that operates in various universities, including De Montfort University (DMU). There are several benefits to working with Unitemps at DMU:

Networking Opportunities: Through Unitemps, you may have the chance to work with various departments and individuals at the university. This can help you expand your network and establish connections that may be valuable for your future career.

Professional Development: Many positions available through Unitemps may offer opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement. You can learn new skills and gain valuable knowledge while on the job.

Career Progression: Some temporary positions may lead to permanent employment within the university, giving you a potential pathway for long-term career advancement.

Contribution to the University Community: By working with Unitemps at DMU, you become a part of the university community and can contribute to its success and growth.

More information on the DMU Branch can be found HERE.

THE ROLE

This role is to provide an effective secretarial and administrative service to Director- or Faculty Leadership Team-level colleagues, to contribute to the smooth running of their schools or directorates. 

This is a broad and varied role and requires a conscientious, professional administrator with a talent for development, planning and prioritisation.

Working Hours: 18.5 hours per week on a hybrid basis with 60% on campus. The role will start as soon as possible with a current expected end date of 18/12/2026.

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage complex diaries for senior leaders, prioritising appointments and optimising schedules to maximise efficiency. Coordinate UK and international travel, including transport, accommodation, itineraries, visas and travel risk assessments.
• Provide proactive, confidential executive and administrative support, ensuring the smooth running of the directorate and effective management of competing priorities.
• Process financial administration through SAP, including purchase orders, invoices, expenses and budget-related tasks, while supporting facilities, procurement and resource management.
• Develop and maintain efficient administrative systems, filing structures and data management processes, ensuring accurate and accessible records.
• Support health and safety processes and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Plan and service meetings, committees and boards, including scheduling, agenda preparation, briefing packs, minute-taking, action tracking and follow-up.
• Retrieve, analyse and present information for senior leaders, preparing reports, presentations, correspondence and publications to a high professional standard.
• Manage incoming correspondence, prioritising and distributing communications appropriately, and act as the first point of contact for staff, students, visitors and external organisations.
• Welcome and host visitors, providing a professional and positive experience.
• Organise meetings, events, official visits and hospitality, coordinating venues, logistics, travel, catering and resources.
• Build effective relationships with colleagues, senior leaders and external stakeholders, handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Maintain a strong understanding of university policies, procedures and organisational activities to support senior leadership and represent the directorate effectively.
• Support departmental and organisational projects, resolving administrative and operational issues independently while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Provide flexible support during periods of increased workload and, where required, outside normal working hours to support key university activities.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills, consistently delivering a high-quality, customer-focused administrative service.
• Promote an inclusive and respectful working environment, supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in line with the Equality Act 2010 and ensuring all staff, students, contractors and visitors are treated with dignity and professionalism.

Skills and experience

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent.

Experience

• Significant experience providing administrative support to senior colleagues with complex portfolios.
• Experience providing Personal Assistant support to senior managers.
• Experience of financial administration, including:
  • Purchasing
  • Raising purchase orders
  • Processing invoices
  • Interrogating financial data
  • Using SAP or another electronic finance system.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage conflicting demands while meeting deadlines and maintaining professionalism.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Competent IT user with experience of Microsoft Office.
• Diplomacy, political awareness, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters appropriately.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Ability to provide an inclusive service to a diverse range of people, promoting equality, diversity, and positive working relationships.

Location
De Montfort University

Additional information

Unitemps DMU operates a monthly payroll - Please refer to the candidate information hub for DMU unitemps in relation to pay dates and further information.

We aim to notify all candidates of the outcome of their application however volume of applications sometimes do not allow us to do so; please check your application status via your Unitemps account regularly; we may also communicate via email; please check your junk mail.

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