PA/Senior Administrator

Reference
1116101

Branch
De Montfort University (Leicester)

Start date
17/08/2026

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

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.

This role is working 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. Coordinated UK and international travel, including transport, accommodation, itineraries, visas (where required), and travel risk assessments.

Provided proactive, confidential executive and administrative support across a broad range of responsibilities, ensuring the smooth running of the directorate. Processed financial administration using SAP, including purchase orders, invoices, expenses, and budget-related tasks, while supporting facilities coordination, resource management, and procurement.

Developed, maintained, and improved administrative systems, filing structures, and data management processes to enhance efficiency and ensure accurate record keeping. Supported health and safety processes, maintaining compliance with university policies and procedures.

Planned, organised, and serviced meetings, committees, and boards by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, producing briefing packs, taking minutes, recording actions, and ensuring outcomes were communicated and followed up. Retrieved, analysed, and presented information to support senior leaders, preparing reports, presentations, correspondence, and publications to a high professional standard.

Managed incoming correspondence, prioritising and distributing electronic and paper-based communications appropriately. Acted as the first point of contact for the directorate, responding to enquiries from staff, students, visitors, and external organisations, resolving issues independently or referring matters where appropriate.

Welcomed and hosted visitors, ensuring a professional and positive experience. Organised meetings, events, official visits, and hospitality, coordinating venues, logistics, travel, catering, and resources to ensure successful delivery.

Built and maintained effective working relationships with colleagues, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, regularly handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Maintained a strong understanding of university-wide policies, procedures, and organisational activities to support senior leadership and represent the directorate effectively.

Supported departmental and organisational projects, working independently to resolve administrative and operational issues while managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines. Provided flexible support during periods of increased workload and, where required, outside normal working hours to support key university activities.

Demonstrated excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills, consistently delivering a high-quality, customer-focused administrative service. Promoted an inclusive and respectful working environment, supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion in line with the Equality Act 2010 while ensuring all staff, students, contractors, and visitors were 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 - https://www.unitemps.com/resources/info-hub/?type=candidate-uk&branch=dmu

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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