King's College London

About us 

Based at the Strand in the heart of London, the Policy Institute at King’s College London is a distinctive department of the university, uniquely positioned at the intersection of research, policy, and practice. We combine the analytical rigour of academia with the agility of a consultancy and the strategic insight of a think tank. Our work addresses pressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, drawing on the expertise and resources of both the institute and King’s extensive academic and policy networks.

About the role

The Policy Institute at King’s College London is seeking a proactive and financially literate Senior Business Operations Officer to provide front-of-house and operational support across a wide range of business functions. This is a dynamic and varied role, ideal for a highly organised and service-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working collaboratively.

Based at the Strand, the post holder will be a first point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, providing a professional and welcoming presence at our front desk. Reporting to the Business Support Manager and working closely also with the Institute Business Manager, the role supports smooth day-to-day operations with a strong emphasis on office administration and financial management.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a busy environment, is solution focused, and brings a can-do attitude to problem-solving. You will need to be confident using (or willing to learn) university systems like Business World, PeopleXD and Share Point and you will quickly become the team’s expert on financial processes; from raising and receipting purchase orders to analysing expenses and completion of reconciliations for departmental non-pay budgets.

You will be the go-to person for a wide range of operational tasks, from managing the diary of the Head of administration, office supplies, post handling, and meeting room coordination to supporting recruitment, onboarding, and maintaining accurate, GDPR-compliant records. You will work closely with colleagues across the Institute and the wider university particularly Estates and Facilities to support space planning, office maintenance, and health and safety (H&S). The role also includes key responsibilities as a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessor, First Aider, and Evacuation Marshal, helping ensure a safe and well-run working environment for all. 

This role demands strong attention to detail, discretion, and sound judgement, particularly when dealing with confidential matters or escalating issues. It also offers the opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the Institute’s administrative and operational processes, supporting the development of a high-functioning and forward-thinking business support team.

We are looking for someone who brings a positive can-do attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with efficiency and professionalism. If you are keen to develop your skills in a vibrant policy-focused environment at one of the UK’s leading universities, we encourage you to apply.

*This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite  contract.

*N.B. Applicants should be aware that the post holder is expected to be on site at Melbourne House office from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday with Fridays working from home (if they wish to do so).

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: 

Essential criteria

1. A first degree or equivalent experience in providing high-level administrative support in a fast-paced office environment 
2. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with stakeholders at all levels 
3. Demonstrable financial literacy, including raising and receipting purchase orders, reconciling expenses, processing transaction correction of journals and maintaining accurate records 
4. Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines independently 
5. Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams).
6. Attention to detail and accuracy in written and numerical tasks 
7. A proactive and collaborative approach with the ability to work flexibly as part of a team 
8. An ability to work with ambiguity and tenacity to find solutions when they are not clearly visible or easily available

Desirable criteria

1. Experience working in a higher education or public policy environment
2. Evidence of continued professional development in areas such as project management, finance, or customer service  
3. Familiarity with King's systems (e.g., Business World, PeopleXD, In-Tend, Share Point) and using external platforms.
4. Experience supporting internal communications, event coordination, or employee onboarding processes
5. Understanding of GDPR compliance in administrative practice 

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now.” This document will provide information on what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. 

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held on 29th May 2025 or 03rd June

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.