Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Administrative Assistant to provide essential support to our multi-disciplinary construction consultancy team in Cambridge. This role is central to ensuring the smooth running of our office and requires someone who can manage a variety of administrative tasks with efficiency, accuracy, and professionalism. The position is office-based, five days a week, and would particularly suit a candidate living locally in or near Cambridge.

The successful candidate will be confident in handling multiple priorities, able to communicate clearly with colleagues and clients, and demonstrate a strong attention to detail. With a positive, 'can-do' attitude, they will play a key part in supporting both day-to-day operations and the delivery of high-quality service across the business.

Our standard office hours are 08:30-17:30, however we are open to part-time arrangements (e.g. 09:30-15:00), and we are committed to paying the Cambridge 'Real Living Wage'.

Key Responsibilities

of the Role

Team and Project Support

Provide day-to-day assistance to staff across all departments Provide document assistance, formatting, working on templates, general typing and proof reading. Collate, update, and maintain project information, including printing and binding as required. Schedule survey appointments and manage diaries effectively.

Client and Financial Administration

Assist the Senior Administrator with preparing team fee invoices and following up on outstanding payments. Liaise with Directors and support teams (Marketing/Bids, Finance, HR, Administration) and respond to general enquiries where appropriate. Answer and manage incoming calls, transferring or taking messages as needed.

Office and Facilities Management

Maintain office supplies, ensuring stationery and consumables are stocked and organised. Oversee general housekeeping, keeping communal areas tidy and well-stocked (meeting rooms, tea-point, watering plants). Handle incoming and outgoing post, including post runs when required. Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

General Duties

Undertake any other reasonable tasks to support the smooth and efficient running of the office.

Requirements

We are seeking someone eager to learn, adaptable, and ready to assist colleagues across the team. While prior office experience is an advantage, it is not essential.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks. Excellent verbal and written communication, with a professional telephone manner. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-focused approach. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and confident learning new systems. Ability to remain calm and work effectively under pressure and to deadlines. A proactive, flexible, and positive 'can-do' attitude. Must be able to work from our Cambridge office on a daily basis.

Package

Competitive Salary in keeping with Cambridge 'Real Living Wage' 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays Employee Ownership Bonus Pension Salary Exchange Scheme Company Sick Pay Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Benefits Ride to work scheme Buying of additional holidays Employee Referral Scheme Eye Care Vouchers Travel Loan Support for Further Studies Continued Professional Development Long Service Award - additional annual leave days Professional Membership Fee Reimbursement Corporate Gym Membership Discounts Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Perks & Discounts Corporate Volunteering Day Access to free financial wellbeing support, including pensions, mortgages, and retirement advice from our award-winning Employee Benefit Consultant. Death in Service Benefit

Our Company

We are a leading Construction Consultancy, established in 1970 and now 180-strong across offices in Beckenham, Brighton, London, Colchester, and Cambridge. Known for our integrity, reliability, and excellence, we continue to grow with glowing feedback from our clients.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We invest in their development, encourage involvement in decision-making, and value collaboration at every level. As an Employee-Owned business, our teams have a genuine stake in shaping our future -- giving everyone a stronger voice and a shared commitment to driving innovation and success.

For more information on Potter Raper please visit our website - www.potterraper.co.uk

The Process

We will review your covering letter and CV in detail, should you be successful at this stage then you will be invited in for an interview. During the interview we will explain the next steps and give you an opportunity to ask us any questions you may have.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 12.60 per hour

Expected hours: 25 - 40 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Flexitime Gym membership Paid volunteer time Referral programme Sabbatical Sick pay
Application question(s):

Are you located nearby, or able to commute to our Cambridge office five days a week? Do you have experience in an office or administrative role? Are you confident using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)? Are you comfortable assisting colleagues across different teams as needed? Are you comfortable prioritising multiple tasks and working under deadlines?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person