Job Description

Places for People, we hire People, not numbers. So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for. Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and colleagues.
So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!
More about your role
We are looking for 4 x Administrative Assistants to join us. As our Administrative Assistant, you are responsible for providing a wide range of administrative and operational support to help frontline teams run smoothly. This includes booking travel and fleet services, managing contractor works and invoices, ordering uniforms, and handling insurance queries. You maintain action trackers, briefing packs, and audit logs, while also supporting operational efficiency and quality checks. On the analytical side, you collate and review performance data, assist with cost tracking, and prepare reports for senior leaders. You'll also work closely with internal stakeholders, coordinating briefings and ensuring clear, timely communication across departments.
Please be advised this role will be based from our Preston office on a hybrid basis 2 days in the office and 3 days at home). This role will also have an element of travel involved to assist the field teams.
Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in an administrative or operational support role.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with intermediate to advanced skills in Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Proven ability to analyse data, identify issues, and implement practical solutions.
• Track record of successfully managing at least three competing priorities or tasks within set deadlines.
• Be within a commutable distance of our Preston office.
• As there will be national travel involved you will need a driving license and access to your own vehicle

More About you
You bring proven experience in administrative or operational support, with strong skills in Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint). You communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, and have a sharp eye for detail. You're confident managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and solving problems analytically. Ideally, you'll also have experience supporting HR processes, be familiar with cost analysis and performance reporting, and have some knowledge of rostering systems or workforce planning tools.
Benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.
We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly

• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%

• Excellent holiday package - 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell leave

• Cashback plan for healthcare costs - up to 500 saving per year

• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%

• Training and development

• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.

What's next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.
If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on .
Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.
If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls.
Safeguarding
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.
We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.
By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities
Armed Forces - We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. Places for People will guarantee an interview for any candidate who is serving or has formerly served in the Armed Forces, as a reservist, armed forces veteran (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructor and military spouse/partner and who meets the essential criteria for the vacancy.
Disability Confident - We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme certified as Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This helps us to successfully employ and retain people with disabilities and health conditions. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for NI) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has sa substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.
Neurodivergent - Neurodiverse individuals have highly valuable skills, and we recognise that a traditional interview process sometimes works against them and doesn't allow them to self-advocate. Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview.

Skills Required