Job Description

Job Title: Business Operations Administrator

Contract: 16-20 hours per week (must include Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Salary: 25,000 pa pro rata (10,667- 13,333 actual)

Reports to: Charity Business Manager

Location: Hybrid - Two days in Swaffham Bulbeck Office with homeworking.

About the Role

As our Operations Administrator, you will play a vital role in supporting the smooth, efficient and well-organised running of Petals as a charity. Your work will underpin the day-to-day functioning of the office and enable the wider team to deliver high-quality services to bereaved families.

This role is central to the effective functioning of Petals and will contribute to:

supporting the day-to-day administration of the organisation providing high-quality administrative support across the business operations of the organisation ensuring processes are followed accurately and consistently maintaining clear records and effective communication across the team enabling the charity to grow while keeping people, values and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do
We are looking for someone who is warm, approachable and highly organised, with a proactive and positive approach to their work. You will be confident managing a varied workload, able to use your own initiative, and comfortable building strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Charity Business Manager, providing wide-ranging administrative support across the organisation. You will play a key role in helping to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, supporting effective coordination, communication and record keeping. As one of the team's trusted "go-to" people, you will help ensure the administrative foundations of the charity are robust, responsive and well organised as Petals continues to grow.

We will provide full training and ongoing support to help you succeed in the role, along with opportunities to get to know the wider Petals team and the work we do. We are looking for a person who takes pride in supporting others, enjoys working within structured processes and wants to make a meaningful contribution to a charity delivering specialist care at a critical time in people's lives.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Overall Aims

The Operations Administrator plays a key role in supporting the smooth and effective day-to-day running of Petals as an organisation. This role is central to ensuring that our internal systems, processes and administrative functions are well coordinated, reliable and responsive, enabling the charity to operate efficiently and continue to grow.

The postholder will:

Provide comprehensive administrative support across the organisation, ensuring processes are followed accurately, consistently and in line with agreed procedures. Help maintain clear, well-organised systems and records that support effective operations, reporting and compliance. Offer professional, compassionate and values-led administrative support to colleagues, reflecting Petals' commitment to care, integrity and high standards.
Through strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a proactive, supportive approach, the Operations Administrator will contribute significantly to the stability and effectiveness of Petals' operations, helping to ensure the charity is well placed to deliver specialist support to bereaved families across the UK.

Specific Responsabilities:

Business Operations and Office Administration

Act as part of the central business operations team, providing a professional and approachable first point of contact for internal and external enquiries. Support the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation through effective coordination of communications, diaries and administrative processes. Maintain accurate, up-to-date and confidential records in line with data protection and organisational policies. Assist with monitoring workflows and ensuring follow-up actions are completed in a timely and organised manner. Support clear communication and coordination across teams to help ensure information is shared appropriately and efficiently. Provide administrative support to colleagues across the organisation as needed, adapting to changing priorities.

Administration Systems, Processes and Compliance

Support the use and maintenance of organisational systems, ensuring information is recorded accurately and consistently. Assist with monitoring compliance-related administration, including documentation linked to HR, health and safety and governance processes. Help identify opportunities to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency across the organisation.

Team and Organisational Contribution

Contribute positively to a collaborative, supportive team culture aligned with Petals' values and "Petals Space". Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing service needs as the organisation grows. Participate in reflective practice, training and development opportunities relevant to the role.

Other Responsibilities

Provide cover for colleagues within the wider team when required. Work independently and manage day-to-day communications effectively. Support the wider Petals team when needed to ensure smooth organisational operations. Attend internal meetings, workshops or events (in person or online) where appropriate to support effective operations.

Person Specification - Counselling Service Administrator

Experience and Knowledge

Experience in an administrative, coordination, or operational support role. (D) Confidence working with databases and CRM-style systems. (D) Experience of maintaining accurate records and handling sensitive or confidential information. (D) An understanding of the importance of data protection, confidentiality and GDPR. (D)

Skills and abilities

Excellent organisational skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy. (E) Ability to manage competing priorities and work calmly under pressure. (E) Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and professionally. (E) Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and the ability to learn new systems quickly. (E) Ability to work independently, using initiative, while also being a supportive and reliable team member. (E) Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, counsellors and external stakeholders. (E) Confident communicator, both verbally and written (E) Excellent attention to detail (E)

Personal Attributes

Friendly and approachable demeanour (E) . Calm, professional and respectful in all communications. (E) Flexible, adaptable and open to change as services develop and grow. (E) Committed to the values, ethos and mission of Petals. (E) Willingness to reflect, learn and continuously improve. (E)

Additional Requirements

Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs (occasional evening or event support may be required). (E) Willingness to undertake training relevant to the role. (E) Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. (E) Enhanced DBS check (to be completed prior to appointment). (E)
As a small charity, the ability to be flexible and adaptable to take on different duties if/when required in other areas of the charity, to support our mission, is vital.

This role may involve working unsocial hours on occasion. Time off in lieu will need to be taken by arrangement with your manager. Job description is not contractual and may need to change, upon discussion with the role holder.

Petals is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children. This role is subject to an enhanced criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS). All offers of employment are subject to pre-employment DBS screening checks.

We are committed to building an organisation that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith or religion, disability, or age. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from ethnic minority groups and the LGBTQ+ community, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our organisation. Appointments will always be made on merit.

If you have any additional access requirements during the recruitment process, please contact us at

recruitment@petalscharity.org

. We will make all reasonable adjustments to support your needs. Any information you share will remain confidential and used solely to meet our responsibilities to you, with no impact on the selection process.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing how your experience makes you ideal for this role, to

recruitment@petalscharity.org

.

We strongly encourage you not to use AI tools to produce your cover letter.

Closing date:

31st January 2026

The interview process will comprise two stages:

Informal Teams call:

Conducted on a rolling basis whilst the job post is live

In-person interviews:

Held on 23rd and 24th February 2026

The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Thank you for interest in this role with Petals.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 25,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company pension Enhanced maternity leave Free parking On-site parking Work from home
Application question(s):

Are you willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cambridge CB25 0NW