David C Osborne Ltd is an established plumbing and heating company based in Deal, Kent. We provide comprehensive plumbing services, boiler installations, repairs, and heating solutions throughout Kent and surrounding areas. Operating from our headquarters at 2-4 Park Ave, Deal CT14 9AL, we are committed to delivering professional, reliable service to our growing customer base.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Office Manager to join our expanding business as the sole (for now) office-based team member. This is a critical role for someone who thrives in a busy environment, can prioritise effectively, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. As we grow and take on more engineers and office staff, you'll be instrumental in establishing efficient systems and processes.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Excellence
Manage all incoming calls and customer enquiries with professionalism and efficiency
Coordinate engineer schedules, appointments, and job allocations across Kent
Maintain accurate customer records, job sheets, and service histories
Process invoices, quotes, and payment tracking with meticulous attention to detail
Handle all correspondence, filing, and documentation systematically
Customer Service Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for customer enquiries during office hours (8:00am-4:30pm)
Book appointments and coordinate emergency call-outs efficiently
Follow up on completed jobs and handle customer feedback
Manage warranty claims and service agreements
Ensure exceptional customer service standards are maintained
Operations Coordination
Liaise with engineers in the field, providing support and coordination
Manage stock levels, order parts, and coordinate deliveries
Maintain Gas Safe certificates, insurance records, and compliance documentation
Coordinate with suppliers, manufacturers, and trade accounts
Handle health and safety documentation and engineer certifications
Managing our fleet ensuring they are all taxed and MOT'd
Business Growth Support
Support the recruitment process as the team expands
Develop and implement efficient office systems and procedures
Assist with marketing activities and maintain online presence
Prepare reports on business performance and customer satisfaction
Support the director with general business administration
Financial Administration
Process daily takings and maintain accurate financial records
Handle petty cash, expenses, and supplier payments
Coordinate with the company accountant for monthly reconciliation
Manage credit control and follow up on outstanding payments
Prepare quotes and estimates for customer approval
Essential RequirementsCore Skills
Exceptional Organisation
: Ability to manage multiple priorities without dropping any balls
Attention to Detail
: Meticulous approach to all administrative tasks
Customer Service Excellence
: Strong phone manner and professional communication
IT Proficiency
: Confident with Microsoft Office, email systems, and basic databases
Initiative
: Proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement
Experience
Minimum 3 years' experience in office administration, preferably in a trade or service industry
Experience working independently and managing varied daily tasks
Previous experience in a customer-facing administrative role
Understanding of basic business processes and procedures
Personal Qualities
Self-Motivated
: Able to work independently with minimal supervision
Resilient
: Thrives in a busy, sometimes pressured environment
Flexible
: Adaptable to changing priorities and urgent requests
Professional
: Maintains high standards in all customer interactions
Reliable
: Consistent presence and dependable performance
Team Player
: Supportive approach as the business grows
Desirable Qualifications
Experience in the plumbing, heating, or construction industry
Knowledge of Gas Safe regulations and trade practices
Understanding of Kent geography and local areas
Basic bookkeeping or accounting experience
Experience with job management or field service software
Working Conditions
Location
: David C Osborne Ltd, 2-4 Park Ave, Deal CT14 9AL
Hours
: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Environment
: Busy office environment as the sole office team member initially
Growth Opportunity
: Excellent prospects to grow with the business and potentially manage additional office staff
What We Offer
Competitive salary based on experience
Opportunity to be part of a growing, successful local business
Varied and interesting daily work in the trade industry
Professional development opportunities
Supportive working environment with direct access to the business owner
Central Deal location with good transport links
Company pension scheme
20 days holiday plus bank holidays
The Ideal Candidate
You are someone who genuinely enjoys being organised, takes pride in getting things done properly, and doesn't let things slip through the cracks. You're comfortable being the "go-to" person in the office and enjoy the variety that comes with supporting a busy trade business. You understand that in a growing company, every detail matters and you're excited about helping to build something successful.