Lead Administrator-DEF Academy Services

Job Req ID:  308898
Posting Start Date:  9 Apr 2026
Location: 

Swindon, Wiltshire, GB, SN6 8LA

Contract Type:  Full Time
Job Advertisement: 

LEAD ADMINISTRATOR

Location: Defence Academy Services, Farringdon Road, Wiltshire SN6 8LA
Salary: £ 26,109.58 per annum plus excellent benefits 
Schedule: Monday- Friday- 37 hours per week- Mon- Thurs 8-4, Friday 8-3.30pm

Fixed Term contract- 12 months

 

Ready to impact a better future?

 

As a Lead Administrator in our Defence Requirements Authority for Culture and Language Team, you will play a key part in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the administration office, working both independently and collaboratively with colleagues and customers.

 

What you’ll do as a Lead Administrator

 

  • General office-related admin such as (but not limited to) acting as the POC for collating information, circulating emails, arranging transport/accommodation for visits where appropriate, handling enquiries etc
  • Support to the coordination of all LCaD associated meetings including room bookings, visitor engagement/admin, preparation of agendas and RODs
  • Creation and maintenance of Teams shared file structures, records management, calendars and planners
  • Assist with new staff induction
  • Note-taking
  • Stationery ordering
  • Arranging of IT accounts, device issue and onsite access
  • Liaison with site security staff to confirm clearances

 

DAO-specific tasks



Compliance:

 

  • Co-ordinate the DAO Visit programme (EQA & CQV), co-ordinating EQAs with Awarding Centres, ensuring timely reporting submitted to DAO in line with Ofqual guidance and liaise with DAO Awarding Centres, ensuring that issues are recorded in Action Plans
  • Maintain the DAO Qualification Management System (QMS), ensuring accuracy of data for all DAO Awarding Centres and administrative logs are in accordance with appropriate legislation, guidance, and procedure. Issue passwords and logon details where appropriate
  • Ensure all administrative tasks are completed in accordance with current regulations and support Compliance Manager with the maintenance of all policy and procedures
  • Maintain the Ofqual portal and DAO website in support of RO Ofqual Statement of Compliance (SoC)
  • Maintain DAO SharePoint & QMS logs; maintain own knowledge of these systems and follow associated guidelines and protocol.
    Collation of data to support statistical reports when required, including but not exclusively, the Ofqual Quarterly return

 

 

Does this sound like you?

 

  • Proven administrative experience (essential).
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Confident communicator, able to engage effectively at all levels.
  • PC literate with strong skills in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel (PowerPoint desirable).
  • Experience managing data, calendars, and office systems.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and customer-focused, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  • Coaching or mentoring experience desirable.

 

Additional Information 

 

  • BPSS Clearance prior to appointment.
  • It is a condition of employment that all employees undertake any task, within any department or area, that they are directed to perform which is relevant to the company’s task at the Defence Academy and is within the competence and ability of the employee.
  • It is a contractual obligation for all staff to wear the Serco provided uniform at all times when on duty. Your uniform should be kept clean, neat, and tidy.
  • Adherence/implementation of all Serco Mandatory Policies as per the Serco Management System (SMS), Code of Conduct, Think Privacy and Security Operating Procedures (SyOps).
  • This job specification may need to be changed in the light of contract experience.
  • There may be a requirement to use MOD-provided vehicles on behalf of the MOD’s business either as a driver or a passenger.

 

Vetting and checks: 

 

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

 

 

Discover all you need to keep growing 

 

We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them. 

 

What we offer 
 

  • Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme 
  • Holidays: 25 days (pro rata) plus bank holidays
  • Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression 
  • Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service 
  • Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel 
  • Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity 
  • Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds. 

 

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today. 

 

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To discover more about our careers in Defence, meet our team, and to find out more about what we offer, please follow this Link

 

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. 

 

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. 

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