The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Great British Chemicals (GBC) is an EPSRC-NERC-funded Virtual Centre for Sustainable Industrial Futures. This newly founded centre is based at the University of Sheffield and works in close collaboration with nine other UK universities. We work with stakeholders in industry and government.

This administrative role will focus on coordinating activities between partners to ensure good communication and delivery. You will work closely with the Centre Director at Sheffield and the Project Manager. Specifically, you’ll support the smooth running of our projects and partnerships—working with researchers from the University of Sheffield and our partner universities. From organising meetings and events to managing information and communications, you’ll be at the heart of our day-to-day operations.

We’re looking for someone organised, adaptable, and confident working with people from all sectors. You’ll bring excellent communication skills, a proactive approach, and a willingness to learn. In return, you’ll gain hands-on experience across a variety of functions in a vibrant, forward-thinking environment—helping shape a more sustainable future for the UK chemicals industry.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage schedules, prepare reports, and assist with document preparation for the Project Manager and Director.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure smooth administrative processes within the Centre.
• Track and categorise incoming emails from stakeholders and external contacts.
• Ensure prompt follow-up and proper documentation of communication for future reference.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings for governance committees, ensuring all attendees are available.
• Organise logistics, including booking venues, sending agendas, and managing meeting reminders.
• Gather and summarise feedback from project partners in response to requests.
• Follow up with partners to ensure timely and complete responses.
• Maintain communication with EPSRC and NERC contacts to ensure project alignment.
• Assist with the preparation of reports or documents as required by these organisations.
• Organise and coordinate all aspects of governance meetings, including logistics and attendee coordination.
• Record, prepare, and finalise meeting minutes, ensuring follow-up actions are clearly communicated.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

This selection process will consist of a short presentation and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Professor Peter Styring on p.styring@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.