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

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Machining, Assembly and Digital Engineering for Manufacturing (MADE4Manufacturing CDT) is a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), and industrial partners to revolutionize manufacturing.

As the CDT Operations Support Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the centre operates flawlessly. You will support student recruitment, induction, events planning, and student progression monitoring while collaborating closely with external companies. This administrative role is primarily based on campus at the Sir Frederick Mappin Building, with occasional visits to the AMRC at Catcliffe.

Main duties and responsibilities

Student Recruitment

• Deal with enquiries from prospective PhD and EngD applicants, and refer queries where necessary

• Assist the Centre Manager with recruitment of applicants (decision processing, admissions etc.) and liaise with the University Admissions team
• Coordinate interviews for applicants to PhD and EngD projects, liaising with applicants and supervisory teams as necessary, and acting as main contact on interview days
• Manage the Centre’s social media accounts (Instagram and Linkedin) and collaborate with Engineering and AMRC marketing teams

Programme Administration & Support

• Be the point of contact for students and supervisors, and provide guidance and support on matters related to the PhD and EngD programmes

• Support planning and organisation of industry field trips and seminars, student induction, board meetings, and training sessions
• Maintain accurate Centre information and records using University systems and procedures, including webpages, handbooks, and student progression records
• Liaise with relevant professional support staff for example PGR Officers, Student Support Officers, the Engineering Graduate School, and Research, Partnerships & Innovation staff

Budget & Finance

• Order goods and services, and process expenses claims, following University Financial Regulations

• Monitor student budgets or other accounts as directed by the Centre Manager

General

• Service Centre committee meetings as required

• Assist the Centre Manager in collecting data for external and internal reporting
• 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 is 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.

Essential criteria

• 5 GCSE passes at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and Maths (or equivalent) (Application)
• Excellent IT literacy, including practical experience in the use of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite (Application & Assessment)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, and experience of responding efficiently to phone and email enquiries (Application, Assessment & Interview)
• Excellent organisation and time management skills, with ability to prioritise own workload and work independently (Application & Assessment)
• Excellent team working skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues across the organisation (Application & Interview)
• Experience of utilising and maintaining social media accounts to effectively increase visibility and drive traffic (Application & Interview)
• Confident and professional manner and ability to act with discretion and diplomacy (Application & Interview)
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing demands, and to work flexibly (Application & Interview)

Desirable criteria

• Experience using University information systems, in particular student record systems and/or admissions systems (Application & Assessment)
• Experience of organising and supporting activities and events such as meetings and training courses (Application & Interview)

Further Information

Grade: Grade 5

Salary: £26,942-£30,805 p/a (pro-rata), with potential to progress to £38,482 through exceptional contribution

Work arrangement: Part-time - 17.5 hours per week

Duration: 1 August 2025 - 30 September 2032

Line manager: Centre Manager

Direct reports: None

Our website: www.sheffield.ac.uk/made4manufacturing

For informal enquiries about this job contact:
Dr Francesca Breeden, Centre Manager, on made4manufacturing@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing 9 June 2025. This will consist of an assessment and interview. You will be provided with a copy of the interview questions with the invitation to interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 2 June 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Francesca Breeden (made4manufacturing@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 Parents’ 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: 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.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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.