Job Description
Job Title:  Helpdesk Operator
Posting Start Date:  25/02/2026
Job Id:  2271
School/Department:  Estates & Facilities Management
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (On site)
Contract Type:  Permanent
Salary per annum (£):  £25,249 - £26,707
Closing Date:  11/3/2026

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

 

Working as a member of Estates & Facilities Management (EFM), you will provide high quality support to the EFM Helpdesk. The Helpdesk team provide a central service for administering enquiries and requests for a number of prime functions between EFM and all other University Departments. This large team supports the University across the Campus.

 

Whilst the role will be based primarily in the Helpdesk offices it is essential to work collaboratively with other members of the administrative team and participate in general duties and cross-functional activities for the benefit of the department based in other areas. The main duties of this post include handling enquiries, inputting incoming jobs on the system and maintaining the Planon Facilities Management Database. You will manage the issuing of keys to University staff and departments. You will also maintain and update both staff and student card access requests. You should have a proactive approach to work and a positive attitude to change and improvement showing commitment to Integrated Management System (IMS) principles.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Responsible for operating the EFM Helpdesk system, providing the link between Estates and all other
  • University departments.
  • Respond to telephone calls and email from University departments.
  • Use the Planon system to log and check the status of maintenance requests and report the progress.Follow up the progress of jobs with EFM team members and external contractors.
  • Managing and operating the University key control system database and take requests from departments for key/lock changes and replacements. Assess the technical requirements of lock types and arrange manufacture through external suppliers.
  • Responsible for the day to day administration of card access requests for buildings from designated requestors.
  • Manage approvals and authorisation for access requirements and configure door access requirements as directed by Project Managers and Departments.
  • Control emergency and holiday lockdown procedures for all card access doors.
  • Administer the Control of Contractors procedure in line with University requirements.
  • Produce weekly KPI figures based on the Helpdesk tasks.
  • Assist with the continuous management of systems to aid the organisation in the flow of work for the team, and liaise with team members, colleagues from other teams in EFM and the wider University to progress works.
  • Record information, create orders and produce reports on the Planon Facilities Management System for direct labour staff, contractors and colleagues.
  • Participate in the development and delivery of improvement initiatives within the framework of the EFM Integrated Management System (IMS).
  • Effective communication skills, at team, department and University level, including written and verbal including use of electronic mail.
  • As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework. Please follow this link for further information: Sheffield Professional Framework.
  • As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
  • 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.

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Educated to GSCE Level, or equivalent qualifications or experience.

Essential

Application/interview

High levels of IT literacy (including Microsoft Word and Excel, Google

applications).

Essential

Application

Self-motivated with a flexible and enthusiastic approach to work, and

the ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative.

Essential

Application/interview

Proven experience of working in a helpdesk, reception or similar

customer facing role.

Essential

Application

Experience of operating a Maintenance Management System or similar

FM Maintenance Management system for recording requests and

enquiries, placing orders and delivering hard and soft FM services.

Desirable

Application/interview

A commitment to delivering a high standard of customer care, whilst

managing expectations and dealing with in-person, telephone and

email enquiries.

 

Essential

Application

Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer-

term implications.

Essential

Application

Ability to assess priorities, plan and progress work activities and

organise resources according to strict deadlines. Experience of

adapting own skills to new circumstances and new challenges.

Essential

Application

Demonstrable organisational skills with attention to detail and

experience of maintaining and managing confidential information with

discretion (and have familiarity with the Data Protection Act).

Essential

Application

 

Further Information

 

Grade

4

Salary

£25,249 to £26,707 with potential to progress to £28,778 

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

Permanent

Line manager

Helpdesk and System Manager

Direct reports

None

Our website

www.shef.ac.uk/efm

For informal enquiries about this job contact Jodie Finlay, Helpdesk & Systems Manager: on j.e.finlay@sheffield.ac.uk

 

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will an in person interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of 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 admin-engmain@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;
  • 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.

Disability Confident Leader