Senior Project Support Officer

About this job

Our well-established and highly regarded employment service is seeking a dedicated professional with strong project support, front‑ of‑ house and administrative experience to support our team. B&D Works (formerly known as the Job Shop) provides employment advice, training, and job opportunities to local people looking for work.

We are recruiting a Senior Project Support Officer on a two-year fixed-term contract, primarily based within our training arm, the BRICK Construction Training and Test Centre, while also providing administrative support to the wider Construction Employment and Skills Team. The postholder will oversee the monitoring and quality assurance of training and testing delivery and act as the first point of contact for residents accessing our services and facilities.

In this role, you will help create a welcoming, efficient, and supportive environment for people from diverse backgrounds, including those with health conditions or disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged communities. Your work will play a key role in transforming lives, supporting a fairer and more inclusive community, and contributing to the upskilling of local residents and BRICK Centre customers.

You will join a committed and passionate team operating in a diverse and fast paced‑ environment. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, supportive workplace built on the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance, regardless of their circumstances. By helping residents access the right support, information, and guidance, you will play a key role in their journey toward employment and personal development.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and an enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a self-motivated‑, enthusiastic team player who aligns with the Council’s core values:

• Deliver our best every day, and do what we promise
• Respond positively and promptly to the needs of our community
• Inspire others through our actions and attitudes
• Value people for who they are and what they can achieve
• Engage with others to strengthen resilience and flexibility

Special requirements for this post

• Please complete your application form in full.
• To maximise your chances of being shortlisted, ensure you address each criterion in the Person Specification that is assessed by application.
• If the role requires proof of qualifications, ensure these are uploaded within the attachments section of your application.
• It is a criminal offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity involving children and vulnerable adults.

About you

As a Senior Project Support Officer, you will ensure the smooth running of our reception and administrative functions primarily at the BRICK centre and across various B&D Works locations. You will provide high-quality‑ customer service, manage enquiries, support staff with administrative tasks, and help residents access the training and right services.

You will bring empathy, professionalism, and a person-centred‑ approach to every interaction.

Success in this role requires:

• A strong ability to empathise with residents and provide a welcoming first point of contact
• Excellent communication skills, both face-to-face‑ and over the phone
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Confidence in managing a busy reception area and handling multiple tasks at once
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast paced, ‑target driven‑ environment
• A proactive approach to problem-solving‑ and supporting colleagues

• Desirable knowledge and understanding of funded projects, UK awarding bodies, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), including the associated administrative processes and requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a warm, professional, and inclusive front of‑ house service
• Manage reception duties, including greeting visitors, handling enquiries, and maintaining a tidy and organised environment
• Support residents to sign in, access appointments, and navigate services
• Handle confidential information sensitively and in line with data protection requirements
• Maintain accurate records, appointment schedules, and administrative systems
• Support Work & Skills Brokers and other team members with administrative tasks
• Communicate confidently with residents, partners, and senior colleagues
• Use IT systems effectively, including email, databases, and booking tools
• Contribute to a positive team culture and uphold the Council’s values
• Invigilate assessments and support quality assurance processes to ensure the effective, compliant delivery of training and test centre provision
• Maintain and update marketing and communications channels, including the service website, to support service growth, increase customer engagement, and improve the commercial performance of the centre

Please see further responsibilities within the Job Description, also please note this role will be based on-site within the offices 5 days per week and will be required to travel between sites to provide cover when needed.

About us

Employment and Skills sit within the Council’s Inclusive Growth directorate, which works to remove social and economic barriers so all residents can benefit from growth in the borough. Challenges such as poverty, homelessness, environmental issues, and unemployment can significantly affect individuals and families, and we aim to reduce these pressures through targeted support.

B&D Works is the Council’s free employment service for Barking & Dagenham residents. Our mission is to help people improve their skills, expand their career options, and access tailored support either online or in person at our two community Job Shops.

Our specialist construction training facility – the BRICK Construction training centre – offers nationally recognised qualifications that are essential for anyone wishing to work on a construction site as well as those seeking to upskill and renew their tickets.

Our offer includes:

• Support with CVs, job applications, and interview preparation
• Training to increase employability and improve access to career opportunities
• Exclusive access to job vacancies across a wide range of sectors
• A team of dedicated Work and Skills Brokers
• Advice on benefits, childcare, and other issues affecting residents
• Specialist support for people with disabilities or health conditions