Description
Make a real difference and help shape brighter futures for children and young people in East Sussex
Are you passionate about public service and supporting children with SEND and their families? Whether you're just starting your career or looking to build on your existing skills and experience, we want to hear from you
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Assessment & Planning Team as a Lead Business Administrator, where you'll play a vital role in enabling our services to run efficiently and effectively. You'll be at the heart of supporting children and young people with SEND, ensuring their needs, and those of their families are met.
In this role, you will provide specialised administrative support, including accurate minute-taking for complex meetings, while assisting the Office Manager with local financial and business administration, budget queries, and maintaining precise records. You will lead and supervise a team of five Business Administrators, driving high standards and continuous improvement, and support the delegation and monitoring of responsibilities across the team. Your work will extend to project support, maintaining office processes, and producing clear summary reports. By liaising with internal and external colleagues, you will ensure effective information sharing and adherence to Council procedures. As a champion of equality, diversity, and inclusion, you will play a key part in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, develop leadership skills, and contribute to efficient operations and organisational success.
What we're looking for:
* Organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with confidence in interacting with a range of people
* Accurate minute taking and attention to detail
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Teams
* Ability to work under pressure, exercise discretion, and maintain confidentiality
* Commitment to personal development and supporting the performance of the service
This is a challenging but rewarding role, and you'll be well supported by colleagues and have access to high-quality, ongoing CPD.
What can we offer you?
* A motivated team committed to the continuous improvement of outcomes for children and young people.
* A commitment to a model of reflective practice based on regular supervision to support all employees in their professional development.
* A continued professional development (CPD) programme to ensure your personal and professional skills and knowledge are enhanced and developed to support the performance of the service.
* A team of motivated and committed professionals, and a supportive wider management team.
* We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
* County Hall provides a café with a full range of hot and cold lunches, snacks and drinks with seating both indoors and out.
Location: County Hall, Lewes—just a short walk from the town centre and train station, with on-site parking available at a reduced rate for employees.
To apply for this role please click the 'apply now' button. You'll need to upload a CV including your education and work history and upload a supporting statement showing how you meet the following points:
* Line management and supervision experience
* Excellent organisational and communication skills
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Teams.
* Working knowledge of GDPR
* Accurate minute taking and attention to detail.
Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application and will be used in the shortlisting process.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 2 December 2025 and will be held face-to-face at County Hall, Lewes. Due to other commitments, we may not be able to offer an alternative date. Please ensure you are available to attend on this date if you are invited to interview.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Javine Ranger, Office Manager, on
East Sussex County Council is committed to offering excellent CPD for staff. The Assessment and Planning Team is part of the wider Special Educational Needs & Disability Service (SEND).
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For work that makes a difference, Choose East Sussex