Durham University
Assistant Business Manager (Colleges)
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The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.
Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.
The Role and the Department
This is an exciting opportunity to perform a key role in the management of Durham University’s world-renowned college system. The role is based in the Colleges Office, a small team led by the Dean of Colleges which oversees the student enrichment and support functions of the University’s 17 colleges. Reporting to the Senior Business Manager (Colleges), the role focuses on a number of significant administrative areas across the colleges, such as supporting and liaising with the Junior and Middle Common Rooms, managing senior committees, overseeing the Out of Hours Duty Rota, conducting financial transactions for the Colleges Office, and leading the College Administrators Network. The post-holder will also assist the Dean of Colleges with diary and travel management. Liaison with and between all 17 colleges and a wide range of professional services (and external partners) is central to the role.
This role will be an opportunity for the right candidate to make a tangible impact on a cornerstone of the University’s identity, playing a pivotal part in the operational excellence of the college system and shaping the student and staff experience at one of the world's leading institutions.
Please note that the interviews are expected to be held on Tuesday 20th October 2026.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
- We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
- If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
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Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criterion has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria:
Essential Criteria
Criteria marked with an asterisk* will be double-weighted.
Qualifications/Experience
- Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of administrative services.*
- Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
- Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
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Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
- Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications and business systems in large organisations.*
- Committed to continuing professional development.
- Ability to plan and organise events and activities involving the service.*
- Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
- Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of using Durham University’s core business systems, particularly Oracle Fusion.
- A strong understanding of Durham University’s college system.
How to apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.
What you are required to submit:
- A CV
- A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Contact details
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Tom Pullman (Senior Business Manager (Colleges) – thomas.pullman@durham.ac.uk) or Nathan Sempala-Ntege (Dean of Colleges – nathan.m.sempala-ntege@durham.ac.uk) would be happy to speak to you.
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
- Ensure that the University’s procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service provided and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
- Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible for. For example, working with other professional services to resolve any issues in the onboarding of JCR Presidents.
- Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role, for example staffing gaps in the out of hours duty rota, and make recommendations based on your findings.
- Carry out financial transactions, following the University’s Financial Regulations and associated best practices in financial processing.
- Provide advice to others in relation to administrative practices relating to the Colleges, for example the standard use of financial and HR coding structures.
- Create and maintain automated digital administrative solutions, for example Microsoft Forms or Power Automate Flows.
- Provide the best possible service to staff, students and others whom you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.
- Collect and record data and information accurately, and manage it in line with data protection requirements.
- Organise and
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