Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend on Sea Council is seeking to appoint a motivated and enthusiastic Business Support Officer to join our highly regarded Performance, Partnerships & Safeguarding team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a professional, motivated, and friendly group of officers supporting educational outcomes across the city. Our current team includes a music support officer, lead for music, lead for governance, Senior Adviser and Head of Service. We work closely with leads that we commission across our services and who are based within and outside Southend. The new postholder will have access to structured mentoring and induction from our experienced team, as well as via the Council’s new starter structure.

The Performance, Partnerships & Safeguarding team is part of the Education, Early Years and Inclusion Directorate. This creates regular opportunities for joint working with professionals, as well as staff in schools. We are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people, working alongside schools and settings to provide good customer care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out administrative duties for finance: Proven experience and competence in managing payments and orders with a good understanding of the compliance and procurement processes required, including around raising a purchase order, reconciliation and invoicing.
• Provide administration and support: This is to schools and professionals; the post is the first point of contact. It also is management of website portals to enable finance, training, communications, traded services to operate effectively.

• Collaboration:  Strong relationship building skills and a communication style, both verbal and written, allowing enquires to be responded to efficiently and effectively.

Education to at least GCSE Grade 4/C in English and Maths or equivalent.

• Proficient in the use of various MS packages, for example Word, Excel, TEAMS and Outlook, and a good understanding of financial systems. 
• Be well organised, work with high attention to detail and demonstrate good organisational and interpersonal skills. 
• Demonstrate flexibility to manage your workload which will involve handling a multitude of varied tasks, using your own initiative but seeking support or advice from your line manager when required. 
•  Effective communication skills, a solution-orientated approach and ability to foster positive relationships
•  Passion to work in a varied and busy environment, demonstrating a flexible ‘can-do’ approach.
• Agility – a willingness to travel across Southend and work in various settings. 
• Some service events may fall outside the typical working day.

You will be based at the Civic Centre with the team for at least 2 days per week depending on needs of the business.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you’re ready to make a difference, and you meet the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Click 'apply now' to attach your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 sides) outlining your suitability for the position.

Applications may close early, so apply soon!

We encourage you to find out more by reaching out to Julie Hollingsworth (senior adviser) on JulieHollingsworth@southend.gov.uk.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Application Deadline: noon on Monday 7^th September 2026
Interview Date: Monday 14 September 2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. There is no requirement for a DBS check for this role.