Office Manager – Central Government

Sector: Public Sector / Government

Job Title: Office Manager

Type: Contractor

Location: Stratford, London (Hybrid Working)

Duration: 12 Months (Initial Contract)

Vetting: SC Clearance Desirable

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Office Manager to support the effective day-to-day operations of a busy Central Government department based in Stratford, London.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of office operations, coordinating administrative activities, supporting senior stakeholders and driving improvements to internal processes and ways of working.

This position requires a proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused individual who can operate effectively within a fast-paced, complex government environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Office Operations: Oversee day-to-day office activities, ensuring an efficient, organised and professional working environment.
• Facilities Coordination: Liaise with facilities management, IT, security and external suppliers to maintain effective office services and infrastructure.
• Administrative Management: Coordinate administrative processes, documentation, correspondence, records and internal reporting.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a central point of contact for internal teams, senior management and external stakeholders.
• Resource Coordination: Support onboarding and offboarding activities, office access arrangements, equipment allocation and workforce administration.
• Meeting & Event Coordination: Organise meetings, workshops, departmental events and associated logistical arrangements.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline administrative processes, improve operational efficiency and introduce better ways of working.
• Financial & Procurement Support: Assist with purchase orders, invoice processing, budget tracking and supplier coordination.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure office procedures align with departmental policies, information security requirements and government standards.
• Management Information: Maintain accurate records, trackers and operational reporting to support management decision-making.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in an Office Manager, Business Support Manager or Senior Office Administrator role.
• Strong organisational, planning and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Experience supporting senior management and working with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Experience coordinating office facilities, administrative functions and operational support services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative and resolve operational issues effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and experience handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Flexible, adaptable and comfortable operating within a changing organisational environment.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience working within Central Government, wider Public Sector or similarly regulated environments.
• Understanding of government governance, security and compliance procedures.
• Experience supporting large, multidisciplinary teams or complex departmental functions.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement, finance and supplier management processes.
• Experience implementing process improvements and supporting organisational change.
• Familiarity with hybrid working environments and coordinating teams across multiple locations.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, approachable and confident engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organised with a proactive and practical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Discreet and trustworthy when handling sensitive information.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing business priorities.

Additional Information

This is an initial 12-month contract offering the opportunity to support a Central Government department in maintaining effective office operations and delivering continuous improvements to business support services.

The role will operate on a hybrid basis, requiring regular attendance at the department's Stratford, London office.

• Candidates with existing SC clearance are particularly encouraged to apply, although clearance is desirable rather than essential.