Vacancy: NRC operations assistant
Location: National Resource Centre (NRC), Aston Cross, Birmingham
Hours: 20-25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work. Flexibility is required to support our opening hours between 7.00am and 6.00pm and to provide cover during annual leave and staff absences.
Salary: £26,420 pro rata
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is the professional body, educational provider and awarding organisation for dispensing opticians in the UK. Our National Resource Centre (NRC) in Birmingham hosts examinations, training programmes, meetings, conferences and events for professionals from across the optical sector.
We are looking for a proactive, organised and customer-focused operations assistant to help ensure every visitor receives an outstanding experience. This is a varied and hands-on role where no two days are the same. One day you may be preparing rooms for a major conference, the next you could be welcoming delegates, supporting clients, coordinating catering requirements or helping to ensure our facilities operate smoothly. Join us and help create exceptional experiences for the hundreds of delegates, learners and visitors who use our National Resource Centre every year.
About the role
As an NRC operations assistant, you will:
- Deliver exceptional customer service to visitors, delegates and clients
- Welcome guests and provide a professional first point of contact
- Support the planning, preparation and delivery of events
- Prepare meeting and conference rooms, including furniture and equipment setup
- Manage telephone, email and visitor enquiries
- Help maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness and organisation throughout the centre
- Liaise with event organisers to ensure requirements are met
- Support health and safety, food hygiene and first aid arrangements (training provided)
- Build positive relationships with internal colleagues and external clients
- Contribute to a welcoming and professional environment that encourages repeat business
About you
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience delivering excellent customer service
- Communicates confidently and professionally with a wide range of people
- Is highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Can work independently and use their initiative
- Remains calm and adaptable in a busy environment
- Enjoys being part of a team
- Has good Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 skills
- Is willing to undertake practical tasks including moving furniture and event equipment
- Takes pride in delivering a high-quality service
Desirable
- Experience within hospitality, conferencing, events, facilities, customer service or venue operations
- Knowledge of the optical or eyecare sector
What we offer
- A varied and rewarding role within a respected professional organisation
- Training and development opportunities
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Contributory pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free onsite parking
- A friendly and supportive working environment
How to apply
Please complete an application form and submit it together with your CV. Applications submitted without a completed application form will not be considered.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Mat Stringer, operations manager, at mstringer@abdo.org.uk
Closing Date: 11 December 2026.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
