Executive Administration Officer - Agrifood Futures

Full-time, Permanent Contract

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 2nd Sep 2026

Interviews date: 17th Sep 2026 (include a pre-task on the day)

By reference to applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to join the new Agrifood Futures team and play a key role in supporting the implementation of this exciting programme of work.

This role is focused on providing administrative support to the new Agrifood Futures team. This will be a team of 10 senior academic and professional services colleagues, responsible for delivering a major programme of investment in agrifood research. Five senior Directors form the Agrifood Futures leadership team, together with a Strategic Programme Manager, a Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investments, and a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer. Most of the roles have been filled recently and you will be joining this team as it forms, with the nature of your role evolving as the team becomes established.

In this role, you will help to support delivery of this exciting programme of activity through the high-quality administrative support services you provide, establishing new ways of working for the team and refining these as the team’s work matures. You will have the opportunity to build strong and effective relationships with the Agrifood Futures leadership team, senior colleagues across the University, and make to make a difference to our work related to food and agriculture.

In this role you will:

• Take initiative within the Agrifood Futures team, providing proactive administrative assistance to senior members of the team.
• Confidently engage with internal, external and senior stakeholders and partners through in-person meetings, phone calls, and other communication channels.
• Coordinate key documents and handle email correspondence on behalf of senior colleagues.
• Proactively manage complex and dynamic schedules to ensure senior colleagues can work efficiently and effectively.
• Support delivery of events associated with Agrifood Futures, such as conferences, seminars and meetings, playing an active role in their success. You will also contribute to other University events as part of the wider EGO team, such as Open Days and Graduation.

You will have:

• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities effectively while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience in administrative and supportive roles within a busy office setting.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve issues and queries independently with sound judgment.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to ensure effective collaboration and liaison.
• A collaborative mindset, working effectively within a team to achieve shared goals.

Informal contact details

Contact Name: Polly Tudball

Contact Job Title: Executive and Governance Manager

Contact Email address: p.tudball@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Kate Hough

Alternative Contact Job Title: Agrifood Strategic Programme Manager

Alternative Contact Email address: k.a.hough@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):