Administrator Jobs

Administrator jobs are available across almost every sector and industry. They often require a wide range of responsibilities including document management, data entry, diary scheduling, processing invoices and purchase orders, answering telephone calls and emails, and coordinating meetings. These roles can support HR, finance and operational teams with basic administration and act as a first point of contact for internal stakeholders. Many roles also require the operation of office software, management of record keeping and adherence to data protection protocols.

Experience requirements for Administrators vary and job adverts will differ as a result. Entry-level Administrator jobs commonly accept candidates with strong clerical skills and basic IT literacy, and often offer on-the-job training. For specialist Administrator roles - for example, in the legal, medical or financial sectors - previous sector experience or knowledge of specific systems and terminology can be beneficial or even required.

Personal attributes for Administrators that employers favour include attention to detail, organisational ability, discretion when handling confidential material and good verbal and written communication. Punctuality, dependability and flexibility to cover peak work periods or provide holiday cover are all commonly listed traits on job adverts and, depending on the role, physical presence in the office may be necessary, though many Administrator jobs now offer part-remote or hybrid working patterns, where tasks permit.

See more information about an Administrator job description.

Administrators require a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Core technical skills include proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as familiarity with CRM systems and document management tools. Accurate typing and data entry, experience with scheduling and calendar management, and basic numeracy for invoice and expense processing are commonly expected from Administrators. Increasingly, many employers also value the ability to create and format reports, maintain records and use digital filing systems effectively.

Soft skills are crucial for all Administrator roles, particularly a strong organisational ability, prioritisation and problem-solving skills and attention to detail, which all underpin consistent performance. Good written communication is necessary for drafting professional correspondence and producing meeting minutes, while telephone manner and face-to-face communication styles affect internal relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders. Transferable skills from sectors such as retail, hospitality or customer service - notably multitasking, working to deadlines and handling enquiries - all strengthen applications for Administrator jobs. For progression into specialist administrative roles, competence in specific software packages, familiarity with regulatory or compliance requirements and project-support experience are highly valued by employers across all industries.

The market for Administrator jobs in the UK is influenced by broader macroeconomic trends, digital transformation and demand from specific sectors. The growth of hybrid and remote working has adapted the demand for Administrators, with an increasing number of employers seeking those who can manage digital workflows remotely and attend the office for essential in-person tasks.

While some of the more repetitive clerical tasks have been automated in recent years, there remains a consistent demand for Administrators who can handle issues, coordinate, and maintain the quality of data and records.

Sector-specific demand for Administrators varies. Healthcare, legal and financial services continue to require specialist Administrators to manage complex paperwork and regulatory requirements, while public sector organisations and education providers often advertise vacancies.

Demand for temporary administrative cover increases during peak sector periods such as the start of new academic terms or financial year-end cycles. Regional hotspots where there are particularly high numbers of Administrator jobs include major employment centres such as London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester and Glasgow, although the spread of hybrid roles has broadened recruitment beyond city centres.

Administrators can enhance their employability by building digital literacy skills and highlighting a willingness to manage multichannel tasks, as many employers increasingly seek candidates who can combine clerical accuracy with the ability to support teams through project management tools, basic analytics and document automation software.

Salary levels for Administrator jobs vary by experience, sector and geographic location:

Entry-Level Administrator:

Salary: £19,000 – £22,000
Hourly Rate: £12.50 – £13.50

Experienced Administrator:

Salary: £23,000 – £28,000
Hourly Rate: £13.00 – £14.50

Specialist Administrator / HR / Legal Admin:

Salary: £26,000 – £33,000
Hourly Rate: £13.00 – £16.00

Senior Administrator / Team Leader:

Salary: £28,000 – £35,000
Hourly Rate: £14.00 – £17.00

Office Manager / Operations Lead:

Salary: £32,000 – £42,000
Hourly Rate: £16.00 – £21.00

Head of Administration / Business Support Manager:

Salary: £45,000 – £60,000
Hourly Rate: £24.00 – £33.00

Additional factors that influence pay rates for Administrators include employer type and sector. For example, financial services, legal firms and some technology firms often offer higher base salaries and structured development programmes. Experience and skills also have an impact, and knowledge of specialist systems such as case management in legal firms, medical coding in healthcare or payroll software, for example, can all increase salary potential. Temporary agency roles may offer higher hourly rates but may not access the same benefits as awarded to permanent employees, so total reward should be considered when assessing opportunities.

Location plays a role in pay as well, and there are geographic differences in rates. Administrator jobs in London and the South East, for example, tend to offer pay scales that reflect local living costs, while other regional roles may offer competitive pay aligned with lower living costs.

Outside of financial rewards, hybrid working arrangements, pension contributions, private healthcare and bonus schemes all form part of many overall packages for Administrators.

Administrator jobs provide multiple progression opportunities. Many candidates begin their careers in entry-level clerical roles, apprenticeships or agency placements. From these starting points, progression can lead to specialist administrative functions, such as HR Officer, Payroll Administrator, Procurement Coordinator, or Records Manager. Sector-specific progression often requires both practical experience and sector-relevant training, such as an exposure to employment law for HR roles, or accounting fundamentals for finance administration, for example.

Another common progression route for Administrators is into supervisory or management positions such as Team Leader, Office Manager or Operations Coordinator. These roles expand responsibility to include people management, process improvement and budget oversight. Administrators who develop project coordination skills may move into project support or business analyst assistant roles, while those with strong digital skills often transition to roles specialising in workflow automation, CRM administration or IT support.

Find out more about how to become an Administrator.

Continuous professional development for Administrators only accelerates career progression, but specific training and certification varies by specialism. For general Office Administration roles, recognised apprenticeships in business administration provide structured learning opportunities and a pathway into meaningful employment with formal accreditation. Undertaking short courses in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel at an intermediate level, and in Outlook and Teams, is commonly recommended. More broadly, accuracy and speed in data entry can be improved through accredited typing and office skills courses, and via on-the-job experience.

For specialist areas, targeted training for Administrators is more valuable. Examples include AAT bookkeeping for finance administration, CIPD modules for HR-related administration, and certificates in data protection and GDPR for roles handling sensitive information. For legal or medical Administrators, sector-specific training such as legal practice courses or medical coding standards can be particularly advantageous.

Employers also seek evidence of continuous professional development in areas such as document management, project administration and basic analytics. Many organisations provide on-the-job training for proprietary systems and industry-specific tools, but distinguishing between essential training (data protection, basic health and safety for office environments, core software competence) and desirable courses (AAT, CIPD, project administration certificates) helps candidates target development that will have the most impact.

An Administrator CV should be clear, concise and tailored to the role. It should start with a brief professional summary that highlights your sector experience, key technical skills and availability for hybrid or in-office duties. Work experience should be listed in order of the most recent roles, with your current job appearing first. Each role should include job title, employer, start and end dates, and a brief list of responsibilities.

A skills section should then list your technical proficiencies, including Excel or other programmes, including database platforms, document management systems or CRM experience, for example. Where applicable, mention sector-specific systems by name to pass applicant tracking system filters and incorporate training and certifications prominently, specifically apprenticeships, certifications, data protection training and any sector-specific modules. Soft skills such as organisation, attention to detail, communication and time management should also be illustrated with concrete examples.

Your CV and application should also adopt keywords commonly found in job adverts such as ‘data entry’, ‘records management’, ‘invoice processing’, ‘scheduling’, ‘CRM’ and ‘compliance’. Provide referees or include a note that states ‘references are available on request’ in your application as well. For Administrators applying to sectors with regulated requirements, including right-to-work and disclosure information, where relevant, helps to expedite the overall recruitment process.

Find more Administrator CV tips in our handy guide.

Preparation for Administrator job interviews should focus on highlighting examples of accuracy, organisation and practical software competence from previous roles. Typical interview questions may include ‘describe how clerical errors were identified and resolved’, ‘how have you managed competing priorities’, or ‘how have you protected confidential information’. Using structured responses that utilise the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) to outline the situation, the action taken, and the outcome helps to present clear examples.

Practical tests are common for Administrator job interviews, particularly for mid-level and specialist roles. The assessment may include Excel tasks such as sorting and pivoting data, data entry accuracy tests or drafting professional emails. Candidates should remember to bring original copies of training certificates to the interview and be ready to explain experience with named systems. Demonstrating familiarity with data protection principles and being able to discuss approaches to organising workload and improving processes will also only reassure hiring managers and boost overall employability.

Finally, preparation for an Administrator job interview should include researching the employer to gain an understanding of the wider organisation and the specific team structure. Equally, all candidates should highlight their availability for hybrid work and any potential restrictions, as well as planning answers to questions on their experience with calendar management, handling complaints or processing invoices, for example, which are frequently asked. Candidates for Administrator positions who arrive prepared with concise, evidence-based examples that reflect the needs of the advertised role tend to fare well at the interview stage.

Blue Arrow operates as a recruitment partner that connects Administrators with temporary, permanent and contract roles across multiple sectors. Recruitment agencies support both employers and candidates by handling compliance checks, facilitating training access and providing localised placement support. For clients, Blue Arrow manages candidate screening, payroll and weekly timesheet management. For Administrators, this means faster, more effective support for prompt placement, weekly pay and practical assistance during placement and beyond for future job opportunities and career progression.

Candidates trust us because we listen carefully to understand what they’re looking for, whether that’s flexible hours, experience in new environments, or identifying new opportunities. We take the time to understand what matters most to you.

The process is simple. Visit Blue Arrow’s Administrator jobs page to browse current opportunities, filter them by location and level, and apply directly. Whether you are looking for temporary work to gain experience or a permanent position that allows you to grow, Blue Arrow’s consultants can guide you through every step of the process. They can advise on your CV, prepare you for interviews, and ensure you present yourself in the best possible light.

By combining industry knowledge with a nationwide network, we connect individuals to Administrator jobs UK-wide that align with their skills, experience and ambitions. With Blue Arrow, finding the right Administrator job is not just about filling a role; it’s about building long-term careers and strong warehouse operations teams.