Projects & Team Assistant

Malcolm Reading Consultants is the leading independent organiser of international architectural competitions. We believe in the power of design to create new perceptions and act as an inspiration.

This varied role offers the opportunity to work on interesting and fast-moving cultural projects with high-profile global clients. Highly successful within our sector, the MRC team is friendly and supportive. We help clients commission new museums, contemporary art galleries, libraries, visitor attractions, residential buildings, hotels and resorts, universities and performing arts venues — as well as urban and landscape design projects.

Our competitions attract the world’s leading architects and designers, and our juries often include thought-leaders and famous figures from the worlds of design, media, politics and business.

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Projects & Team Assistant to provide flawless administrative support for our competitions — a fantastic opportunity to witness top designers in action.

The role in brief:

• Liaise with clients, competitors and the MRC team to schedule meetings
• Set up, host and record online meetings, including circulating calendar invitations and attendee lists
• Take accurate notes during client meetings and workshops
• Produce feedback, minutes and reports from the meeting/workshop notes
• Draft workshop agendas for client and competitors
• Assist with preparing, assembling and filing project documents
• Undertake general and project-related research
• Proofread and check competition documentation
• Log competition entries, collate Q&A and liaise with MRC team and client to respond to queries
• Assist with compliance checking, with preparing and issuing compliance reports
• Help with general competitor correspondence and coordination
• Collate and file information received from competitors and clients and keep up-to-date records including version control
• Book travel
• Support the rest of the team as necessary

Who we're looking for:

You will need to be educated to degree level or equivalent with a strong academic track record and have demonstrable and proven administrative skills. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as video-conferencing platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex and Google Meet is also required. You won’t need specific architectural knowledge but a fledgling interest or broad enthusiasm for things cultural will make the job more meaningful and fun.

You will be a good fit if you can offer:

• Accuracy and attention to detail, particularly note-taking
• Efficiency, methodical approach and ability to work under pressure
• Interpersonal skills
• Fast reading skills, ability to absorb information at speed and numeracy
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as video-conferencing platforms including Webex, Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Demonstrable and proven administrative skills
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

General tasks:

• Undertake general and project-related research
• Proofread and check competition documentation
• Answer the phone, deal with general and client enquiries
• Book travel and prepare travel risk assessments for colleagues
• Support social media content
• Greet visitors to office
• Buy office supplies and book meeting spaces
• Manage post and carry out associated tasks
• Be the Fire Liaison contact; be first aider – training provided
• Support the rest of the team as necessary

The key attitudes of mind we seek from you include:

• Hard-working with persistence and initiative
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Positive, helpful team player attitude
• Ability to work on own initiative and meet deadlines
• Enthusiasm for design and architecture – an advantage

Standards

• Comply with all Health and Safety requirements as directed by the company
• Conform to the agreed company dress code
• Conduct business in an ethical manner with all clients

Work environment:

• We offer hybrid working or full-time office working – four to five days a week in our Blackfriars office, with a maximum of one day a week home working.

The package:

We offer a competitive salary plus a private health care scheme, pension contribution, discretionary bonus, and generous holiday allowance. We are a friendly team with a straightforward approach and a passion for quality.

To apply, send your CV with a covering letter by August 9, 2024. Please explain in your letter who you are, and why you would like to work for us.

Send it to: Mrs Catherine Reading, Director via apply by email button

Sorry, no agencies

Please note that due to the pressure of work we are unable to reply to all applicants. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of applying, we regret that your application has been unsuccessful.