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Career Opportunity: Customer Service Advisor with the University of Southampton Residences Team

The University of Southampton's Residences team is at an exciting juncture, experiencing significant growth and development. As they continue to expand their accommodation portfolio and enhance the student experience through refurbishment and innovative hall offerings, this Customer Service Advisor position presents a compelling opportunity for individuals passionate about delivering exceptional service and contributing to a dynamic environment. This role is ideal for those seeking to build a career within a reputable educational institution and gain valuable experience in student support and facility management.

As a Customer Service Advisor, you will be the frontline of support for students, residents, and a diverse range of stakeholders interacting with the University's accommodation services. This role demands a calm and collected demeanor, particularly when navigating the pressures of a busy environment. Your unwavering commitment to excellent customer service at every touchpoint will be paramount, alongside your active involvement in supporting ongoing improvement projects for customer-facing areas. The ability to communicate effectively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously will be key. You will also play a crucial role in providing valuable support to the supervisory team at Wessex Lane and City Gateway Halls of Residence, both within reception duties and beyond.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Role in Student Experience: Contribute directly to the positive experience of over 6,500 students annually. Your efforts will be instrumental in ensuring a welcoming and supportive living environment.
• Career Development in a Growing Field: Be part of a team actively developing and refurbishing accommodation, offering opportunities to witness and contribute to significant projects. This can provide valuable experience for future roles in facilities management, student services, or customer relations.
• Diverse Skill Development: The role requires excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. You will gain proficiency in using multiple computer systems and hone your ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments and external contractors.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Work in close partnership with colleagues across various teams to provide essential 24/7 support. This fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
• Exposure to a University Environment: Gain insights into the operations of a leading educational institution, which can be beneficial for long-term career aspirations in the higher education sector.
• Structured Working Hours with Flexibility: While the core hours are structured (Monday-Friday, rotational shifts), the role also offers the prospect of occasional weekend work to support key university events, providing a dynamic work-life balance.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Customer Service Excellence is Key: A proven track record in a busy, diverse customer service setting is essential. Candidates who thrive on providing outstanding support and can demonstrate this experience will be well-suited.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing demands is crucial. This role requires someone who can effectively manage the daily influx of student needs and operational requirements.
• Organizational Prowess: Strong organizational skills are necessary to manage varied responsibilities, from reception duties to supporting ongoing development projects.
• Technological Aptitude: Familiarity with and the ability to quickly learn multiple computer systems is a requirement. Experience in this area will be a significant advantage.
• Collaborative Spirit: Success in this role hinges on your ability to work effectively with colleagues within the Residences team, across other University departments, and with external service providers.
• Geographical Flexibility: Be prepared for occasional travel to other sites across Southampton and Winchester, which can broaden your exposure to different operational aspects of the Residences team.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to establish themselves within the higher education sector, offering a stable and rewarding career path. If you are a proactive, customer-focused individual with a desire to contribute to a vibrant student community, this role warrants your serious consideration.