2026 UK Centre Admin, Reading

RESIDENTIAL CENTRE ADMINISTRATOR

Title: Centre Administrator (Residential)
Job Type: Residential, Full-Time
Reports to: Centre Director
DATES: June 22nd to August 1st 2026 (Possibility of extension in some centres)
Country: United Kingdom
Location: London King’s, London Uxbridge, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Dover, Oxford, Edinburgh

MISSION STATEMENT

Move Language Ahead is committed to providing industry leading safe, educational, and cultural programmes to students from around the world. Students, families, and agents from around the world have chosen MLA for the quality of our language courses, for the established trust of our brand, and for the meticulous attention to detail in our packages. The MLA formula for a summer centre is a unique blend of many full-day and half-day excursions, an amazing activity programme and specialised language path. In this way we have broken the barriers of the traditional summer language course.

MLA WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. All students should expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student and the organisation takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and to uphold their rights. MLA staff working with young learners will all go through our safer recruitment process including online or face-to-face interviews, record checks of references and background checks, in line with the country’s regulations, to ensure they are able to work with young people, provide evidence of qualifications and work experience as part of the process and according to our Safeguarding Policy, Preventing Sexual Harassment and Prevent Policy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Responsible for the logistics and finance for MLA summer programmes.

• Full-time summer employment from mid-June – mid-August
• Responsible for all logistics and finance aspects of the MLA summer camp programmes
• Represent MLA values
• Reports to Centre Director and Operations Manager
• 6 working days per week, 1 day off per week
• Residential employment includes all meals and accommodation

The MLA Centre Administrator plays a key role in the successful delivery of MLA’s Summer Junior Programmes by providing high-quality administrative, operational, student, group leader and staff support at centre level. Working closely with the Centre Manager and the academic and activity teams, the Centre Administrator ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the centre, accurate record-keeping, and excellent customer service for students, staff, and group leaders. You will reside on campus and promote the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy. The role supports student administration, staff coordination, logistics, and compliance with MLA policies, including safeguarding and duty of care. The role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage a high volume of tasks in a fast‑paced, international environment.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland). If you’re based outside the UK, also a Criminal Record Check from your country of residence.
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.
• Be proficient in the use of IT.

Desirable

• Experience working in education, youth programmes, or summer schools.
• Experience working with international or junior students.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, duty of care, or child protection procedures.
• Experience with student management systems or CRM platforms.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.
• Prior experience overseeing a strict operating budget.
• Previous experience in an administrative, office, or operations support role.
• First Aid certification.

Person Specification

• Ability to establish excellent relationships with our clients and service providers, especially the Group Leaders bringing students from abroad.
• Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance to students.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal).
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and reliability.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and peak programme periods.
• Positive outlook.
• Enthusiasm and creativity.
• Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment.
• Passion for working with youth.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to be pleasant, polite, and cooperative.

SCHEDULE

As a Centre Administrator, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and flexible work schedule designed to meet the exciting demands of our programme. Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours. Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week. At the end of every week, you’ll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours to ensure everything is accurately recorded.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Complete all required, paid training/induction meetings prior to and during the programme.
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the programme.
• Use the MLA software effectively.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional Centre Office.
• Work with the management team and assist the Centre Director to ensure all day-to-day centre operations and programme components are properly planned and delivered.
• Attend meetings with Group Leaders and MLA Managers.
• Be sensitive to staff needs and feedback, and ensure they are being heard and addressed.
• Promote the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the Safeguarding Policy.

• Complete all required pre-employment training.
• Attend the in-person induction training and take an active part in discussions.
• Read and understand MLA policies sent during the recruitment process.
• Read, understand and adhere to the guidelines set out in your Handbook.
• Be open to feedback during appraisals and set your own developmental goals for you to work on during your time with MLA.
• Request guidance on and actively seek professional development to improve your skills.
• Engage with ongoing on-the-job training, coaching, and feedback provided by the Centre Manager or Head Office.

Administrative Duties

• Review, create, and/or confirm all bookings for all excursions and transportation, including extra excursions.
• Collaborate with the Activity Manager to ensure all invoices are paid and receipts are properly logged into the accounting software.
• Collaborate with the preparation of the site to include creation of bulletin boards, signage, itineraries, welcome packets, and activity programmes.
• Work with the Centre Director to complete the Airport Transfer Check within the MLA software to ensure all airport transfers have been booked and confirmed correctly.
• Attend regular staff meetings to maintain good communication and positive morale.
• Maintain the Master Centre Excel file with detailed housing, dining, and facilities usage.
• Collect and catalogue all receipts for purchases made by the staff.
• Manage the Centre petty cash and participate in weekly audits by the Centre Director.
• Manage the distribution and reconciliation of MLA prepaid meal cards.
• Assist the Activity Manager with the booking and confirming of extra excursions.
• Oversee the maintenance requests by group leaders and students and ensure they are communicated and completed by the campus partners.
• Administer the collection and distribution of the student passports and security deposits.
• Assist Welfare Manager in reporting of campus damages and collecting security deposits when necessary.
• Participate in the end-of-program staff evaluations and program report.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the Safeguarding Policy.
• Constantly monitor student and staff safety and welfare, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively.
• Assist the Centre Director and Welfare Manager with communicating to staff and guests site-specific emergency evacuation and preparedness plans.
• Maintain 24-hour on‑call emergency assistance for the centre.
• Address any guest or staff concerns and properly document and report concerns.
• Be aware of any specific safeguarding needs of minors (those under the age of 18).
• Work with the Centre Director to ensure that what has been sold to the guests is being provided by the centre.
• Participate in a comprehensive Centre induction to all new guests within 24‑hours of arrival.
• Follow‑up with MLA Activity Staff to verify all guest inquiries are handled promptly and effectively.

Liaising

• Develop a good business relationship with the college/university.
• Support the Centre Director to ensure grievance and disciplinary procedures are adhered to.
• Provide support for all direct reports and subordinates when necessary.
• Use company‑provided communication channels for all business correspondences including company email and phone.
• Develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders.
• Support MLA Activity Managers at other centres when required.
• Maintain regular communication with the Operational Team and Head Office.

Off-Campus Excursions

• Perform regular checks to guarantee all buses and transport have been scheduled and confirmed.
• Ensure receipts are collected for all purchases made on/for activities and excursions.
• Assist the Activity Manager to confirm all contracts and payments have been made to vendors.

On-Campus Activities

• Maintain a visible presence at the Centre.
• Make regular visits to the dining hall during mealtimes to interact with the group leaders and students to confirm operations are running smoothly.

Residence Hall Supervision

• Support the Night Guardian, Activity Leaders and security staff in the event any issues arise requiring that more than one person be present.
• Apply fines to students for damages to residence halls and/or campus property.

COMPENSATION

Residential Centre Administrator GBP 550 weekly. Holiday pay (12.07%) will be added to rates. Inclusive of holiday pay up to GBP 616 weekly.

• Paid training and induction.
• Work as part of a strong team and gain experience.
• Opportunities for professional development e.g. appraisals, opportunities for promotion.
• Complimentary room and full board as part of the compensation package.

MLA REPUTATION AND CODE OF CONDUCT

• MLA Staff Code of Conduct
• To actively support MLA in its mission to provide quality learning.
• To provide courses that will challenge the students (realise their potential) and work together to reach their academic targets and support them.
• To comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner.
• To be dressed in a presentable professional way and always start on time, and if this is not possible to inform your manager as early as possible.
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible.
• There is a specific list of what code of conduct we expect from all staff members in our Staff Handbook.

MLA EQUALITY STATEMENT

MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non-job related criteria.

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