Jobs at The Matthew
Part-time Administrator
Contract: Temporary – 6 months between March–September 2026
Hours: 15 hours per week
Rate: £13.45 p/h
The Matthew of Bristol is a fully operational reconstruction of a medieval ship, and is based in Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour. Built to mark the 500th anniversary of John Cabot’s famous 1497 voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland, the ship and its crew re-enacted this epic voyage in 1997. Today, the ship is a well-known attraction and an iconic feature in Bristol, open to visitors and running regular public and private trips throughout the summer season.
Our office team of two are the linchpin of our operation, working with the skipper, volunteers, trustees and local businesses to deliver a first-rate customer experience.
This is a busy and varied role, so great organisational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritise are vital – no two days are the same!
About The role
This is a part-time temporary administrative role, suitable for someone with a background in administration and experience in customer service, both online and on the phone.
During the summer season, a large part of the office team’s day involves organising and managing public and private trips for the general public, businesses and schools. Team members who provide exemplary customer service, deal with routine administration tasks, and can work as part of a diverse team are essential for the delivery of our sailing and events programme, raising the profile of The Matthew and assisting with the development of the business.
To help us achieve these aims, the successful applicant will:
Be organised, reliable, friendly and a self-starter.
Have experience in using Microsoft Word and Excel, and confidence using various other software.
Possess excellent customer service skills
Some experience in marketing, social media or finance is also preferred, but not essential as training will be given
The hours of work are five hours per day over three days per week (totalling 15 hours per week) – days to be decided by mutual agreement with the office manager. As this is a seasonal business, the hours offered may vary. There will also be weeks when you will be required to cover staff holidays, so flexibility is essential. There may also be occasional weekend work, including being ‘on call’ to respond to social media messages.
The successful applicant will be fully supported in the role by the office & marketing manager and the company director.
Benefits include the opportunity to join trips on The Matthew and flexible independent working.
Main Duties and responsibilities
This list is not exhaustive but covers the main aspects of the role:
General Administration
Dealing with telephone and email enquiries from customers and external partners.
Taking and managing bookings for public trips, school trips and private hire charters.
Attending occasional meetings with the skipper and volunteer coordinator, and with the board of trustees of The Matthew of Bristol Trust.
With support from the Office & Marketing Manager
Assisting in producing our programme of public trips and special events.
Liaising with outside caterers for our catered trips.
Assisting with The Matthew’s social media pages to boost our profile, build our audience and promote our trips.
Maintaining and updating The Matthew website and online booking system.
Raising and managing customer invoices for private hire trips and school sessions.
Paying supplier invoices.
Maintaining our mailing list and producing regular newsletters for subscribers.
Producing mailshots to send to schools and other organisations.
Reporting on the performance of marketing activities.
Handling media requests from the press, filmmakers, photographers, etc.
Arranging the production of marketing material, including leaflets, posters, etc.
Arranging trustee meetings and taking minutes.
About you
Essential
The successful applicant will have the following skills and attributes:
✔️ Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
✔️ Customer care/service experience.
✔️ Excellent organisational and time management skills.
✔️ The ability to prioritise tasks and manage a varied workload.
✔️ Confidence in making informed decisions using own initiative.
✔️ Experience using Microsoft 365 and other software.
✔️ Be comfortable with working alone
Desirable
Experience of the following is preferred, but not essential:
✨Experience working with a ticketing system.
✨Managing business social media accounts.
✨Website maintenance using a content management system.
✨Working in the leisure/tourism/cultural/fundraising sector.
✨Communicating with a broad range of stakeholders.
✨Managing marketing activities, e.g. purchasing printed advertising, promoting events, raising brand awareness and profile.
✨Using design software to create posters and other marketing materials in keeping with brand identity.
How to apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to Sarah Barter at info@matthew.co.uk
Application closes at midday on Friday 27 February, 2026.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Office Location
The Matthew office is located at Baltic Wharf , Bristol (a 15–20 minute walk from the ship).
Flexible working is possible, with the option to work from home. However, you will be required to spend at least one day per week in the office.
You will be working on your own for part of the week, so you will need to be comfortable with this and be able to maintain motivation.