Who are we?
Switchplane is a well-established software engineering and AI firm in its third decade of business. Founded by the Fielder brothers in 2003, we’ve grown to become one of the largest in-house software development companies in the area.
We create bespoke software and AI solutions that help businesses work smarter, driving meaningful change for clients across the UK. Our portfolio is diverse, reflecting the variety of industries and projects we support - feel free to check out some of our case studies and recent work on our website.
In addition to delivering client solutions, we have launched two SaaS products: Julia, designed to improve CPD processes in the healthcare industry, and Workwise, which simplifies job management in construction. Locally, we’ve also built Chalk Eastbourne, a vibrant business-led community for the digital, creative, and tech sector in East Sussex, which runs the annual Eastbourne DigiFest event.
About this role
Role: Project Assistant
Salary: £25,000 per annum.
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday, with some flexibility to work outside of normal office hours on occasion.
Contract: One-year fixed-term contract, with the opportunity to extend.
We’re looking for a full-time Project Assistant who is detail-oriented, process-driven, and thrives in a busy environment. This role offers a variety of responsibilities to support our Operations Team, from supporting client interactions and event planning (including Eastbourne DigiFest) to managing social media content and marketing tasks. You’ll need to be proactive, organised, and adaptable, handling different priorities across multiple areas of the business.
As part of our Operations Team, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring smooth project delivery. This is a hybrid role, with some of your working week based at our Eastbourne office at the FOUNDRY co-working space. During the first few months, regular in-office presence will be required to help you get up to speed with our team, systems, and workflows. Later on, you’ll attend the office for key meetings and activities, with flexibility to work remotely at other times.
Key Responsibilities
Client Support
* Acting as a key point of contact for client communications, ensuring queries and requests are handled efficiently.
* Attending client meetings, taking minutes, and distributing them accordingly.
* Organising and maintaining client paperwork and data.
Marketing, event planning, and coordination
* Posting, scheduling, and monitoring social media content across platforms.
* Supporting the planning and execution of events, such as Eastbourne DigiFest and business exhibitions, including setup, takedown, and post-event follow-up with attendees.
* Liaising with speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors to support successful event delivery.
* Maintaining and updating spreadsheets and data to track progress and outcomes.
* Attending networking events on an ad-hoc basis
Reporting and administration
* Provide administrative support, including managing correspondence, answering the phone, meeting scheduling, preparing documentation, and taking meeting minutes.
* Performing data entry tasks accurately and efficiently, regularly updating and gathering data on our CRM system.
Key Skills
* Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
* Process-driven mindset with a love of efficiency.
* Adaptability and flexibility in a busy and changing environment.
* Strong written English and verbal communication skills.
* Desire to learn, grow, and improve, with a positive approach to feedback.
Experience, qualifications, and requirements
* 1+ years in a similar role.
* Degree-educated, or with similar skills gained through experience.
* Familiarity with CRM systems and online tools, e.g. Notion, Hubspot, GSuite, Slack.
* While prior experience in the tech industry is advantageous, it’s not essential - what’s most important is a genuine enthusiasm to learn.
* Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a busy environment.
* Access to a car is essential for event attendance (we’ll cover any fuel needed for work-related travel).
What we can offer you
At Switchplane, we value high performance, collaboration, and teamwork. We’re committed to your ongoing professional development, offering opportunities for continuous learning and growth. You’ll be joining a strong, supportive team that works together to achieve success in a positive and encouraging environment.
* Access to Eastbourne's buzziest co-working space, FOUNDRY (which comes with free coffee, beer, and prosecco on tap, and a vibrant community of professionals!)
* Regular CPD time every month for your continuous learning and passion projects.
* Access to 24/7 GP, health and wellbeing support through the BHSF Connect app.
* Retail discounts across a range of products and services through the BHSF Connect app
* Team lunch once a month, with other regular team meetups and get-togethers in Eastbourne.
* Childcare vouchers.
* Bike2Work scheme.
* Opportunity to help us grow and engage with our local digital community - Chalk Eastbourne.
* Working for a company that cares about the planet - we offset our carbon footprint through Ecologi and Treekly.
What to expect during the interview process
Our interview process is designed to give us a chance to learn more about you, while also giving you a clear understanding of what it’s like to work at Switchplane.
1. Telephone Interviews (taking place between 27th January and 17th February): A chance to introduce yourself, discuss your experience, and learn more about the role.
2. In-Person Interviews and Task (scheduled for Monday 24th and Wednesday 26th February): You’ll meet members of our team, dive deeper into your skills and fit for the role, and complete a practical task relevant to the position.
We aim to make the process clear and supportive, ensuring you feel confident at every step. If you have any specific requirements or accessibility needs, please let us know - we’re happy to accommodate.
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.
Research shows that women and people from different underrepresented backgrounds often only apply for a job if they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. For all candidates, if you dream of being a part of our team and you meet many, but not all, of our listed qualifications for this role, please apply.
Please apply by emailing your cover letter and CV to jobs@switchplane.com by 9am on Monday 17th February 2025. In your cover letter, tell us where in Eastbourne you’d pick for your first team lunch day!
No agencies, please.