Business support roles often fly under the radar, but let’s be honest - without these people, most offices would descend into chaos within a week.
From executive assistants and office managers to operations coordinators, these are the people who keep the wheels turning, the meetings organised and the impossible deadlines… possible.
And the exciting news? Business support isn’t “just admin” anymore. The rise of tech, AI and workflow automation is transforming these roles into strategic superpowers.
The secret power of business support roles.
Business support professionals do more than answer emails or schedule calendars. They:
- Keep projects moving when the plan hits a snag
- Ensure teams are aligned and information flows seamlessly
- Solve problems before anyone even realises they exist.
In short, they’re the glue of the organisation and increasingly, they’re also the brains behind smarter processes.
Work smarter, not harder.
AI, automation tools and collaborative software are not here to steal jobs; they’re here to supercharge effectiveness. The admin tasks that once ate up half a day (think expense approvals, data entry and scheduling) can now be handled in minutes.
That frees business support heroes to focus on higher-impact work:
- Optimising workflows across teams
- Identifying process inefficiencies
- Supporting strategic projects and initiatives.
The right tools plus the right mindset = more visibility, influence, and career impact.
Turn your skills into superpowers.
Want to stand out in business support? Focus on these skills:
- Tech Savvy – Master workflow automation, collaborative platforms and reporting tools.
- Project Management – Keep complex initiatives on track and everyone accountable.
- Communication & Influence – You’re often the first point of contact; how you manage expectations matters.
- Problem Solving – Anticipate issues, propose solutions and take ownership.
And don’t forget: strategic thinking is now a superpower in business support. The more you can anticipate needs, drive initiatives and improve processes, the more indispensable you become.
Career pathways you didn’t know existed.
Modern business support roles offer exciting career trajectories:
- Operations Manager → Project Coordinator → Chief of Staff
- Executive Assistant → Business Partner / Strategic Advisor
- Office Manager → Process & Systems Specialist
The possibilities are endless, especially when you combine experience, tech know-how, and strategic insight.
Recruiter’s insight...
Specialist recruiters, like MAYDAY’s
Business Support Recruitment team, help business support professionals:
- Identify roles that match skills, ambition and career goals
- Showcase strategic and tech-savvy capabilities
- Connect with organisations that recognise the true value of business support.
Working with a recruiter can open doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed including roles that blend business support, operations and strategic influence.
Business support isn’t “just admin.” It’s strategic, tech-enabled and absolutely essential to the smooth operation of any organisation. By embracing tech, expanding skillsets, and thinking strategically, business support professionals can transform themselves from unsung heroes into powerhouse influencers - the kind every company wants on their team.
