Personal Assistant (PA)

Are you a seasoned administrative professional seeking a dynamic role within a vibrant academic environment? This opportunity offers a chance to provide crucial high-level support to the senior management team of a prestigious university's Facilities Directorate, gaining invaluable insights into the operational backbone of a large and complex estate.

This position is ideal for individuals who thrive on organization, possess exceptional communication skills, and have a keen eye for detail. You'll be instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of operations by managing complex electronic diaries, proactively assisting senior staff with their objectives, and expertly coordinating a variety of meetings and workshops. Your responsibilities will extend to travel arrangements, financial administration, and producing accurate meeting minutes and action points.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Comprehensive Understanding of Operations: Working across different departments within the Facilities Directorate will equip you with a holistic view of how a large university estate is developed, maintained, and operated. This broad exposure can be a significant asset for future career progression in facilities management, administration, or project coordination.
• Development of Key Skills: The role emphasizes proactive support, independent decision-making, and collaborative teamwork. You will hone your skills in diary management, event organization, financial administration, and professional communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Exposure to Higher Education: While not essential, previous experience in Higher Education is considered desirable. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in this sector, which can be highly advantageous if you aspire to build a career within academic institutions.
• Flexible Working Environment: The position is primarily based on the university campus, with the scope for hybrid working and a commitment to discussing flexible working arrangements. This flexibility can contribute to a better work-life balance.
• Attractive Benefits Package: The university offers a generous benefits package including substantial holiday entitlement (42 days including bank holidays and closure days), excellent pension scheme options, life assurance, and access to health and wellbeing facilities like a state-of-the-art campus gym.
• Personal and Professional Growth: You'll have access to personal development opportunities through the Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, supporting your ongoing career growth.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Level: The role requires significant experience as a Personal Assistant or Secretary to senior management. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate a strong track record in this capacity.
• Essential IT Proficiency: A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is crucial for success in this position.
• Visa Requirements: Please note that due to specific Home Office visa requirements, this role is not suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants. Candidates should review the provided information on other visa options if applicable.
• Proactive and Independent Work Ethic: While collaboration is key, the ability to work independently, use initiative, and exercise sound judgment in decision-making will be vital.
• Interpersonal Skills: The capacity to confidently liaise with a wide range of internal and external contacts is essential, alongside excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced administrative professional to make a significant contribution to a leading university and to advance their career within a supportive and engaging environment.