Private Secretary

Private Secretary

City of London Full-Time 42000 - 49000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Chairman with correspondence, diary management, and meeting preparation.
  • Company: Join a prestigious investment firm known for its fantastic culture and strong staff retention.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a reputable firm while making a real impact through philanthropic support.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Private Secretary or similar role, with strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
  • Other info: This is a part-time, permanent position with a unique 2 weeks on/off schedule.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 49000 £ per year.

A prestigious investment firm with a fantastic company culture, strong staff retention and excellent benefits. The firm has around 300 in the London office and a global presence, and is highly reputable in their field.

This is a busy Private Secretary role supporting the Chairman, who splits their time between London and their countryside residence. When in London (for 2 weeks every month), the Chairman will require comprehensive private and business support, which includes (but is not limited to):

  • Acting as gatekeeper and first point of contact for the Chairman, managing all correspondence and diary appointments
  • Creating weekly briefing packs and making sure the Chairman is prepared for all meetings, including research and biographies of clients, and printing everything in advance of their arrival
  • Liaising with stakeholders, clients and trustees
  • Working closely with the Household PA on personal matters
  • Supporting the Chairman’s philanthropic endeavours
  • Ad-hoc administrative support.

Candidate Specification:

  • Prior Private Secretary (or similar) experience of supporting at Chairman or similar level, ideally in a family office or HNW household environment
  • High level of emotional intelligence
  • Excellent problem-solving skills able to work on own initiative
  • Excellent organization and prioritisation skills
  • Highly professional and discrete.

This is a permanent, part-time position commencing ASAP. Salary up to £75K as a full-time equivalent (circa £35K pro-rata). Working hours will be 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, to correspond with when the Chairman is in London. Some variations may occur, but these would be communicated well in advance. Hours are 9am – 5:30pm, with some flexibility for early or late meetings required. Weekend or out of hours work is unlikely. The role is fully office-based, but you may also be required to work in the Chairman’s private office (also in Westminster). Our client is looking for someone to start ASAP. If this sounds like the role for you, please apply today!

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Contact Detail:

VWA (Victoria Wall Associates) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Private Secretary

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the investment firm’s culture and values. Understanding their ethos will help you align your approach during any interviews or discussions, showcasing that you're a great fit for their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of the firm on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the company, which can help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that highlight your organisational skills and emotional intelligence. The role requires a high level of discretion and problem-solving, so be ready to illustrate how you've successfully navigated similar situations.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the Chairman's philanthropic endeavours and any recent news related to the firm. This knowledge will not only impress during your interview but also show your proactive nature and commitment to supporting the Chairman effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace Private Secretary

Diary Management
Excellent Communication Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Skills
Prioritisation Skills
Discretion and Confidentiality
Stakeholder Liaison
Research Skills
Administrative Support
Flexibility and Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Ability to Work Independently

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Private Secretary or in similar roles. Emphasise your organisational skills, emotional intelligence, and any experience working with high-net-worth individuals or in family office environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the requirements of the role. Mention your ability to manage correspondence and diary appointments, and provide examples of how you've supported senior executives in the past.

Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, include specific examples of how you've successfully solved problems or managed challenging situations in previous roles. This will demonstrate your initiative and ability to work independently.

Highlight Discretion and Professionalism: Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your professionalism and discretion. Include any relevant experiences where you maintained confidentiality or handled sensitive information.

How to prepare for a job interview at VWA (Victoria Wall Associates)

✨Research the Chairman and the Firm

Before your interview, take the time to research the Chairman and the investment firm. Understand their values, recent projects, and philanthropic efforts. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

As a Private Secretary, strong organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex schedules or handled multiple tasks simultaneously in previous roles. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised.

✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism

Given the nature of the role, it's essential to convey your ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Share experiences where you've maintained confidentiality and professionalism, especially when dealing with high-profile individuals.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence. Think about past situations where you've had to navigate challenges or conflicts, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.

Private Secretary
VWA (Victoria Wall Associates)
Location: City of London
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