Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant

Farnborough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Chief People Officer with daily operations and manage complex schedules.
  • Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation, shaping the future.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a matched pension scheme, generous holidays, and health insurance options.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team tackling exciting challenges in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as an Executive Assistant and strong communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Opportunities for volunteering and a commitment to inclusivity in the recruitment process.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Title: Executive Assistant

Location: Farnborough

Role Type: Permanent – Full Time

Role ID: 18572

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting edge defence technology to ground breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as an Executive Assistant, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

Role Purpose:

To provide professional business support to the CPO (Chief People Officer) in managing the day-to-day operations and key functional deliverables of the CPO office. Primary purpose will be supporting the CPO at a high pace with multiple requirements, often with a degree of complexity/sensitivity with a number of stakeholders across the QLT (QinetiQ, Leadership Team), Board members, senior leaders and employees.

This role will also have responsibility for professional diary/time management to include building-in deliverables, deadlines and regular meetings. To prioritise, develop responses and distribute emails and correspondence received. Establish and maintain HR administrative systems and functional processes/meeting governance and cadence, which ensure appropriate availability of information as well as document storage and retrieval, along with the appropriate management of confidential, strategic, personal and business-critical information.

Key Accountabilities – EA to Chief People Officer:

  • Point of contact for Chief People Officer for internal and external stakeholders for example Executive Search Companies, third party providers, interactive effectively with all parties
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with highly developed attention to detail
  • Ability to draft correspondence for approval on behalf of Chief People Office
  • Strong proof reading skills and ability to understand and query
  • Excellent memory with ability to fact check quickly and accurately
  • Highly effective planning and organising, including active and initiative led de-confliction of appointments. To include forward planning for Board meetings, Remuneration Committee and SSA
    Board (Compensation Committee), as well as other reports and deliverables
  • Ability to work well under pressure, managing constantly changing schedule and priorities
  • Manage/escalate/delegate issues with clear instructions/deadlines when required. Follow up on actions to ensure completion
  • Ensure preparation for meetings and compilation of essential material is provided in advance. Follow up on actions arising
  • Direct daily itinerary prompting/alerting of subsequent meeting/diary commitments
  • Attend and be secretary for People Council meetings
  • Attend and be secretary for UK Leadership Team meetings
  • Management and support of processing for expenses, purchase orders, team holidays for the Chief People Officer

Key Capabilities/Knowledge:

  • Absolute discretion, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times
  • Loyal, confident, self-aware, and with sound judgement
  • Professional and credible
  • Highly motivated, a self-starter with initiative and capable of working with minimal supervision
  • Flexible, approachable, friendly & adaptable nature
  • Be a strong team player; be able to communicate and interact effectively with the team and other EAs/Pas
  • Pro-actively solve problems where appropriate

Experience & Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in an Executive/Personal Assistant role at a high level within industry
  • Demonstrable written and verbal skills
  • Experience of working in HR/People and/or with Board stakeholders desirable but not essential
  • Appropriate proficiency in MS Office, including MS Teams

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experience enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture.www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

Our Benefits:

  • Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
  • Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
  • Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
  • Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
  • We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
  • Volunteering Opportunities – helping charities and local community

Our Recruitment Process:

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels value, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which mean factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Executive Assistant employer: QinetiQ

At QinetiQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Farnborough where innovation thrives. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our diverse and inclusive culture, extensive benefits including a matched pension scheme and generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for collaboration across various disciplines. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional journey while tackling complex challenges in cutting-edge technology.
Q

Contact Detail:

QinetiQ Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of an Executive Assistant, especially in a high-paced environment. Understanding the nuances of diary management and stakeholder communication will help you demonstrate your readiness for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former Executive Assistants within the industry. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even refer you to opportunities at QinetiQ, increasing your chances of landing an interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your organisational skills by volunteering to manage events or projects. This experience can highlight your ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities, which is crucial for the Executive Assistant position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research QinetiQ's culture and values thoroughly. Tailoring your approach to align with their mission and demonstrating how you can contribute to their goals will make you a more appealing candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant

Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Diary and Time Management
Strong Proofreading Skills
Ability to Draft Correspondence
Effective Planning and Organising
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Problem-Solving Skills
Confidentiality and Discretion
Proficiency in MS Office Suite
Team Collaboration
Adaptability and Flexibility
Initiative and Self-Motivation
Experience in Executive/Personal Assistant Role

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as an Executive Assistant. Focus on skills like diary management, communication, and problem-solving that align with the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support senior leaders effectively.

Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to handle confidential information. These are crucial for the Executive Assistant role and should be evident in your application.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As an Executive Assistant, excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely during the interview. You might be asked to draft a sample email or respond to a scenario, so practice articulating your thoughts effectively.

✨Highlight Your Organisational Abilities

This role requires exceptional planning and organisational skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex schedules or prioritised tasks in previous positions. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism

Given the sensitive nature of the information you'll handle, it's important to convey your understanding of confidentiality. Prepare to discuss situations where you maintained discretion and professionalism, especially when dealing with high-level stakeholders.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you had to manage unexpected changes or conflicts in scheduling. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.

Executive Assistant
QinetiQ
Q
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