At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Managing Director with high-level admin, scheduling, and project management.
- Company: Join Airbus Helicopters, the world's largest helicopter manufacturer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and various employee perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in aviation.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years as a PA, strong communication skills, and discretion required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About Our Team
Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer and the company’s site at Oxford Airport is Britain’s civil helicopter hub. AHUK offers considerable experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance and spares support. Its in‑house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight‑testing and certification, as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications.
Description / Overall Purpose Of The Job
The Personal Assistant (PA) to the Managing Director (MD) will provide comprehensive, high‑level administrative, organisational, and secretarial support to ensure the efficient and effective running of the Managing Director’s office. This role requires exceptional organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential matters with the utmost professionalism. The ideal candidate must be proactive, able to anticipate needs, and manage multiple priorities effectively, coordinate complex schedules and act as a key communication link between the Managing Director and internal/external stakeholders.
Main Responsibilities
- Administrative and Secretarial Support
- Manage the Managing Director’s complex calendar, including scheduling meetings, appointments, and conferences, and resolving scheduling conflicts.
- Prepare and edit correspondence, communications, presentations, and other documents, ensuring accuracy and adherence to company standards.
- Answer and screen phone calls and emails, redirecting inquiries as necessary, and handling sensitive information with discretion.
- Travel and Logistics Management
- Coordinate all domestic and international travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, ground transportation, and preparing detailed itineraries.
- Process expense reports accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Organise and coordinate internal and external meetings, including booking venues, preparing agendas, distributing materials, and taking minutes as required.
- Project and Task Support
- Assist the Managing Director with tracking key projects, ensuring deadlines are met, and following up on action items.
- Board Preparation
- Conduct research and compile data to prepare reports and summaries for the Managing Director’s review.
- Act as a gatekeeper and liaison between the Managing Director and internal staff, clients, and external stakeholders.
- Event Coordination
- Assist in planning and organising corporate events, airshows etc.
- Reception/Administrative Support
- Responsible for managing all front‑of‑house operations via permanent Receptionist, who serves as the primary point of contact for all visitors and external calls, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment, all while adhering to established security protocols.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 3‑5 years) as a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, or similar role preferably supporting a senior executive or Managing Director.
- Exceptional proficiency in Google.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of discretion and integrity in handling confidential information.
- Strong organisational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks with minimal supervision.
Desirable
- SAP/Salesforce
Essential Education, Qualifications or Training
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification.
Desirable Education
- French/German
Additional Requirements
- Due to the nature of this position you will require DBS Security Clearance and be eligible for SC clearance.
- Applicants must meet any/all requirements of Export Compliance Regulations.
- All candidates must possess the current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Airbus will not be able to offer sponsorship for any employment Visa.
The Reward
In joining the Airbus family, you will play a critical part in delivering the most efficient helicopters for its customers, who serve, protect, save lives and carry passengers in demanding environments. On top of your competitive base salary, you will have access to the following benefits below via our Airbus salary sacrifice schemes:
- Private Medical Insurance (Bupa) – single cover for employees paid by the company.
- Pension: Employees are auto‑enrolled into the Airbus Group UK Retirement Fund. Initially, AH contributes 6%, employee 4% basic.
- Share Incentive Plan and ESOP.
- Annual share schemes at company discretion.
- Success Share, Discretionary Group bonus scheme (conditions apply).
- Bikes to Work (up to ÂŁ3,000) (employee purchase scheme).
- Technology (employee purchase scheme).
- Mydrive (employee car purchase scheme).
- Den‑Plan (employee purchase scheme).
- Health‑care Cash Scheme.
- Personal Accident Insurance (employee purchase scheme).
- Health Assessments.
- Travel Insurance.
- Shopping vouchers/discounts.
- Financial/Legal Advice (eg, Will‑writing; Lasting Power of Attorney).
Data Protection and Consent
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Equal Opportunities
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.
Job Details
- Company: Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Experience Level: Professional
- Job Family: Administration / Documentation
Personal Assistant to Managing Director in Oxford employer: Airbus Helicopters
Contact Detail:
Airbus Helicopters Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant to Managing Director in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Airbus Helicopters. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its culture. Knowing about Airbus's projects and values will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We all know the classics, so get comfortable with them. This will help you sound confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant to Managing Director in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Personal Assistant role. Highlight your experience in managing complex schedules and handling confidential information, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Use it to showcase your organisational skills and how you can be a proactive support to the Managing Director.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your proficiency in Google and any other relevant tools. Mention your strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus Helicopters
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant to the Managing Director. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing complex calendars and coordinating travel arrangements. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple priorities in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Highlight your ability to handle confidential information and your experience with administrative support, as these are crucial for this position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a scheduling conflict or manage last-minute changes to travel plans. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses to showcase your proactive approach.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Since this role involves handling sensitive information, it's essential to convey your understanding of discretion and professionalism. Share examples from your previous roles where you maintained confidentiality and acted as a reliable point of contact. This will reassure the interviewers that you can be trusted with important matters.