At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO in steering the business and driving performance.
- Company: Global engineering consultancy shaping the future of technology and sustainability.
- Benefits: Private medical healthcare, life insurance, pension scheme, and social events.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career in a high-impact role with direct executive exposure.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation. Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world today.
Role Purpose
The Chief of Staff (CoS) acts as a strategic partner of the UK CEO, ensuring visibility and analysis to ensure the organisation runs with clarity, discipline, and forward momentum. This role blends analytical rigour, organisational intelligence, and operational execution. The HoS will support the CEO in steering the business, shaping governance, driving performance, and enabling the leadership team to operate at their best. This is a high‑intensity, high‑visibility role designed for a high‑potential individual seeking accelerated career development.
Key Responsibilities
- Organisational Structure & Workforce Planning: Maintain and continuously update head‑office organisation charts. Anticipate business and staffing needs through proactive analysis and scenario planning. Support the CEO in defining leadership roles, responsibilities, and structural evolution.
- Leadership Objectives & Performance Management: Work with Directors and Heads of Function to define clear annual and quarterly objectives. Consolidate and analyse performance data across business units and functions. Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities, providing actionable insights to the CEO.
- Business Controlling & Strategic Analysis: Consolidate financial, operational, and HR controlling data to support decision‑making. Produce high‑quality analysis, dashboards, and recommendations for the CEO and Group stakeholders. Monitor performance trends and escalate issues requiring executive attention. Ensure consistent reporting with Group Senior Leadership.
- Internal Projects & PMO Support: Oversee or support internal strategic projects (e.g., M&A, process improvement, transformation). Track progress, risks, and dependencies, ensuring timely delivery and clear reporting. Act as PMO for selected CEO‑sponsored initiatives.
- Governance & Executive Communication: Prepare and guarantee high‑quality governance routines, including: Weekly executive meetings, Group reporting, Steering committees, Town halls and internal communications. Ensure all materials are accurate, insightful, and delivered on time. Draft CEO briefs, talking points, and strategic documents.
Required Profile
- Bachelor’s degree required; (Mandatory).
- Highly analytical, comfortable with complex data and structured problem‑solving.
- Excellent communication, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complexity.
- Gravitas and capacity to handle senior leadership interactions.
- Strong business understanding and curiosity about how organisations operate and grow.
- Pragmatic, solutions‑oriented, and able to prioritise effectively.
- High intensity and commitment, thriving in a fast‑paced environment.
- Reactive and flexible, able to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
- High potential, with ambition to progress into leadership roles.
Languages
- Fluent English (mandatory).
- French is a strong plus either already spoken or willingness to undertake intensive learning.
What Success Looks Like
- Direct exposure to executive‑level decision‑making from day one.
- Fast‑track career acceleration into leadership, M&A, finance, or operational roles.
- High‑impact remit with visibility across the entire organisation.
- Ideal for a top‑tier professional seeking a steep learning curve.
What we offer:
- Company benefits including Private Medical Healthcare, Life Insurance and Travel Insurance.
- Pension scheme with company contributions up to 5-6%.
- Cycle & Tech Scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Social – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month.
Any doubts? Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we are looking for. As an equal-opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.
Head of Staff in London employer: ALTEN LTD - UK
ALTEN is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering engineers to innovate and tackle complex challenges in a fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, ALTEN offers accelerated career development opportunities, direct exposure to executive decision-making, and comprehensive benefits including private medical healthcare and a robust pension scheme. Join us in shaping the future of technology and sustainability while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values collaboration and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Staff in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ALTEN on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding ALTEN's projects and values. Show us how your skills align with their mission to drive technological advancement and sustainability. Tailor your examples to highlight your analytical and leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves a lot of interaction with senior leadership, being able to convey complex ideas simply is key. Try explaining your past experiences to a friend in a straightforward way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the ALTEN team and building tomorrow’s world with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Staff in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of Staff. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to handle complex data and provide actionable insights. We love seeing candidates who can simplify complexity and drive performance.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication should be top-notch! Ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We appreciate candidates who can convey their thoughts effectively, especially when it comes to executive-level interactions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN LTD - UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Staff, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Bring examples of dashboards or reports you've created that had a significant impact.
✨Master the Art of Communication
This role requires excellent communication skills, so practice articulating complex ideas simply. Prepare to explain how you've effectively communicated with senior leadership in previous roles, and think about how you can convey your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Show Your Strategic Thinking
ALTEN is looking for someone who can think ahead. Be ready to discuss your experience with organisational structure and workforce planning. Think of scenarios where you've anticipated business needs and how you addressed them proactively.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
In a fast-paced environment, being reactive and flexible is key. Prepare examples of times when you've successfully adapted to shifting priorities or handled unexpected challenges. This will show that you're ready for the high-intensity nature of the role.
