At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders with diary management, meeting coordination, and strategic organisational tasks.
- Company: Join Waters, a global leader in life sciences and innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: 12-month FTC with excellent career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA/EA, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 42075 £ per year.
As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics.
Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.
The Executive Assistant will provide high-level, professional support to the UK & Ireland leadership of two core business units: Waters Biosciences and Waters Advanced Diagnostics. This role extends beyond traditional administrative duties, combining executive assistance with strategic organisational and business coordination. You will play a critical role in enabling senior leaders to operate effectively across both businesses—ensuring seamless prioritisation of agendas, alignment of key initiatives, and efficient day-to-day operations.
Main Responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive diary, travel, and meeting management for two senior leaders across UK & Ireland.
- Prepare agendas, briefings, presentations, and follow-up actions for leadership, commercial, and cross-functional meetings.
- Manage expense processing, approvals, and general administrative governance.
- Act as a central coordination point across Biosciences and Advanced Diagnostics for key business activities and rhythms (QBRs, MBRs, planning cycles).
- Support preparation of business updates, internal business unit communications.
- Track actions, milestones, and deliverables across leadership initiatives and strategic projects.
- Provide effective event management/workshops or coordination of events.
- Coordinate and prepare agendas and information for meetings, organise catering and venues when required.
- Serve as a trusted interface with internal stakeholders (sales, marketing, finance, HR, operations) across both business units.
- Coordinate communication across leadership teams, ensuring alignment and timely information flow.
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Support planning activities such as strategy reviews, offsites, town halls, and leadership meetings.
- Help streamline processes, improve ways of working, and introduce structure across leadership operations.
- Maintain key documentation, trackers, and governance materials.
About You:
- Proven experience in PA/EA supporting a Senior Leader.
- GCSE English and Maths (minimum GCSE Grade C/4-9); further education and/or a University degree is a distinct advantage.
- Good working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
- Comfortable working across multiple leaders, priorities, and business areas simultaneously.
- Highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
- Strong business acumen and ability to understand commercial and operational context.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams) and emerging AI tools.
Salary Range: £27,600.00 - £42,075.00 GBP Annual
Location: Primary Work Location: GBR Winnersh - Eskdale Road.
Executive Assistant (12 month FTC) in Winnersh employer: BD
Waters Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to numerous development opportunities while working alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions. Located in Winnersh, the company promotes a culture of face-to-face collaboration, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to impactful scientific breakthroughs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant (12 month FTC) in Winnersh
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at BD and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant (12 month FTC) in Winnersh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at BD. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BD
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at BD, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that BD uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at BD.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at BD.
