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 development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: 12-month FTC with opportunities for growth and collaboration across diverse teams.
- 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, 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.
We are the people who give possibilities purpose. BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.
About the role
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 will include:
- 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.
- Providing effective event management/workshops or co-ordination of events.
- Coordinating and preparing agendas and information for meetings, organising 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.
Click on apply if this sounds like you!
Why Join Us?
To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.
We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.
Executive Assistant (12 month FTC) employer: Becton Dickinson Medical Devices
Waters Corporation is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the life sciences sector. Located in Winnersh, our team enjoys a supportive work environment with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, competitive compensation, and a commitment to employee well-being. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to advancing healthcare and improving lives worldwide.
Contact Details:
Becton Dickinson Medical Devices Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant (12 month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the lookout for an Executive Assistant role at Waters. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Waters and its core business units. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some common interview questions your way, especially those related to being an Executive Assistant. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your experience in supporting senior leaders and managing multiple priorities, as this is key for us at Waters.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex schedules or coordinated events in the past.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft 365 and any emerging AI tools. We love candidates who are tech-savvy and can streamline processes effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Waters.
How to prepare for a job interview at Becton Dickinson Medical Devices
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Executive Assistant role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as diary management, meeting coordination, and communication across teams. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your skills align with what Waters is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, being organised is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple priorities or streamlined processes. Be ready to discuss how you handle tight deadlines and ensure that senior leaders can focus on strategic priorities without getting bogged down by administrative tasks.
✨Communicate Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview. You might be asked to explain how you would handle sensitive information or coordinate with various stakeholders, so think of specific scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated complex communications.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savviness
Waters values advanced skills in Microsoft 365 and emerging AI tools. Brush up on your knowledge of these technologies and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in previous roles. If you have experience with any specific tools that could enhance efficiency in the role, make sure to highlight that as well.
