At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level secretarial and administrative support to the Deputy Director.
- Company: Join DEFRA, a key department in the UK government focused on environment and rural affairs.
- Benefits: Earn £15.39 per hour with up to 33 days paid leave and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Perfect for organised multi-taskers looking to make an impact in public service.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in customer service or as a PA.
- Other info: Opportunity for permanent role and career growth within a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
Are you a multi-tasker? Great at organising and able to prioritise tasks? This could be the ideal role for you!
Brook Street are looking for a temporary Personal Assistant to work at an Executive Officer level, for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA, based in either Bristol or Warrington. The ideal candidate will provide high-level diverse secretarial and administrative duties for the Deputy Director, exercising independent judgement and discretion in performing tasks.
An excellent package is offered, including:
- £15.39 per hour pay rate
- Starting as soon as you have passed clearance checks for four months
- Accrual of up to 33 days paid annual leave pro rata available (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm with some degree of flexibility
- This role can be based in either Bristol or Warrington
Responsibilities:
- General administrative support
- Reviewing and managing mailboxes and Teams messages
- Diary, calendar and email management
- Prioritising the booking of/rescheduling of meetings
- Capturing actions/minute taking
- Transcribing dictation
- Preparing documents and reports
- Handling enquiries and requests
- Composing non-routine correspondence
- Screening and directing manager's telephone calls
- Maintaining records, requesting updates on finances or statuses of pieces of work
- Arranging meetings or travel, including hotel accommodation
- Acting as an administrative liaison with internal and/or external sources
What are we looking for?
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, working effectively with team members and external contractors/suppliers
- A can-do attitude and a real passion for supporting people and sustaining working relationships
- Well-organised, able to manage yourself and your own workload effectively whilst working under your own initiative
- Ability to pick up new IT systems quickly and be capable using IT services such as Microsoft Office programmes (for example MS Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint etc.)
- Previous experience of excellent customer service as either a PA or similar is desirable
- Candidates applying must be able to pass a clear Basic DBS check and provide proof of Right to Work in the UK.
Please apply online with your current CV in WORD format. Due to the high number of applications we receive it may not be possible to respond to all applications.
Brook Street is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all candidates who are veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel, and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
As a Disability Confident Leader, and holder of the Gold Award status from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Brook Street, as a supplier to the Public Sector Resourcing Framework (PSR), will offer you a guaranteed interview with a PSR Sourcer.
Should you identify as a candidate with a disability and/or as a veteran or spouse/partner of military personnel and meet all the essential criteria for the role, we encourage you to reach out to us via the Brook Street website. Here you will find a link to register your interest and state the role that you are interested in.
We are committed to engaging with you.
In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses/partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, Brook Street will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Executive Officer in Bristol employer: Brook Street
Contact Detail:
Brook Street Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Officer in Bristol
✨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 Officer role, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on opportunities at DEFRA or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to administrative support and multi-tasking. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects. This will demonstrate your ability to prioritise and handle the diverse responsibilities of a Personal Assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can bring their A-game to roles like this one.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Officer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Officer role. Highlight your organisational skills and any relevant experience that shows you can juggle multiple tasks effectively. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to the position!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication is key, use your application to demonstrate this. Keep your language clear and concise, and don’t shy away from showcasing any previous experience in customer service or as a PA. We love a good communicator!
Be Proactive in Your Approach: In your application, show us your can-do attitude! Mention specific examples where you've taken the initiative to solve problems or improve processes. This will help us see how you can support our team effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website with your current CV in WORD format. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brook Street
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant at DEFRA. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like diary management, handling enquiries, and composing correspondence. 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 successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to prioritise and stay organised, as these are crucial skills for an Executive Officer. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication is essential for this role, prepare to showcase your skills. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members or external contacts. Consider bringing along a sample of your written work, if appropriate, to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Be Ready for IT Questions
As the role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office and other IT systems, brush up on your skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with tools like MS Teams, Outlook, and Excel. If you have any certifications or training in these areas, don’t forget to mention them!