At a Glance
- Tasks: Support top executives, manage complex schedules, and coordinate meetings and travel.
- Company: Join Center Parcs, the leading choice for short break holidays in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, free leisure access, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a dynamic team, making a real impact on business operations.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Executive Assistant with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Welcome to Center Parcs, the number one choice for short break holidays, employing a team of over 10,000 across Forest House and six separate villages located in the UK and Ireland. This is far more than a traditional Executive Assistant role. It’s an opportunity to be at the heart of a Marketing and Commercial function, playing a key part in how the business operates and delivers.
Supporting both the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), you’ll act as a trusted partner to them and their leadership teams, ensuring priorities are aligned, operations run smoothly, and the function performs at its best. Underpinning this role is a blend of high‑quality executive support and broader operational coordination. You will manage complex diaries, inboxes and logistics while also shaping the rhythm of the function—from leadership meetings and off‑sites to key workshops and strategic sessions. Actions will be tracked, decisions followed through, so nothing falls through the gaps. You will bring structure, pace and momentum across leadership teams, keeping priorities aligned and activities moving forward. With clear visibility across projects you support the function to operate as one connected, high‑performing team. This role will suit someone who enjoys working in a dynamic environment and being close to the business. You bring a proactive, solutions‑focused approach, using digital tools and strong organisational skills to create a seamless and responsive way of working where priorities are clear and progress is consistent.
What you’ll be doing
- Executive & Diary Support – Proactive diary and inbox management across complex schedules, including prioritisation, follow‑ups, and supporting Operating Board‑level priorities
- Meeting & Travel Coordination – Coordinating meetings, leadership events, off‑sites and village visits, alongside end‑to‑end travel, accommodation, itineraries and expense management
- Operational & Project Delivery – Supporting workflow, project coordination, resource planning and operational delivery across Marketing and Technology, ensuring smooth day‑to‑day execution
- Stakeholder Partnership & Continuous Improvement – Building strong working relationships across leadership teams and stakeholders, bringing proactive recommendations and leveraging tools to drive efficiency
- Governance, Culture & Compliance – Supporting company values, diversity, equity and inclusion, alongside health & safety and environmental responsibilities, while flexibly contributing to wider team priorities
What’s in it for you
- Bonus scheme and recognition rewards
- Pension Scheme with Life Assurance
- Free day passes and access to leisure facilities (including the spa)
- Discounts on breaks and in our shops and restaurants
- A supportive, friendly team
- Career development and in‑role training
Your working hours
You will be contracted to work 150 per 4‑week period (37.5 per week). Normal working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Dynamic working is available whereby the earliest start time is 7am and the latest finish time is 7pm. Please note, this role will be hybrid with 2 days in the office and 3 days home‑working.
About you
- Proven Executive/Personal Assistant experience within a large, complex organisation, confidently supporting Board‑level stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment
- Exceptional organisational expertise, with seamless diary, inbox and travel management, and a strong focus on prioritisation, accuracy and attention to detail
- Highly professional communicator with strong business awareness, exercising sound judgement and discretion while managing competing priorities and navigating stakeholder and governance considerations
Our values
Each colleague at Center Parcs is involved in building better worlds for our guests, colleagues, communities and our environment. Contributing to our purpose means living out our values: We care, we’re brave, we’re determined and we’re naturally us.
We recognise that we’re all at our best when we are being ourselves. We are committed to building a culture that champions diversity, equity and inclusion, where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want them to feel valued for their individuality, thrive in our business and share a sense of belonging. We place a lot of value on recruiting based on behaviours rather than prioritising qualifications or experience. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Please let us know if you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process.
Executive Assistant employer: Center Parcs group
Center Parcs is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work while enjoying benefits such as a bonus scheme, free leisure access, and career growth opportunities. Located in the picturesque setting of Forest House, this role as an Executive Assistant not only provides a chance to support senior leadership but also to be part of a team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for guests and fostering a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Center Parcs group.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Center Parcs group.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Center Parcs group.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Center Parcs group. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Center Parcs group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Center Parcs group, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Center Parcs group, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Center Parcs group could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Center Parcs group as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
