At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Senior HR Director with diary management, travel arrangements, and team coordination.
- Company: Join Danone, a certified B-Corp committed to sustainability and better health.
- Benefits: Salary of £35,000 - £45,000, competitive bonus, flexible benefits, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Work 2-3 days in the office, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic HR team making a real impact on health and nutrition.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, proactive attitude, and ability to handle confidential information.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About The Job
Danoners are steering us to a more sustainable future, helping to make the world healthier. As a certified B-Corp, we have our Danone Impact Journey to 2027. This will only be possible with each and every one of our leaders.
Executive Assistant – Senior HR Director
We’re looking for a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to provide high-quality support to our Senior Director HR and wider HR Leadership Team (HRLT). This is a highly visible role offering significant exposure across the HR function. Alongside executive and diary support, you’ll play an important role in supporting governance of HR, leadership team coordination and HR roadmap tracking, helping the HRLT stay focused on its priorities and deliver against key objectives. You’ll work closely with senior HR leaders, connecting activity across the function, improving ways of working and ensuring key actions and priorities remain on track.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide Executive Assistant and Personal Assistant support to the Senior Director HR, including complex diary management, travel arrangements, expenses and invoice management.
- Coordinate HR Leadership Team meetings, including agendas, pre-reading materials, meeting minutes, action tracking and follow-up.
- Support effective HR governance and planning, ensuring key priorities, decisions and actions are clearly captured and progressed.
- Coordinate day-to-day administration across the HR function, including document management, new starter coordination, holiday tracking and organisation chart updates.
- Plan and coordinate HR team events and leadership meetings, including team offsites, development days and social events.
- Support the HRLT to prioritise key topics and maintain focus on business-critical activities.
- Coordinate and track the HR roadmap, bringing together priorities, actions and business challenges to support effective delivery.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism, discretion and sound judgement.
- Build strong relationships across the HR function and wider business, acting as a key point of connection for the HR Leadership Team.
About You
We would like you to demonstrate your following key skills:
- Excellent organisation, planning and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence working with senior stakeholders.
- A proactive approach, anticipating needs and taking ownership to move actions forward.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions when priorities change.
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and navigate change and ambiguity.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective relationships across different teams and levels.
- High levels of discretion and confidence handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Strong attention to detail while maintaining sight of broader priorities.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office to support diary management, meeting coordination, document management and planning.
Salary & Benefits
This role offers a salary of £35,000 - £45,000 plus competitive annual bonus, double matched pension and lots of other fantastic benefits. This individual will be required in the office 2-3 days per week in Chiswick Park.
About Us
At Danone, we are committed to delivering better health through better nutrition for millions of consumers and patients in our communities. Our market-leading products reach millions of consumers and patients every day. Our iconic brands span across the dairy, plant-based and water industries, including Actimel, Alpro and evian. We’re also a leading provider of specialised early-life nutrition through our Aptamil and Cow & Gate brands and medical nutrition products and services through our Nutricia brand.
We offer a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your needs. This includes core benefits like pension, life assurance, and healthcare, plus options such as private medical insurance, gym memberships, cycle to work and holiday trading. You’ll also have access to employee discounts and wellbeing support, helping you look after your health, finances and lifestyle in a way that works for you.
Inclusion and Diversity
Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) is deeply embedded in Danone’s DNA, representing our core values and beliefs. We embrace diversity as a driving force for positive change, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 18th November, you will therefore hear about your application after this date.
Executive Assistant to Senior HR Director, North Europe in London employer: Danone
Danone is an exceptional employer, committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and sustainability while driving meaningful change in the health and nutrition sector. With a flexible benefits package tailored to individual needs, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work environment, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the UK, Danone offers a unique chance to be part of a certified B-Corp that prioritises long-term strategic thinking and authentic leadership, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to Senior HR Director, North Europe in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Danone!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Danone.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to Senior HR Director, North Europe in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Danone. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Danone and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Danone. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Danone's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Danone
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Danone.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Danone will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Danone and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
