At a Glance
- Tasks: Support directors by managing schedules, budgets, and organising events.
- Company: Join DFTO, the public sector rail owning group transforming train operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real difference in public transport.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience working with senior management required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About DFTO
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
Primary Purpose of Job: Provide an efficient and effective personal support service to the Director(s) and their team to support the delivery of their objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Proactively manage and maintain the Director’s diary, ensuring effective scheduling and prioritisation of commitments.
- Administer and monitor the Director’s personal budget, maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records at all times.
- Coordinate and organise functions, conferences, visits, and meetings, handling all logistical arrangements efficiently and supporting successful events that drive forward objectives.
- Prepare and distribute agendas and supporting documentation for executive meetings, and support the tracking and completion of follow-up actions.
- Oversee and coordinate workloads for the clerical support team in collaboration with functional managers to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Maintain an efficient and well-organised filing system, with particular focus on records of standing meetings, statutory documentation, and authorisations.
- Utilise financial and procurement systems effectively, undertaking responsibilities as a Local Purchasing Agent where required.
- Review incoming accounts and process invoices in line with internal control procedures, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Maintain and update weekly personnel records, ensuring all data is accurate and appropriately recorded.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:
- Excellent organisation skills
- Experience of working with senior management
- Excellent time manager
- Ability to work under pressure
- Good MS Office skills
Vacancy Details:
- Duration: Fixed Term contract/secondment Upto 31st October 2027
- Location: London Waterloo
- Salary: Competitive
- Closing date: 17th July 2026
DFTO Benefits:
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry
Additional Information:
Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CV's to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Personal Assistant in London employer: DfT Operator
DFTO is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where over 30,000 employees contribute to the future of public rail services in the UK. With competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave policy, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth and networking, DFTO prioritises employee well-being and development. Located at London Waterloo, the company fosters a culture of flexibility and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
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How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
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✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for DfT Operator.
