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- Tasks: Support senior leaders, manage schedules, and coordinate high-profile meetings in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning M&S Food Marketing team, known for innovation and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of exciting projects and make a real impact in a fast-paced business.
- Qualifications: Previous PA experience, strong organisational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: Flexible, inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Step into a role where no two days are the same! As a Personal Assistant in our Foods business area, you’ll be at the heart of the action—supporting senior leaders and shaping the rhythm of a fast-moving, innovative environment. You won’t just handle diaries; you’ll orchestrate schedules, coordinate high-profile meetings, and ensure everything runs like clockwork. This is your chance to be the go-to person for Directors, a trusted partner who keeps things moving behind the scenes. From planning overseas travel to pulling together key insights for leadership discussions, you’ll play a pivotal role in making big things happen. If you thrive on variety, love solving problems, and want to make a real impact in a business that’s constantly evolving, this is the role for you. This is a 12 month maternity cover.
What you'll do:
- Handle complex diaries and organise facilities for meetings and events
- Prepare briefing documents and act as the link between Directors and wider leadership teams
- Handle queries from internal and external partners promptly and professionally
- Arrange detailed UK and overseas travel itineraries and process expenses via Concur
- Coordinate information for committee meetings, store visits, and group functions
- Act as gatekeeper for Directors, filtering mail and calls, and drafting responses where needed
Who you are:
- Previous PA experience in a complex environment
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise under pressure
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Flexible, proactive, and confident in handling challenging situations
- Problem-solving attitude with a drive for continuous improvement
What’s in it for You?
- 20% colleague discount for you & 1 household member (after probation)
- Competitive holiday allowance & option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to performance
- Strong pension & life assurance
- Tailored induction & training from day one
- Perks and savings via M&S Choices portal
- Market-leading family policies (parental, adoption, neonatal leave)
- 24/7 wellbeing support (GP access & mental health services)
- 1 paid volunteer day a year
Everyone’s Welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail – disrupting, innovating and leading into a more inspiring digital era. We want diverse, representative teams where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. If you need support or adjustments during recruitment, let us know in your application. Our team will make sure you have what you need to do your best.
Personal Assistant - Maternity Cover employer: Marks and Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks and Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at M&S. You never know who might give you the inside scoop on job openings or even refer you directly!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely excited about being part of the M&S Food Marketing team and making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Personal Assistant, you’ll need to be clear and concise. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the M&S team!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Organisational Skills: As a Personal Assistant, your organisational skills are key! Make sure to highlight any experience you have in managing complex diaries or coordinating events. We want to see how you keep everything running smoothly!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of this role. Mention your previous PA experience and how it relates to the fast-paced environment we thrive in.
Communicate Clearly: Excellent communication is crucial for this role. Use clear and concise language in your application. Show us that you can convey information effectively, just like you would when preparing briefing documents for our Directors.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at M&S!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Personal Assistant role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, like handling complex diaries and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Personal Assistant, strong organisational skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects under pressure. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise and keep everything running smoothly, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview. You might be asked to handle queries or draft responses, so showcasing your verbal and written communication skills will be essential. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you effectively communicated with different stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Attitude
The job requires a proactive approach to problem-solving. Think of specific instances where you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Share these stories during the interview to illustrate your ability to think on your feet and continuously improve processes, which is exactly what the team is looking for.
