Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer (CPO)

Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer (CPO)

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Merlin

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Chief People Officer and enhance productivity using modern tech tools.
  • Company: Join a fast-paced, global organisation with a dynamic culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, competitive salary, and exclusive Merlin perks.
  • Other info: Great opportunities for ongoing training and career development.
  • Why this job: Be at the heart of decision-making and drive efficiency in a high-impact role.
  • Qualifications: Experience supporting senior executives and strong organisational skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: London, Arbor

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent, salaried

We’re looking for an exceptional Executive Assistant to partner with our Chief People Officer (CPO) and support the People Leadership Team. This is a high-impact role at the heart of a fast-paced, global organisation, where you’ll act as a trusted right hand, ensuring seamless coordination of priorities, communications, and operations. This is not a traditional EA role. You’ll bring a modern, tech-forward approach, leveraging AI tools, digital platforms, and data insights to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and elevate the overall effectiveness of the People function.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing a complex and ever-changing diary, travel, and priorities
  • Acting as a gatekeeper and key liaison across internal and external stakeholders
  • Preparing high quality presentations, reports, and board materials
  • Supporting meetings end-to-end, including coordination, materials, and follow-ups
  • Partnering with the wider People Leadership Team to drive efficiency and collaboration
  • Using AI and digital tools to analyse information, summarise insights, and streamline workflows

Qualifications & Experience

  • Proven experience supporting senior executives in a fast-paced, global environment
  • Experience coordinating complex international travel and working with senior stakeholders, including board-level exposure
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple demands
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft 365 (especially PowerPoint and Teams)
  • Comfortable using AI tools (e.g. Copilot, ChatGPT) to enhance productivity and insight generation
  • Confident creating polished, high-impact presentations from scratch
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships
  • High levels of discretion, professionalism, and sound judgement

Benefits

  • A competitive annual salary
  • 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
  • Enjoy the Ride Merlin Annual Passes – 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones
  • Merlin Magic Pass – 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world, rising to 40 after a year’s service
  • Company bonus
  • Private pension scheme
  • 40% discount online off LEGO
  • 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities
  • Additional benefits are available

Pay Range Competitive

Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer (CPO) employer: Merlin

Join a dynamic and innovative team in London as an Executive Assistant to the Chief People Officer, where you'll thrive in a supportive work culture that values collaboration and modern technology. With generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, a competitive salary, and opportunities for ongoing training and development, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact within a global organisation. Embrace a forward-thinking environment that encourages personal growth and leverages cutting-edge tools to enhance productivity and decision-making.

Merlin

Contact Details:

Merlin Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer (CPO)

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 Merlin!

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 Merlin.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer (CPO)

Diary Management
Travel Coordination
Stakeholder Liaison
Presentation Preparation
Meeting Coordination
AI Tools Proficiency
Data Analysis

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 Merlin. 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 Merlin 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 Merlin. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Merlin'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 Merlin

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 Merlin.

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 Merlin 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 Merlin and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.