At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional support to senior leaders, managing schedules and communications.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at NOC, committed to strategic ambitions and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a vibrant workplace culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enabling leaders to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience as a PA with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 35151 - 35151 € per year.
Location: Southampton
Salary: £35,151 per annum
Closing Date: 28/05/2026
About the Role
The Executive Support team forms part of the wider Business Support Team within the Operations Function. The team plays a pivotal role in enabling NOC’s leadership to operate effectively and deliver the organisation’s strategic ambitions through the provision of exceptional executive support. We are seeking an outstanding and highly professional Personal Assistant to provide dedicated support to the Director of Operations, a member of NOC Executive. This role demands an experienced and skilled PA who can seamlessly manage complex schedules, anticipate needs, and deliver proactive support, enabling senior leaders to focus on strategic priorities. The role also provides support to the Deputy Director of Research Infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- Comprehensive and proactive PA support, including full diary and inbox management and preparation of briefings, reports and meeting papers.
- Secretariat and governance support, including agenda preparation, accurate minute‑taking, and tracking follow‑up actions.
- Internal communications, maintaining relationships and multiple stakeholder engagement.
- Meeting coordination and logistical support.
- General administrative duties, ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations.
About You
You will have extensive experience providing senior PA support to senior leaders. You will demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and organisational acumen. You will manage multiple priorities and exercise sound judgement to ensure senior leaders and their teams receive the proactive support they need to drive strategic initiatives forward.
Benefits
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- 10% employer contribution pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- Flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- Great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
- Living Wage Employer
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free on‑site car‑parking with over 40 EV charging points. The NOC has a hybrid working approach where staff can work from home up to 2 days per week.
EEO Statement
We’re committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy/maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Personal Assistant in Southampton employer: National Oceanography Centre
NOC is an exceptional employer located in Southampton, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Personal Assistants. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the company provides generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a flexible working approach that allows for remote work. The culture promotes professional growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Detail:
National Oceanography Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Personal Assistant role, and who knows? They might just have the perfect opportunity waiting for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and the role thoroughly. Think about how your skills can help the Director of Operations manage their busy schedule and support their strategic priorities. Show them you’re the PA they’ve been dreaming of!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on showcasing your organisational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine in front of the real interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Personal Assistant role. Highlight your experience in managing complex schedules and supporting senior leaders, as this is what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Showcase Your Professionalism:In your application, demonstrate your professionalism and discretion. We want to see that you can handle sensitive information and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Oceanography Centre
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant. Familiarise yourself with diary management, minute-taking, and stakeholder engagement. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex schedules or handled multiple priorities in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your organisational acumen.
✨Demonstrate Professionalism and Discretion
As a Personal Assistant, you'll need to handle sensitive information. Be sure to convey your understanding of confidentiality during the interview. Share instances where you've exercised discretion and professionalism, as this will reassure them that you can be trusted with important matters.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Make a connection with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team and the organisation's strategic ambitions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
