At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide proactive support to the Head, managing communications and priorities.
- Company: Join Oakham School, a leading independent school with a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare plan, and free meals.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available; great opportunity for career growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of the school's operations and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and emotional intelligence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
Oakham School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Executive Assistant to provide high-quality, proactive and confidential support to the Head. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is highly organised, digitally confident, emotionally intelligent and keen to play a central role in the smooth running of the Head's Office.
The successful candidate will be a trusted and professional support to the Head, helping to manage her diary, communications, meetings, priorities and follow-up actions. This is not simply a traditional administrative role. We are looking for someone who can think ahead, use initiative and anticipate what needs to be done.
The successful candidate will be able to manage competing demands calmly, prepare clear and accurate briefing materials, handle sensitive information with discretion and build effective relationships with colleagues, parents, governors and external partners. The role could suit an experienced Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant or senior administrator looking for a varied and high-profile role. Equally, we welcome applications from exceptional graduates or early-career professionals who can demonstrate strong organisational skills, excellent judgement, emotional intelligence and a genuine desire to learn while working closely alongside the Head of a leading independent school.
The ideal candidate will be proactive, polished, discreet and solutions-focused, with excellent attention to detail and the confidence to make things happen. They will be comfortable working at pace, able to prioritise effectively and committed to supporting the Head in a way that is professional, calm and forward-thinking.
We are open to considering applications from candidates seeking either a full-time role or a reduced working pattern of approximately 0.8 FTE. Some flexibility may also be available during School holiday periods, subject to the operational needs of the Head's Office.
Oakham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo all relevant safer recruitment checks. Please note that in accordance with KCSIE Guidance Oakham School may undertake online searches as part of our due diligence for shortlisted candidates.
Executive Assistant to the Head in Oakham employer: Oakham School
Oakham School is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and organisation thrive. With flexible hours and a focus on employee growth, staff are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to a respected music department that values collaboration and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Head in Oakham
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Oakham School.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Oakham School.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Head in Oakham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Oakham School.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Oakham School. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakham School
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Oakham School, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Oakham School, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Oakham School could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Oakham School as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
