At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the General Counsel with administrative tasks and manage their busy schedule.
- Company: Join Porterbrook, a leading innovator in the UK rail sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the rail industry.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience supporting senior executives required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About us
Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company. We've been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains. As a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future, we've invested over 3.5bn in new rolling stock and we're actively looking to invest a further 1bn in the years ahead. Since 2020, this includes over 550 million in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure. Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we've been named the global sector leader in the annual GRESB sustainability assessment for the last four years.
About the team
The key objective of the Legal Department is to support the business to achieve its key goals from a legal perspective. We work closely with a range of different teams across the business, in particular, the Commercial, Procurement and Finance teams.
About the role
A great opportunity for an exceptional PA to General Counsel, to join the Porterbrook team.
Role Purpose
To provide comprehensive organisational, administrative and programme support to General Counsel by overseeing the General Counsel's workload/diary, taking a proactive approach to problem-solving and presenting solutions and completing tasks as directed.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide end to end support to General Counsel, providing a responsive and confidential assistance including diary management, inbox support, booking meetings, planning events, organising travel and preparing travel itineraries.
- Prepare correspondence and documents on behalf of General Counsel /Company Secretary using company templates and oversee the process via the electronic signing system Signiflow.
- Work closely with the finance team to prepare and co-ordinate financial documents and Board minutes.
- Provide administrative support in the delivery of assignments and initiatives on behalf of the General Counsel's office as and when required.
- Co-ordinate and schedule all Board, Audit and Remuneration Committee meetings. Maintaining calendar invitations, planning and overseeing the yearly Board meeting schedule.
- Work closely with the CEO, Chairman's office and C-Suite to co-ordinate, format, prepare the agenda, matters arising and following up on action points and distribute bi-monthly Board packs using Diligent and SharePoint.
- Arrange and event manage the Board and Committee meetings, including attendance schedule, catering, accommodation and travel.
- Keep organisational and group structure charts and contact details up to date.
- Dealing with investors to support and provide 'Know Your Client' requests and providing all necessary information.
- E-Filing with Companies House using Diligent Entities of new Directors appointments/resignations and annual Confirmation Statements and Euronext filing and filing of all other legal requirement documents.
- Keep spreadsheet up to date of all company filing deadlines and calendar reminders.
- Filing all documentation on iManage database system and legal filing systems.
- Produce reports as and when required.
- Follow up on action points from meetings on behalf of the General Counsel.
- Provide administrative support to the General Counsel for other non-executive roles.
- Support with delivery and co-ordination of Board papers.
- Support the General Counsel on personal diary commitments where appropriate.
Other Duties
- Support team members with expenses, IT requests, travel and any adhoc requests.
- Work with Commercial team to produce Sales and Purchase agreements, send to customers and using Signiflow to co-ordinate documents and iManage database for filing.
- Provide general administrative support as and when required.
- Create purchase requisitions as required using the Delphi financial system.
- Keep appropriate records of correspondence and papers filed correctly within the company document management system.
- Provide scanning, photocopying, mail and filing services.
- Provide back up support for reception as and when required (meet and greet, lunches, ordering stationery, etc).
- Take responsibility for office management at Lynton House, including being the point of contact with management companies and utility supplier.
Skills / Experience
- Good English language skills.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Experience in Rail Industry.
- Experience working for Board Level Executives.
- Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Experience of using Diligent Board, Diligent Entities, SharePoint, iManage, Companies House portal for E-Filing.
It would be great if you also had
- Experience of providing secretarial and administrative support for Senior Executives.
- High degree of emotional intelligence - ability to balance/assess/deal with challenging situations.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Highly organised.
- High level of computer literacy (especially Microsoft Office and Excel usage), with the ability to pick up new IT systems and ways of working quickly.
- Ability to work in a diverse team.
- Ability to work under pressure to agreed deadlines and adapt to change.
- Ability to retrieve information from relevant sources through research.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive material.
- The flexibility to work additional/out of hours as necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role and meet the business needs.
- Ability to edit PDF documents.
- High levels of attention to detail.
A great place to work
People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:
- Investors in People Gold accreditation.
- Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation.
- National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year.
- National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year.
These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.
To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.
Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:
- 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme.
- Financial wellbeing support.
- Flexible working.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
- Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits.
- Enhanced Armed Forces policies.
- Ongoing support with professional and personal development.
- Long service awards.
- Porterbrook Star awards.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave.
- Additional days annual leave for long service.
- Season ticket loan.
Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at [contact email]. We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period. This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact. Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!
PA to General Counsel - London in Orpington employer: Porterbrook
Porterbrook is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to sustainability, we empower our team to thrive while contributing to the future of the UK rail sector. Our accolades, including Investors in People Gold accreditation, reflect our dedication to fostering a diverse and collaborative culture where every individual can make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to General Counsel - London in Orpington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Porterbrook on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Porterbrook's recent projects and sustainability efforts. Show us that you're genuinely interested in our mission and how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, but also be ready for situational ones. Think about how you'd handle challenges in a fast-paced environment, especially in supporting senior executives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to General Counsel - London in Orpington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the PA to General Counsel role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in administrative support and legal environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your understanding of the rail industry and how you can contribute to our goals.
Showcase Your IT Skills:Since this role requires excellent IT skills, make sure to highlight your proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and any experience with tools like Diligent or SharePoint. We love tech-savvy candidates!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterbrook
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a PA to General Counsel. Familiarise yourself with diary management, document preparation, and the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Diligent and iManage. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Highlight your ability to prioritise and stay organised, as these are crucial skills for supporting a General Counsel effectively.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
The role requires a high degree of emotional intelligence, so prepare to share instances where you've navigated challenging situations or worked with diverse teams. This will show that you can handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that reflect your interest in the company and its future. Inquire about the Legal Department's current projects or how they integrate sustainability into their operations. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in the company's mission.
