At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO with diary management, correspondence, and administrative systems.
- Company: Dynamic organisation committed to professional growth and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health plans, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunities for volunteering and career development in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Personal Assistant with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Role Purpose
The Leadership Personal Assistant will provide comprehensive, professional support to the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring effective diary and time management to enable delivery of objectives in line with business and customer deadlines. The role is responsible for prioritising, monitoring, and coordinating email and written correspondence, as well as establishing and maintaining efficient administrative systems and processes. This includes the secure management, storage, and retrieval of information, with particular care for confidential, strategic, personal, and business‑critical materials.
Key Accountabilities
- Provide high level, proactive personal assistant support to the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and effective use of time.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, managing communications with professionalism and discretion.
- Manage, escalated, or delegate issues appropriately within the management chain, providing clear instructions and deadlines, and ensuring timely follow up and resolution.
- Ensure all meetings are effectively prepared in advance, with agendas and relevant materials compiled and distributed, and actions tracked through to completion.
- Work collaboratively as a strong team player, building positive and effective relationships with colleagues, teams, and other EAs/PAs.
- Prioritise competing requests effectively and proactively resolve issues where appropriate, using sound judgement and initiative.
Key Capabilities / Knowledge
- Absolute discretion, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information at all times.
- Loyal, confident, and self‑aware, demonstrating sound judgement and professionalism.
- Highly motivated self‑starter with the initiative and capability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
- Achievement focused, with a strong commitment to delivering high quality outcomes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at all levels.
- Highly effective planning and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Proven ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities calmly and effectively.
- Strong relationship building skills, with the ability to establish trust and credibility across the Performance Leadership Team and the EA/PA community.
- Proactive management and de‑confliction of complex appointment schedules.
- Flexible, approachable, and adaptable, with a friendly and collaborative working style.
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience in a Personal Assistant role at senior level with a track record of operating with high levels of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
- Extensive knowledge of MS Office and virtual connectivity platforms.
- Ideally, current Security Clearance.
Benefits
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
- Competitive holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days.
- Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance.
- Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more.
- We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
- Volunteering Opportunities – helping charities and local community.
Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.
Leadership Personal Assistant in Farnborough employer: QinetiQ
As a Leadership Personal Assistant, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and employee well-being. Our company offers a competitive benefits package, including a matched contribution pension scheme and health insurance options, alongside a culture that values collaboration and integrity. With opportunities to engage in community volunteering and a commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, we ensure that our employees find meaningful and rewarding experiences in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leadership Personal Assistant in Farnborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the hunt for a Leadership Personal Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its leadership team. Understand their values and objectives so you can tailor your responses to show how you can support the Chief Operating Officer effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a PA, you'll need to manage correspondence with professionalism. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Leadership Personal Assistant in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a Personal Assistant. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities. We want to see how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities in the past, so share specific examples!
Be Professional Yet Approachable:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, it's important to convey professionalism in your written application while also showing your friendly and collaborative nature.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ
✨Know Your Boss
Before the interview, do some research on the Chief Operating Officer and their leadership style. Understanding their priorities and how they like to work will help you tailor your responses and show that you're ready to support them effectively.
✨Master the Art of Communication
As a Leadership Personal Assistant, communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've managed communications in previous roles, especially under pressure. Highlight your ability to maintain professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss your planning and organisational strategies. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed complex schedules or prioritised competing requests in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Show your friendly and collaborative working style by engaging with them and asking insightful questions about the team dynamics and company culture. This will highlight your relationship-building skills.
