Personal Assistant - Audit and Risk (6 month FTC) in London

Personal Assistant - Audit and Risk (6 month FTC) in London

London Temporary 28350 - 34650 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sainsbury's

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support Directors with administrative tasks and ensure smooth operations.
  • Company: Join Sainsbury's, a fast-paced FTSE business focused on customer satisfaction.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and amazing discounts.
  • Other info: Opportunities for growth and a culture that values inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in admin support and excellent communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.

We all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That's waiting for you here at Sainsbury's. For a FTSE business, we move incredibly fast. When we're not leading projects, we're supporting teams across the wider group to achieve their goals. Here, you can see the impact of your work as soon as you walk into a store, giving you a real sense of purpose and responsibility. The team around you will listen to your ideas and opinions, and you'll have every chance to try something new. The scale and complexity of our business mean there's always something new to learn, and we'll support you every step of the way. We're trusted to get on with it. So get ready to make things happen.

Why join us

Joining Sainsbury's means becoming part of an organisation that places the customer at the centre of everything it does. As a Personal Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting Directors to excel in their roles by providing professional and confidential assistance. In our agile environment, you will collaborate seamlessly with teams across the business, utilising the exceptional knowledge, insight, and talent available to us. With opportunities for learning and development, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive range of benefits, including flexible working arrangements, you'll be joining a team that values work-life balance and prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees. Be part of a company that cherishes its values, fosters strong relationships, and places a high emphasis on excellence and confidentiality in everything we do.

What you'll be doing

As a Personal Assistant at Sainsbury's, your role will be crucial in supporting Director(s) to effectively carry out their daily responsibilities. You will provide professional and confidential support, handling administrative, organisational, and analytical tasks typical of a PA. This will include managing diaries, coordinating internal and external meetings, events, and conferences, as well as assisting with presentations, arranging travel and accommodation, and handling expenses. You will act as the first point of contact for the team, investigating queries and ensuring timely and accurate responses. Additionally, you will prioritise and track information required by leaders, collating agendas, recording meeting minutes, and facilitating clear and timely communication with stakeholders at all levels. You will work collaboratively across different functions and build strong professional relationships with the leaders, maintaining discretion and confidentiality. Your excellent communication skills, organisation abilities, and attention to detail will be essential in fulfilling these responsibilities effectively.

Who you are

You are a highly organised and proactive professional dedicated to supporting Directors in their day-to-day roles. With exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, you excel in managing diaries, organising meetings and events, and ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of information. Your proficiency in Microsoft packages and Sainsbury's systems, coupled with your strong analytical and numeracy skills, enables you to handle large amounts of complex information, investigate and analyse data, and provide valuable insights. With your ability to engage and build relationships at all levels, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment, you contribute to the smooth functioning of the team and the overall success of the organisation.

Essential Criteria

  • Demonstrable experience providing administrative and diary management support to senior leaders, including coordinating meetings, events, travel and accommodation arrangements.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, track actions and deliver accurate information within agreed timescales in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience preparing business documentation, such as presentations, agendas, meeting minutes and stakeholder communications.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience using business systems to manage, analyse or report on information.
  • Demonstrable ability to handle confidential information appropriately and build effective working relationships with stakeholders at a range of levels.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you'll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there's always the chance to try something new - whether that's as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we'll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them:

  • Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and instore at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year.
  • We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover.
  • You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 10% of salary, depending on how we perform.
  • Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance and you can buy up to an additional week's holiday.
  • We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before payday) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers.
  • And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.
  • Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks pay for paternity leave.

Please see for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).

Personal Assistant - Audit and Risk (6 month FTC) in London employer: Sainsbury's

Sainsbury's is an excellent employer for those passionate about fashion and design, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a dynamic team, employees can thrive while contributing to innovative womenswear collections that resonate with customers. Located in a supportive environment, Sainsbury's prioritises employee well-being and development, making it a rewarding place to build a career in the fashion industry.

Sainsbury's

Contact Details:

Sainsbury's Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - Audit and Risk (6 month FTC) in London

Leverage Your Network

Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Sainsbury's can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.

Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities

Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Sainsbury's; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.

Showcase Your Flexibility

In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.

Join Corporate Management Forums

Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Sainsbury's.

We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - Audit and Risk (6 month FTC) in London

Diary Management
Administrative Support
Event Coordination
Travel Arrangement
Confidentiality
Communication Skills
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.

Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Sainsbury's and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.

Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Sainsbury's's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's

Show Off Your Leadership Stories

For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.

Be Ready for Situational Questions

Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.

Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks

In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!

Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability

Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.