At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Buying Directors with diary management and administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join the iconic Selfridges team, known for its world-class reputation in retail.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic setting with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of fashion and retail, making a real impact on key projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA in a fast-paced environment, ideally in retail or fashion.
- Other info: Work with senior executives and build strong professional relationships.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
A Personal Assistant (PA) is a high-profile role in which you will be responsible for providing key administrative support to the Selfridges Buying Directors to ensure efficient and effective workflow in the department. You will build, maintain and ensure the widespread use of efficient systems of working within a fast-paced and often challenging environment and support with diary management and administration. You will play a key role in supporting the control of expenditure and will liaise with key stakeholders on a regular basis. As PA to our 4 Buying Directors you will help to ensure Selfridges maintains its world-class reputation and environment by ensuring each of our directors have the highest level of support to perform their key roles within the business.
As Personal Assistant you will:
- Effectively manage the diaries for 4 Buying Directors - scheduling appointments, meetings
- Ensure the Head Office teams are equipped with the necessary information and resources to meet their obligations
- Act as the gatekeeper for the Buying Directors in terms of access to them, interfacing with key internal and external stakeholders
- Oversee the smooth running of the Head Office offices, which includes but is not limited to being a point of contact for all key stakeholders and handling ad hoc queries from all areas of the business.
- Oversee the planning of key calendar events within the Buying function such as Fashion Week which includes but is not limited to organising travel arrangements, buying appointments, requesting show tickets etc.
A bit about you:
- As an experienced and forward-thinking PA, you will have a background working in a fast-paced demanding environment, ideally in the retail and fashion industry.
- You will have experience managing diaries and travel bookings for multiple people at a time, specifically at senior level.
- Proficient with the entire MS Suite
- Resilient and able to manage a heavy workload
- Experience with supporting travel itineraries and supporting teams across different time zones
- You will have an excellent track record of building and maintaining strong working relationships.
- Your interpersonal skills will ensure you have the ability to communicate with individuals across all levels of the business, especially at Exec.
- You will also possess excellent writing skills in order to communicate effectively via email and produce high-quality correspondence.
- Focused and systematic, you will have the ability to manage and prioritise multiple demands.
- You will effectively manage your time between completing any ad hoc requests and fulfilling your normal day-to-day responsibilities.
- Your excellent attention-to-detail and organisational capability will ensure you respond to Directors' requests accurately and efficiently.
- Your high level of resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure will enable you to deal with ambiguity as well as work effectively within certain constraints and timelines.
- You will operate proactively and be able to anticipate relevant issues before they arise.
- Your flexibility will also allow you to be responsive in situations that may change unexpectedly.
- You will be professional and discrete in your use and management of highly sensitive and confidential information.
- Resilient and resourceful with a strong βcan doβ attitude and strong focus on delivery.
- An example of our values, a trusted and respected colleague.
Personal Assistant - Buying Directors (Maternity Cover) in London employer: Selfridges
Contact Detail:
Selfridges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - Buying Directors (Maternity Cover) in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Selfridges or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job openings.
β¨Tip Number 2
Nail that interview prep! Research the Buying Directors and understand their roles. Prepare questions that show your interest in their work and how you can support them as a PA.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've managed multiple diaries or handled tight schedules. This will demonstrate you're the perfect fit for the fast-paced environment.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining the Selfridges team and ready to support our Buying Directors.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - Buying Directors (Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Personal Assistant role. Highlight your experience in managing diaries and supporting senior executives, especially in fast-paced environments like retail or fashion. We want to see how your skills align with what weβre looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youβre the perfect fit for the PA role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple demands and built strong relationships in previous roles. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since excellent writing skills are key for this position, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We appreciate attention to detail, so take the time to proofread your documents before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows youβre proactive and keen to join our team at Selfridges!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selfridges
β¨Know Your Directors
Before the interview, take some time to research the Buying Directors you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with their backgrounds, styles, and any recent projects they've been involved in. This will not only help you understand their needs better but also show your genuine interest in the role.
β¨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple diaries or complex schedules in the past. Highlight your ability to prioritise tasks and handle unexpected changes, as this is crucial for a Personal Assistant in a fast-paced environment like Selfridges.
β¨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, it's essential to showcase your excellent writing and verbal communication skills. Bring examples of high-quality correspondence you've produced and be ready to discuss how you adapt your communication style to different audiences.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and resilience under pressure. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage conflicting priorities or deal with ambiguity, and be ready to explain how you navigated those situations effectively.