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.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in retail and fashion while developing your professional skills.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a dynamic team, making a real impact on the buying process.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA in a fast-paced setting, ideally in retail or fashion.
- Other info: Opportunity to build strong relationships and grow your career in a prestigious environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 ‘can do’ attitude and strong focus on delivery.
- An example of our values, a trusted and respected colleague.
Personal Assistant - Buying Directors employer: Selfridges
Contact Detail:
Selfridges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - Buying Directors
✨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 the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common PA scenarios. Think about how you'd manage multiple diaries or handle unexpected changes. Show us you can think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! As a Personal Assistant in a high-profile environment, your appearance matters. Make sure you look professional and polished to make a great first impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the team at Selfridges.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - Buying Directors
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 and fashion. 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 the PA role. Mention 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. Use professional language but keep it friendly. We appreciate a personal touch that reflects your personality!
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 proactive and keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selfridges
✨Know Your Directors
Before the interview, do some research on the Buying Directors you'll be supporting. Understand their roles, recent projects, and any public appearances they've made. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can support them effectively.
✨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 PA role in a fast-paced environment like Selfridges.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Bring examples of high-quality correspondence you've produced, whether it's emails or reports, to showcase your writing skills during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Resilience
Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to remain calm under pressure or manage a heavy workload. Share how you approached these challenges and what strategies you used to stay organised and focused, as resilience is key in this role.