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- 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 working in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a leading retail brand and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a PA in a fast-paced environment, ideally in retail or fashion.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop strong relationships and enhance your organisational skills.
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.
Responsibilities:- 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.
- 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.
- 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 (Maternity Cover) employer: Selfridges
Contact Detail:
Selfridges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - Buying Directors (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! 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 insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews like a pro! Research the Buying Directors and understand their roles. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting them.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects before. This will demonstrate that you can handle the fast-paced environment at Selfridges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Selfridges.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - Buying Directors (Maternity Cover)
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 or fashion. We want to see how your skills align with what we need!
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 experiences that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle multiple demands. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be liaising with key stakeholders, it's crucial to showcase your excellent writing skills. Make sure your application is free of typos and clearly communicates your points. We appreciate attention to detail!
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 keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selfridges
✨Know Your Directors
Before the interview, do some homework on the Buying Directors you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with their roles, recent projects, and any public appearances. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your responses to how you can support them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple diaries or complex travel arrangements in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your attention to detail and ability to prioritise under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a PA, communication is key. Prepare to showcase your writing skills by bringing examples of high-quality correspondence you've produced. You might even want to draft a mock email response to a hypothetical situation they present during the interview to demonstrate your style and professionalism.
✨Prepare for the Unexpected
Given the fast-paced nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you handle ambiguity and changing priorities. Think of a time when you had to adapt quickly to a new situation and explain how you maintained your composure and delivered results despite the challenges.
