At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch administrative support to the Director and manage their busy schedule.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation focused on rehabilitation and personal development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, wellbeing support, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a team dedicated to reducing re-offending and helping individuals thrive.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while supporting senior leadership in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Personal Assistant with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Location: HMP Forest Bank, M27 8FB
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £34,000 per annum plus Sodexo benefits
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly organised, professional, and proactive Personal Assistant to join the senior leadership support team at HMP Forest Bank. Reporting directly to the Director, you will provide comprehensive and confidential administrative and secretarial support, ensuring the effective management of the Director's Office and contributing to the smooth operation of the establishment. This role requires exceptional organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including colleagues, external partners, public sector organisations, and visitors. You will also provide support to the Deputy Director and Head of Reducing Reoffending when required and play a key role in staff engagement initiatives across the prison.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide full confidential Personal Assistant support to the Director.
- Manage and coordinate the Director's diary, ensuring effective use of time and prioritisation of commitments.
- Organise, prepare for, attend, and minute meetings, maintaining accurate records and action plans.
- Maintain effective filing and document retrieval systems.
- Act as the first point of contact for internal and external communications, responding appropriately and professionally.
- Screen telephone calls and emails, redirecting or responding on behalf of the Director where appropriate.
- Arrange travel, accommodation, and related logistics as required.
- Undertake general office administration duties, including stationery ordering and post management.
- Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, external organisations, and public sector partners.
- Act as Staff Engagement Lead and serve as the main point of contact for employee engagement initiatives.
- Provide administrative support to the Deputy Director and Head of Reducing Reoffending as required.
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills and Experience
- Previous experience in a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, or similar administrative support role.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Strong secretarial skills, including accurate typing and minute-taking.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to draft professional correspondence and responses independently.
- Self-motivated with a flexible and proactive approach to work.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience acting as the first point of contact for visitors, clients, and stakeholders.
- Previous experience working within a custodial, justice, prison, or related public sector environment.
- Experience supporting staff engagement, wellbeing, or employee initiatives.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a professional and purpose-driven organisation where you will play a key role in supporting senior leadership and contributing to the effective delivery of services. You will work alongside dedicated colleagues and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through your support and organisational expertise.
About Sodexo Careers
Sodexo’s vision for HMP Forest Bank is to create and maintain a safe, stable, and progressive environment with modern facilities dedicated to reducing re-offending and enabling individuals to fulfil their potential. Every aspect of the prison is designed to help prisoners make meaningful progress in their sentence and personal development goals within a culture focused on rehabilitation.
We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
- Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular big-brand retailers
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
- Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
- Sodexo UK and Ireland's enhanced benefits and leave policies
Personal Assistant in Salford employer: Sodexo Group
Sodexo at HMP Forest Bank is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and purpose-driven work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a culture centred around rehabilitation, you will have access to extensive benefits, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme and opportunities for career growth. Join a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a collaborative atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant in Salford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Sodexo Group!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Sodexo Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Sodexo Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Sodexo Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Sodexo Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sodexo Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Sodexo Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Sodexo Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Sodexo Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
