Personal Assistant

Personal Assistant

Manchester Full-Time 24588 - 34640 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Principalship team with organisation, scheduling, and communication in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join The Manchester College, a leading institution dedicated to lifelong learning.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 35 days holiday, local pension scheme, retail discounts, and well-being days.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your professional skills.
  • Qualifications: 3 years PA experience, excellent MS Office skills, and strong organisational abilities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to safeguarding and inclusivity.

The predicted salary is between 24588 - 34640 £ per year.

Job description

Are you a professional multitasker? At The Manchester College, we have an exciting opportunity in our Principalship Support team as Personal Assistant on a permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) basis across our various campuses.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Personal Assistant to support members of the College Principalship in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Duties will include, but not limited to, managing inboxes and complex diaries, scheduling meetings, minuting meetings, following up actions from meetings, planning high level events, planning diary cycles, and ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day administrative tasks, while always maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Acting as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, you will take initiative to handle requests efficiently. The role requires excellent organisational skills, proficiency in MS Office, and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in supporting the leadership of a large college, delivering impact, and making a real difference in the college community.

Whilst being based in our City Centre Campus, the role will take you cross campuses on occasion to support Principalship.

The Role Responsibilities

As PA to the Principalship you will be responsible for the following.

  • To review and filter all correspondence (via email and post) both internal and external identifying, documents that require immediate attention and dealing personally with routine correspondence and responding accordingly.
  • Liaise with external stakeholders such as MPs, GMCA, Manchester City Council and other key partners, developing close links with key external stakeholders ensuring confidentiality and the reputation is maintained.
  • To take responsibility and use own initiative when dealing with stakeholders without unnecessarily referring to Principalship.
  • To assist the Principalship team with the business planning cycle in line with the governance structure.
  • Preparation of agendas, coordination of papers and PowerPoint presentations for a range of meetings including high level internal/external meetings and ensuring that the Principalship has all relevant information prior to the meetings.
  • Coordination and organisation of ad-hoc events hosted by the Principalship.
  • First point of contact for visitors and enquiries.
  • Office management (maintaining the condition of the office, meeting rooms and kitchen areas are kept clean and tidy.
  • Essential Skills and Qualifications

    To be successful in your application you will need to demonstrate the following:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Personal Assistant role supporting high level senior managers in a fast-paced environment.
  • Minimum typing speed of 60 wpm.
  • An understanding of the importance of Safeguarding in an FE environment.
  • Excellent knowledge of MS Office – Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills.
  • Minimum 5 GCSEs including: GCSE English Language – Grade A to C or 4 – 9, GCSE Maths – Grade A to C or 4 -9.
  • In return for your commitment to us we will also offer:

  • 35 days of Holidays plus 8 Bank holidays.
  • Local Government Pension scheme.
  • Retail Discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • 3 well-being days per year.
  • Who are The LTE Group?

    The LTE Group is largest social enterprises in the UK dedicated to lifelong learning; we truly believe in the power of education to change lives. We consist of The Manchester College, MOL, Total People, UCEN Manchester, Novus, and LTE Group Operations. We are committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for our learners.

    Safeguarding

    The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

    Equal Opportunities Statement

    At The Manchester College, we’re committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. The Manchester College is committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities where we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and student community that reflects Greater Manchester’s and the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.

    The closing date for this job advert is 03/02/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!

    Personal Assistant employer: The Manchester College

    At The Manchester College, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our staff and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Personal Assistant within our Principalship Support team, you will enjoy a range of benefits including 35 days of holiday, a local government pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic educational environment. Our commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being ensures that you will thrive while making a meaningful impact in the college community.
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    Contact Detail:

    The Manchester College Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Manchester College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for the interview by practising common PA scenarios. Think about how you'd handle scheduling conflicts or urgent requests. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your multitasking skills!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Dress the part! First impressions matter, especially in a professional environment. Show up looking sharp and ready to take on the world of personal assistance.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position!

    We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant

    Multitasking
    Organisational Skills
    Time Management
    Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
    Diary Management
    Meeting Coordination
    Minute Taking
    Event Planning
    Confidentiality
    Professionalism
    Communication Skills
    Stakeholder Liaison
    Initiative
    Typing Speed (minimum 60 wpm)
    Understanding of Safeguarding in an FE environment

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a Personal Assistant. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

    Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills and proficiency in MS Office. Give examples of how you've managed complex diaries or coordinated high-level meetings in your previous roles.

    Be Professional and Personable: As the first point of contact, it’s important to convey professionalism while also being approachable. Let your personality shine through in your application, but keep it professional!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!

    How to prepare for a job interview at The Manchester College

    ✨Know Your Role Inside Out

    Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Assistant at The Manchester College. Familiarise yourself with managing complex diaries, handling correspondence, and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

    ✨Showcase Your Multitasking Skills

    During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively, as these are crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

    ✨Demonstrate Proficiency in MS Office

    Since the job requires excellent knowledge of MS Office, be prepared to discuss your experience with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. You might even want to mention any advanced skills or shortcuts you use to improve efficiency. This will show that you can hit the ground running.

    ✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

    At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the Principalship Support team, the college's goals, or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the college is the right fit for you.

    Personal Assistant
    The Manchester College
    Location: Manchester
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