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- Tasks: Support the CEO with diary management, meeting coordination, and stakeholder liaison.
- Company: Join the Scotch Whisky Association, a key player in the whisky industry.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of an iconic industry and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA/PA with strong organisational and communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with senior stakeholders and exciting challenges.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is the trade association for the Scotch Whisky industry. We support and represent our members across a wide range of priorities, including industry promotion, regulatory and legal matters, sustainability, and protecting the Scotch Whisky category worldwide. We are recruiting an Executive Assistant to provide high-quality, proactive support to our Chief Executive. This is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, working closely with senior colleagues to ensure priorities are well managed, meetings are well run, and actions are followed through. We welcome applications from candidates based in either London or Edinburgh, and the role is designed to work effectively across both locations. The role reports to the COO and will also support governance and follow-up activity linked to the Company Secretary function. You will liaise regularly with senior external stakeholders, including government/political stakeholders, dignitaries and key member contacts.
What you’ll be doing:
- Managing diaries and coordinating internal and external meetings for the CEO.
- Liaising with senior external stakeholders on behalf of the CEO (including key member contacts, politicians and dignitaries), coordinating arrangements with professionalism, diplomacy and discretion.
- Ensuring meetings are well prepared: agendas, papers, briefings and logistics.
- Taking notes where required and maintaining action trackers; following up actions to ensure progress and delivery.
- Supporting leadership and governance administration as required (meeting scheduling, papers, records).
- Supporting the COO with Company Secretary-related coordination, including paper collation, maintaining accurate records, and tracking follow-up actions.
- Providing flexible organisational support as required, including coordination around leadership activity, governance processes and events/VIP logistics.
- Drafting and formatting professional correspondence and documentation.
What we’re looking for:
- You’ll be an experienced EA/PA or senior administrator with strong judgement, discretion, and excellent organisational skills.
- You will be confident working with senior internal and external stakeholders, able to manage competing priorities, and comfortable taking initiative to keep things moving.
- A strong customer service mindset and practical problem-solving skills are important, given the varied stakeholders and pace of the role.
Essential:
- Strong experience in executive/senior administrative support.
- Demonstrable customer service experience and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to resolving issues.
- Demonstrable experience dealing confidently and professionally with senior external stakeholders, exercising diplomacy, discretion and sound judgement.
- Excellent planning and prioritisation skills, with high attention to detail.
- Confident communicator with strong written skills.
- Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
- Strong Microsoft 365 capability (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint/OneDrive).
Desirable:
- Governance/committee administration experience (papers, minutes, action logs).
- Project coordination or workstream tracking experience.
- Experience supporting event logistics and/or VIP hosting arrangements.
- Experience in a customer-facing environment (e.g., hospitality, professional services, member-facing services, or front-line stakeholder support).
How to apply:
The post can be based in London or Edinburgh, with hybrid working. Please complete our application form found on our website. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive employer: The Scotch Whisky Association
Contact Detail:
The Scotch Whisky Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the Scotch Whisky Association. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their role in the Scotch Whisky industry and think about how your skills as an EA can support their mission. This will help you stand out during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be liaising with senior stakeholders, being articulate and confident is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to sharpen your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the team at the Scotch Whisky Association.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Executive Assistant. We want to see how you can bring value to our Chief Executive and the Scotch Whisky Association!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong written communication skills. Use clear, professional language in your application to reflect your ability to draft correspondence and documentation effectively.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: We’re looking for someone with excellent planning and prioritisation skills. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities and kept things running smoothly in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the SWA.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Scotch Whisky Association
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Executive Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the Scotch Whisky Association's mission and values, as well as the specific tasks mentioned in the job description. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Given the importance of liaising with senior external stakeholders, think about potential scenarios you might face. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed relationships or resolved conflicts with high-profile individuals. This will showcase your diplomacy and discretion.
✨Master the Art of Organisation
As an Executive Assistant, strong organisational skills are crucial. Bring a few examples of how you've effectively managed competing priorities or streamlined processes in previous roles. You could even create a mock agenda or action tracker to show your planning skills during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent written and verbal communication, be ready to discuss how you've crafted professional correspondence in the past. Consider bringing samples of documents you've created or summarising how you ensure clarity and professionalism in your communications.
