At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Centre Director with executive-level tasks and manage communications effectively.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and numerous discounts.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in engineering education.
- Qualifications: A-Level standard or equivalent, with experience in senior secretarial roles.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
As Executive Assistant, you will provide executive level support to the Centre Director and Director of Education to ensure they are fully supported in their day-to-day roles and on projects and activities related to the Centre of Engineering Education and Skills, the Faculty of Engineering and the University. Due to the complexity of the Director's role, it is essential that the post-holder is able to work quickly to meet deadlines, to balance competing priorities and to be proactive, forward planning to anticipate requirements and put in place arrangements. Strong team-working skills are required, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail. Much of the business of the Director's office is highly confidential and sensitive and may have human resources or public relations implications, and so the ability to act with discretion and sensitivity is critical.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Provide professional and confidential Executive Assistant support to the Centre of Engineering Education and Skills Director and the Director of Education.
- Be the first point of contact for enquiries to both Directors.
- Deal with high volumes of correspondence on behalf of both the Centre Director and Director of Education.
- Undertake diary and event management and coordination for the Directors.
- Support Director and Centre Manager in the drafting and preparation of correspondence, reports and presentations.
- Assist the organisation of Centre events involving staff, students and visitors.
- Maintain document filing systems for critical Centre documents and logs.
- Provide financial support to the Director and Centre Manager.
- Service Centre committees and any other meeting as required.
- Plan and organise individual and Centre team activity over short, medium and long-term.
- Support the Centre Manager in the improvement of systems and processes within the School.
- Undertake other activities as required to ensure that all administrative activities within the Centre are undertaken in a timely and efficient manner.
Person specification:
- Educated to A-Level standard (or equivalent qualifications/experience).
- Experience of working in a senior secretarial/PA role.
- High level IT skills, including advanced use of internet and email, as well as the Microsoft Office suite and/or Google Apps.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills.
- Ability to operate effectively under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience of working as a team member.
- Ability to analyse and solve problems creatively.
- Ability to maintain complete confidentiality.
- Experience of working across departments, Faculties and central University teams.
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 2nd October 2026. This will consist of an in-person interview and a test given on the day.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria you will be invited to interview.
Executive Assistant to Centre Director in Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield offers an exceptional environment for PhD candidates, particularly in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, where cutting-edge research in machine learning and autonomous systems thrives. With a fully funded studentship that includes a generous tax-free stipend, students benefit from access to modern facilities and collaborative opportunities with leading experts at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The supportive work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, making it an ideal place for aspiring researchers to develop their skills and contribute to impactful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to Centre Director in Sheffield
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to Centre Director in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to University of Sheffield.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of University of Sheffield. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with University of Sheffield, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at University of Sheffield, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
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Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for University of Sheffield could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
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