At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO by managing schedules, preparing meetings, and conducting research.
- Company: A thriving building subcontractor in a vibrant London office.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be the right hand to a COO and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: EA or PA experience, strong communication skills, and excellent IT proficiency.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and contribute to exciting projects in the construction industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
COO and Co-owner of a successful and growing building subcontractor needs a highly capable and proactive EA. This is a permanent role, working in their very nice London office Monday to Friday; hours are 8:00am-5:00pm. You will have a high level of commercial awareness and be a key player in a fast-moving environment, acting as the COO’s right-hand person.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing the COO’s time, priorities and commitments
- Inbox management, correspondence drafting and gatekeeping
- Preparing for meetings (briefings, papers, agendas, actions)
- Following up and chasing action points
- Research projects (commercial, strategic, regulatory or market-based)
- Drafting reports, board papers and briefing notes
- Supporting selected internal projects
- Maintaining digital filing and version management
- Interpreting architectural and construction drawings when needed and understanding and using construction terminology
- Liaising with architects, consultants, contractors and internal technical teams
You will need:
- EA or PA experience with Project Support
- Degree level or equivalent experience
- Strong written communication skills, thrives on responsibility and can work with minimal supervision
- Excellent IT skills (MS Office / Google Workspace; confidence with spreadsheets, presentations and document management)
- Strong organisational and project management capability
- Initiative, common sense and emotional intelligence
If you have experience in construction, architecture, engineering or the wider built environment that would be a plus, as would the ability to read and understand architectural or technical drawings. Experience supporting Senior Leadership or Business owners would be preferred.
Val Wade Recruitment are actively looking for applicants from underrepresented communities and pride ourselves as an equal opportunities employer and agency.
Executive Assistant to COO employer: Val Wade Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Val Wade Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to COO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and architecture sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Executive Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its projects. We want you to show off your commercial awareness and understanding of the industry. Bring up specific projects or challenges they face, and how you can help tackle them!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your organisational skills! Create a mock schedule for the COO’s week, prioritising tasks and commitments. This will not only impress during interviews but also give you a taste of what the role entails.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for proactive candidates who are ready to take on the challenge of supporting a COO.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to COO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your EA or PA experience, especially any project support you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, take the time to craft a clear and concise cover letter. Use it to showcase your ability to draft correspondence and reports, just like you would in the job!
Be Proactive in Your Application: Don’t just send your application and wait! If you have questions about the role or the company, feel free to reach out. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested and proactive.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Val Wade Recruitment
✨Know Your COO
Before the interview, do some research on the COO and the company. Understand their values, recent projects, and any challenges they might be facing in the construction industry. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your organisational prowess. Prepare examples of how you've managed complex schedules or prioritised tasks in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Master the Jargon
Familiarise yourself with construction terminology and architectural concepts. If you can confidently discuss technical drawings or project management terms, it will show that you’re not just capable but also a valuable asset who can communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Think of situations where you had to manage conflicts, handle tight deadlines, or support senior leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.