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- Tasks: Support the Alliance Directors and manage administrative tasks for the East West Rail project.
- Company: VolkerRail is a top railway infrastructure contractor, delivering major projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, training opportunities, and perks like birthday leave and discounts.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team on a prestigious £1 billion project that connects communities and enhances services.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths; experience in administration; strong communication and organisational skills.
- Other info: Open to applicants with diverse backgrounds; we value inclusion and support your growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
VolkerRail is a leading multidisciplinary railway infrastructure contractor on heavy and light rail networks. Our ability to continuously deliver projects, from smaller contracts through to our involvement in nationally significant major schemes, has helped our clients bring communities together and provide better services for passengers. VolkerRail comprises two businesses - Major Projects, which is an expert in collaborative working, leading on large, multidisciplinary joint venture and alliance projects, and Specialist Businesses, made up of expert divisions in signalling, track, power, electrification, and piling, and has an in-house plant division and bespoke design teams. These work independently, as subcontractors to the rail sector, or collectively as a Tier One contractor for larger frameworks.
The East West Rail Alliance is a “pure” alliance consisting of three Non-Owner Participants (NOPs); VolkerRail, Atkins Global, Laing O’Rourke and the Owner Participant (OP), Network Rail. East West Rail (EWR) phase 2 is a £1 billion programme and one of the most prestigious projects in the UK Infrastructure pipeline. It will provide a strategic route linking key centres of economic activity between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Bedford.
We have a great opportunity for a Project Executive Assistant on a 4 month fixed term contract to join the Major Projects business working on the East West Rail (EWR) Alliance project based in the Midlands. You will be responsible for:
- Act as the Executive Assistant to the Alliance Director and Commercial Director as well as supporting the Alliance Management Team Leads as required i.e. production of board packs, coordination of diaries, administration of cyclic AMT / ALT meeting schedules, organisation of leadership meetings, AMT reservations.
- Alliance Line management of office administration / reception staff.
- Professional Leadership of Compound located administrative staff.
- Expense processing for the Alliance e.g. venue costs, travel etc, including the raising of requisitions.
- Alliance business rhythm management including preparation of meeting agendas, performance of research for meetings, and take formal records during meetings as directed.
- Book business logistics via approved arrangements, e.g. travel arrangements, transportation, and accommodation for AMT, where appropriate.
- Communicate with Alliance Leadership Team, coordinate agenda and reporting packs and action tracking to closure.
- Liaise with other Alliance teams / staff members on behalf of AMT.
- Plan, organise and execute events on or off site, such as Team Brief Plus, Early Talent Networking, Supervisors’ forum.
- Lead on the production of internal communications channels on behalf of the AMT, e.g. Alliance Update, Project Focus, etc.
- Act as local PoC for external / stakeholder communications activity monitoring the stakeholder communications database and engaging AMT, NOP and OP deployed stakeholder comms leads as required.
- Act as administrative support to Alliance PoC for LA highways road space permit bookings.
- Manage and co-ordinate collaborative working events and training modules acting as SPoC for any consultant or NOP / OP activity associated with.
- Provide administrative support to NOP & OP HR Partners on Alliance HR matters.
- Logistical support with arrangements for community support activities e.g. educational visits, volunteering events and local area forums.
- Flexibly work within the team to help achieve overall project objectives.
About you:
- 5 GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths.
- Proven experience in a similar role.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Logistical planning / organisational skills.
- Proactive and take the initiative.
- Strong knowledge of standard software packages and the ability to learn Alliance-specific software if required.
- Discretion and trustworthiness: you will often be party to confidential information.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
- Output driven.
- Tact and diplomacy.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us? VolkerRail is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerRail are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients. We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary.
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday.
- Pension.
- Life Assurance.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts.
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training.
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits.
- Employee Assistance programme.
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support.
Fairness, inclusion and respect: We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk.
Additional information: Note for Recruitment Agencies: Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to careers@volkerwessels.co.uk. VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
Project Executive Assistant employer: Volkerrail Group
Contact Detail:
Volkerrail Group Recruiting Team
careers@volkerwessels.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Executive Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the East West Rail project and its significance in the UK infrastructure landscape. Understanding the project's goals and challenges will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the railway infrastructure sector, especially those involved in the East West Rail Alliance. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your organisational skills by preparing a mock agenda for a hypothetical meeting related to the project. This will showcase your proactive approach and ability to manage logistics effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research VolkerRail's values and recent projects to align your discussions with their mission. Showing that you share their commitment to innovation and community engagement can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Executive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the responsibilities of a Project Executive Assistant. Focus on your organisational skills, communication abilities, and any logistical planning experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for VolkerRail. Mention your understanding of the railway infrastructure sector and express your enthusiasm for the East West Rail project.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise key skills mentioned in the job description, such as discretion, adaptability, and proficiency in standard software packages. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volkerrail Group
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about VolkerRail and its projects, especially the East West Rail Alliance. Understanding their mission and recent developments will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to your experience as an Executive Assistant, particularly in logistics and communication. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar responsibilities in the past and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong logistical planning and organisational skills, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised.
✨Emphasise Discretion and Trustworthiness
Given the confidential nature of the role, be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to handle sensitive information. Emphasising your discretion and trustworthiness will reassure the interviewers of your suitability for the position.
