At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO by managing schedules, meetings, and key initiatives.
- Company: Join a dynamic corporate environment with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with AI solutions and enhance operational efficiency.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of decision-making and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: A-Level education and previous admin experience in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Key Accountabilities
- Executive support and prioritisation: Manage the COO’s schedule, inbox, and competing demands, ensuring time is aligned to strategic priorities.
- Meeting and governance support: Plan and support Executive Committee, Board and leadership meetings, schedule meetings, set agendas, draft minutes, capture outcomes and ensure follow-through on decisions.
- Strategic coordination: Track key initiatives, follow up on actions and ensure progress across projects and departments.
- Business insight and decision support: Prepare briefings, presentations and other communications demonstrating a strong understanding of the business, performance metrics and priorities.
- Stakeholder management: Act as a trusted liaison between the COO and internal/external stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication.
- Confidentiality & discretion: Handle sensitive information with professionalism and sound judgement.
- Process improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve efficiency and enhance ways of working.
- Operational Support: Assist with day-to-day administration and operational tasks including travel, expenses, arranging offsite and ad hoc projects to keep the COO's functions running effectively.
- Be part of the broader Business Support network. Work with and alongside EA/PA community, providing support, knowledge transfer, and holiday cover.
- Subject to the needs of the business and demand of workload this role in the future may support multiple stakeholders.
Role Requirements
- Skills/Competencies Required:
- Relationship building – must be customer focused; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with both internal and external parties.
- Team Player – ability to work well in a team as well as on own initiative.
- Organisation/Planning – Plans, organises, schedules and budgets in an efficient, organised manner. Focuses on key priorities.
- Communication (oral) – Communicates well one on one and in small groups. Keeps people informed of situation regarding business issues.
- Communication (written) – Writes clear, precise, well-organised documents using appropriate vocabulary, correct grammar and word usage.
- Artificial Intelligence – keen interest in exploring AI solutions for process improvement/efficiency.
- Stable and poised under pressure.
- Resourcefulness/Initiative – Passionately finds ways over, around, or through barriers to success. Achieves results despite lack of resources. Goes beyond the call of duty. Shows bias for action. A results-oriented “doer”. Excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Adaptability – Not rigid. Copes effectively with complexity and change.
- Confidentiality/discretion.
- First Impression - Professional in demeanour. Creates favourable first impression.
Qualifications
- Educated to at least A-Level standard.
- Formal secretarial qualifications e.g. diploma – advantageous.
- Microsoft Office - PowerPoint- intermediate/advanced level.
Experience
- Previous admin experience in a fast-paced, corporate environment - essential.
- Experience of working as a Legal Assistant or in the Insurance/Financial environment - desirable.
- Experience of managing conflicting priorities and multiple stakeholders to deadlines.
Executive Assistant employer: Westfield Insurance
As an Executive Assistant at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer competitive benefits, a collaborative environment, and the opportunity to engage with senior leadership while contributing to strategic initiatives. Located in a vibrant area, our workplace fosters innovation and encourages a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Westfield Insurance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Westfield Insurance.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant
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 Westfield Insurance.
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 Westfield Insurance. 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 Westfield Insurance
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Westfield Insurance, 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 Westfield Insurance, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Westfield Insurance 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
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Westfield Insurance as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
