PA to Group People Director

Job Description

PA to Group People Director
Swindon (with hybrid working)

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced PA to join our High Street Head Office to support our Group People Director. This is a fast–paced role where you will be required to truly partner with the Group PD to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that key information and documents are collated and produced from a variety of different sources. You will be her right hand person looking after all the usual PA tasks including diary bookings, travel, email management and meeting co–ordination.

What you ll be doing:

• Preparation for meetings, including the compilation of packs for Exec team meetings, presentations and board papers
• Producing high level presentations for key meetings including Board Meetings and Exec Updates which require pulling in information and data from a variety of sources
• Chairing the Monday Senior HR Leadership Meeting, ensuring that all minutes and actions are captured and followed up ahead of the following session
• Arranging UK and International travel, including flights, trains, hotels, airport parking and managing itineraries
• Comfortably communicate and manage relationships with Senior Managers across WHSmith, external stakeholders and visitors
• Ensure tasks and projects are planned, managed and delivered effectively and timely ensuring a high level of service is always delivered
• HR administration duties such as managing team holiday & absence, managing new starter documents and confidential files
• Proactively identifying opportunities to improve current processes and increase efficiency and effectiveness within the teams
• Providing holiday cover for other Business Unit and PAs
• Acting as a strong ambassador for the People Team and wider business, ensuring a helpful and professional approach at all times

What we are looking for:

• Previous PA/Secretarial experience at a similar level, supporting at least 1 Director is essential
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to liaise with internal stakeholders as well as external suppliers
• Confident MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint user with the ability to manage and prioritise a range of outstanding scheduling requirements
• Highly organised and excellent attention to detail
• Proactive and possess exceptional time management skills in order to effectively prioritise workload
• Ability to work well under pressure, within a fast–paced environment/role
• Personal strength and resilience. A can do philosophy will be essential for success

What we can offer you:
Annual bonus based on company performance
Hybrid working model from home and in the office
24 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
Finish at 4pm on a Friday
Competitive pension contribution
Staff discount card for stores and online

About Us
WHSmith is a leading, global travel retailer with a smaller business located on UK high streets. Since 1792, we ve grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand, and we re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. Today, we have more than 1700 stores in over 30 countries across the globe, serving millions of customers every year, and you ll find us at airports, railway stations, hospitals and on the high street.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and basis of disability. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.