Executive Assistant Watford, East of England, England
Job description
Our Executive Assistant to the Chief Digital and Marketing Officer and Chief Information Technology Officer is a key role within our EA team, and an exciting and unique opportunity that does not come up very often.
As a relatively newly formed PLC, we are on a journey to grow an in-house ‘Wickes Technology function’ and our CITO is looking for an experienced EA to support in building his team and setting the function up for success and help drive the efficient functioning of Wickes Tech. You will also support our Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, and play a key role in the fast paced and high energy Marketing and Digital team.
Working alongside the wider EA team to provide an exceptional support capability for the Leadership Team, you will be responsible for all aspects of diary management and administration for both directors, with some involvement in broader activity and ad hoc projects.
The focus on adding value across a number of broader activities will require critical thinking and a naturally curious and analytical mindset. As a self-starter with a proactive attitude you will be able to anticipate critical activities that your Exec Leaders will need, alongside being actively involved in helping to build the foundations of a successful IT function . You will also be comfortable ‘rolling your sleeves up’ to support the leadership teams as they require, and demonstrate a genuine interest in getting to know your functions to be able to proactively support the business in this key role.
This is a great opportunity to progress and develop your career. You will ideally have demonstrable experience as a PA or EA for Senior teams, and alongside this there are a set of transferable skills that will be essential for success.
Organisation and Prioritisation: A self starter able to show proactivity and initiative around all aspects of diary management and administration. Working with multiple stakeholders, across a broad range of activities the role requires balancing multiple priorities, and an ability to anticipate critical information that the Directors will need, alongside being actively involved in every aspect of what they do.
Attention to Detail: Managing shifting priorities and working to tight deadlines, requires a keen eye for detail and accuracy
Communication: As a spokesperson for the Chief Digital and Marketing Officer and CITO, the EA represents the culture and style of these individuals and the broader Leadership Teams, therefore exceptional communication skills are fundamental in this role. An ability to adapt communication styles is essential as interactions will be extremely varied - internally and externally across all levels including the Board, customers, suppliers and partners. Situations need to be presented clearly and accurately, often whilst working under time pressure.
Emotional Intelligence: The breadth and depth of interaction internally and externally, requires a proven track record in building and maintaining relationships with a high degree of emotional intelligence.
Speed and Decisiveness: An ability to work at pace, summarising situations, gathering necessary information, asking the right questions, and reaching timely and proactive decisions is also paramount.
Discretion and Trust: As a trusted confidant and counsel, the EA should demonstrate a high level of integrity, discretion and confidentiality at all times
This is a role that you can really make your own, working across the business, developing close relationships with the senior team and colleagues at all levels of the organisation provides opportunity for both career and personal development.
To be successful in this role, you will be based in our Watford support centre 3-4 days per week, working from home/remotely on a Friday. Some ad hoc UK travel may also occasionally be required.
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us
We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes
Competitive bonus
Save-as-you-earn scheme
Life Assurance
Contributory pension scheme
Colleague discount
Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
You’ll work from our Support Centre in Watford, where our Executive and EA team are based, along with our other support functions. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture.
About Us:
Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.
But it is the Wickes’ culture that is considered its best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview
