PA (to the Senior Management Team)

What are we looking for?

We are looking to recruit a confident, client focussed and forward-thinking PA with a high level of discretion to assist the Executive Assistant team in providing support to members of the Senior Management Team (CEO, COO, Global Finance Director, Global Risk Director and Head of Partnership Tax).

This role will work as part of the Senior Management Executive Assistant Team (currently 2 EAs) and will involve dealing with confidential matters in a responsible way. This is an exciting role for a good communicator with a high level of interpersonal skills, required to liaise with people across all offices. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, be very organised and accurate with excellent attention to detail and the ability to use their initiative and exercise judgement in challenging situations. In addition to strong data presentation and analysis skills, the successful candidate will be expected to assist with complex tasks and support projects for the Senior Management Team. The role requires a proactive individual who thrives in a pressurised and fast paced environment.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• Dealing with confidential issues in a responsible way.
• Assist the Executive Assistants / Senior Management Team with:
  • the coordination of meetings, collating agenda items, circulating papers in advance, taking minutes and circulating action points post meeting;
  • coordination support on projects and other initiatives undertaken by the senior management team;
  • conducting data research and analysis and re-arranging in a coherent format for presentation;
  • co-ordination of the communications to partners regarding their tax return process including scheduling meetings for tax team members with individual Partners; collating and distributing paperwork (including the use of mail-merge), booking meeting rooms; and e-filing;
  • the production of the firm’s annual business plan;
  • the organisational aspects of the Global Partner appraisal process including scheduling appraisal meetings, distributing paperwork, creating spreadsheets, booking meeting rooms and collating paperwork;
  • the administration of the partner capital loan process;
  • updating and maintaining areas of the firm's intranet system to include the Management and Partner only sections.
• Extensive and often complex diary management; coordinating meetings to best utilise time, managing diary conflicts and preparing any necessary documentation in advance.
• Provide effective mailbox management and maintenance of all electronic mail, including flagging up of any mail or issues that need attention and on occasion responding to email correspondence.
• Arranging complex travel arrangements working across numerous time zones including producing detailed itineraries, anticipating any additional requirements and obtaining visas if required and keeping HR informed of movements.
• Produce accurate, high quality typed work (to the standardisation requirements) from audio and script work, using any of the software packages and document management systems available on the system, providing a same day service or more urgently as required.
• Proofread documents to ensure an accurate and high standard is maintained, demonstrating strong attention to detail at all times.
• General secretarial duties such as answering calls and assisting them in resolving any queries, processing expenses using Chrome River, e-filing, drafting complex correspondence, producing mail merges, spread sheets and PowerPoint presentations.
• Applications used: Outlook, Microsoft Word, Filesite, Bighand, 3E, Interaction, Powerpoint, Excel, Chrome River.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Qualifications required and experience in sector

• At least three or four years' experience of working in a professional services environment in an administrative/supporting role i.e. Personal Assistant / Executive Assistant
• Excellent academic background, educated to A level or has equivalent professional experience.
• Fast and accurate typing speed (65 words per minute).
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills and strong evidence of business writing and numeracy skills.

Skills and attributes

• Passionate and enthusiastic about providing exceptional client service.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure.
• The integrity to handle highly confidential information appropriately.
• Have the ability to use own initiative to adapt, and think laterally.
• The ability to pick up unfamiliar work quickly and be proactive. 
• Self-motivated and goal focussed, you will enjoy change and variety, and thrive under pressure.
• Technically advanced in Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Experience of Filesite, Bighand, Interaction and Chrome River would be advantageous.

The Essentials

• Full time, [9am to 5pm / 10am to 6pm] but flexibility is a must.
• 12 week probation period.
• 4 week notice period.
• Flexible benefits package including pension, private medical, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, on site café and more.

About Withers

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withers endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withers operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withers to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.