We are Chester Zoo
We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
The Role
We now have an exciting new role for an outstanding Executive Assistant to join our Team.
We’re looking for someone who can:
1. Provide high level, confidential support to the Chief Conservation Officer (CCO), Commercial Director and Executive Directors, to help achieve the organisation’s mission and to deliver the Strategic Development Plan and the Conservation Plan.
2. Act as deputy to the Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO, and in their absence, provide high level support to the CEO, and lead and motivate the Business Support Team.
3. Manage extremely busy and complex diaries and inboxes.
4. Manage the Cedar House Reception function with line management responsibility for the Receptionists.
5. Lead the coordination and facilitation of high-level internal meetings, Committee meetings and events. Record, transcribe and distribute minutes of meetings.
6. Manage complex UK & International travel arrangements for the CCO, Commercial Director and other Executive Directors.
7. Responsible for ensuring good governance, providing company secretarial support for Companies House & the Charities Commission.
8. Support the Society’s Executive, by regular liaison with a wide variety of stakeholders – including, internal staff at all levels, Trustees, Consultants and external customers.
9. Prepare and edit correspondence, communications, presentations and other documents to a high standard for and on behalf of the Executive team.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.
As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.
Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?
The Package
1. Permanent - 30hrs per week
2. Working Hours 7.5hrs worked over 4 days
3. Salary - £29,506.54 per annum based on 30 hours per week
4. 33 days annual leave pro rata to 30 hours, plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
5. Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
6. Cycle to work scheme
7. Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
8. Discounted gym membership
9. Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
10. Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
Our Requirements
1. Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Business Administration qualification or proven equivalent experience providing support at C-Suite level in a similar specialist role.
2. Excellent communication and reporting skills, with the ability to engage and communicate with internal and external stakeholders and senior management essential.
3. Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response.
4. Meticulous with a talent for building relationships, influencing and negotiating effectively.
5. Demonstrate strong leadership and persuasion skills.
6. Strong organisational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritise multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
7. Extensive experience in coordinating complex diaries and diverse work areas, as well as travel arrangements, both nationally and internationally.
8. Ability to tackle complex issues and the vision to contribute positively on a cross-functional basis, using initiative.
9. A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
10. Forward-thinking, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions.
11. Assertive and confident but also able to display empathy and tact in sensitive situations.
12. Extensive knowledge and be an advanced user of standard Microsoft packages including Teams.
Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found and it is possible this will be prior to the advertised end date. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. #J-18808-Ljbffr