Executive Assistant

About our culture

The Works is such a welcoming place to… well… work!

Our atmosphere is supportive, friendly and inclusive. A second home-from-home where you can be your best and authentic you.

We’ve built an environment that’s busy, always moving, and full of energy. Yet we still make space to share must-watch TV recommendations and our favourite page-turners!

We’re a proactive and hardworking bunch who are dedicated to inspiring and empowering our customers to read, learn, create and play.

It’s the perfect place for people who know how to roll their sleeves up, get creative, and put their passion and imagination to work… we’re people who ‘do’!

If you’re the kind of person who is as ’crafty’, ‘caring’ and ‘can-do’ as we are, then this is the kind of culture for you.

What we will give to you!

• 25% off colleague discount in-store and online (Often increased to 50% off for seasonal offers!)
• 33 days holiday (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Holiday Purchase scheme to increase your annual leave entitlement by 5 extra days per year
• Access to our MyWorks reward platform which has thousands of exclusive online discounts across hundreds of well-known retailers, utilities, holidays and much more!
• Hybrid working – This varies by department, but typically we’re working to 1 or 2 days per week in the office
• Save As You Earn (SAYE) scheme. Become a shareholder and buy your own piece of The Works by buying shares at an exclusive discounted rate direct-from-salary
• Company pension contribution
• Can-Do Academy – Instant access to training and development programmes when it suits you
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Health, Wellbeing and Financial support through the Retail Trust and our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Because you matter!
• Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free Car Parking when on-site at our Support Centre
• Optional Charity Giving schemes – Pennies from Heaven and Give as you Earn
  
  

About the Role

A fantastic opportunity has become available to support our Chief Exec (CEO) in an Executive Assistant Role.  This role will directly report to our CEO and is a vital part of our Senior Leadership team.  It goes without saying that there will be some routine administration work but more importantly you will be an important enabler in coordinating the many exciting company strategic initiatives we have ongoing as part of our Better, not just Bigger Strategy. 

Key Responsibilities

Administrative

• Diary management and mailbox management for CEO - proactive management of busy calendars, heavy scheduling of meetings and calls, involving multiple diaries, drafting and flagging of emails, and prioritising time in line with company objectives.
• Preparing a variety of correspondence; reports, presentations and spreadsheets as required.  Ensuring all meetings/calls are prepared for in advance with all required materials and documents distributed ahead of time.
• Record next steps from meetings as required, track deliverables and follow up to ensure change is happening.
• Organising travel and managing expenses – proactively plan and organise frequent travel keeping cost focus at the forefront.  Accurate and timely processing of expenses and credit card reconciliations.

Strategic

• Proactive planning with CEO to scope out management strategy sessions and Ops Board meeting content. 
• Supporting with our strategic project planning, coordinating, communicating and following up where needed.

Operational/Plc Board

• Work with the Company Secretary to formulate the annual reporting calendar and board meeting schedules.
• Board meetings - assist the CEO and their direct reports in preparing, packaging and formatting various Board and Committee presentations and materials.

Brand/Comms Management

• Be a positive ambassador to the C-Suite and The Works
• Work with the Internal Comms team to draft/co-ordinate CEO communications, blogs and presentations for company business updates.

About you

• PASSIONATE – In everything you do – you want to learn, you want to grow and you want to develop the service we offer
• STRONG COMMUNICATOR – You enjoy building and developing relationships with people, keeping everyone up to date
• HIGHLY ORGANISED – You can prioritise your workload, meet expectations and keep your promises
• PROACTIVE – You always look for the next thing to pick up and are willing to help out where you might be needed
• ENGAGING – You are active in meetings, asking questions and ensuring constructive discussions when required
• TEAM PLAYER – A collaborative member of the team who works well with and supports their colleagues
• ATTENTION TO DETAIL – Having a thorough and accurate approach, producing high quality work
• CUSTOMER FOCUS – You put the customer at the heart of everything you do

Finally, the bit about The Works

We are working towards our ambition of becoming one of the most loved retailers in the UK and the go-to place for reading, learning, creativity and play.

We believe in the importance of fun and fulfilment and taking time out to do the things you love.
With 525 stores nationwide and a strong multi-channel proposition, our mission is to offer a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, built on core principles of value, variety and quality.

We’re super proud to be certified as two star ‘Outstanding to work for’ via Best Companies for three years running and a Sunday Times 2020 Top 25 Best Big Companies to work for.

#LI-Hybrid

About our culture

The Works is such a welcoming place to… well… work!

Our atmosphere is supportive, friendly and inclusive. A second home-from-home where you can be your best and authentic you.

We’ve built an environment that’s busy, always moving, and full of energy. Yet we still make space to share must-watch TV recommendations and our favourite page-turners!

We’re a proactive and hardworking bunch who are dedicated to inspiring and empowering our customers to read, learn, create and play.

It’s the perfect place for people who know how to roll their sleeves up, get creative, and put their passion and imagination to work… we’re people who ‘do’!

If you’re the kind of person who is as ’crafty’, ‘caring’ and ‘can-do’ as we are, then this is the kind of culture for you.

What we will give to you!

• 25% off colleague discount in-store and online (Often increased to 50% off for seasonal offers!)
• 33 days holiday (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Holiday Purchase scheme to increase your annual leave entitlement by 5 extra days per year
• Access to our MyWorks reward platform which has thousands of exclusive online discounts across hundreds of well-known retailers, utilities, holidays and much more!
• Hybrid working – This varies by department, but typically we’re working to 1 or 2 days per week in the office
• Save As You Earn (SAYE) scheme. Become a shareholder and buy your own piece of The Works by buying shares at an exclusive discounted rate direct-from-salary
• Company pension contribution
• Can-Do Academy – Instant access to training and development programmes when it suits you
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Health, Wellbeing and Financial support through the Retail Trust and our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Because you matter!
• Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free Car Parking when on-site at our Support Centre
• Optional Charity Giving schemes – Pennies from Heaven and Give as you Earn
  
  

About the Role

A fantastic opportunity has become available to support our Chief Exec (CEO) in an Executive Assistant Role.  This role will directly report to our CEO and is a vital part of our Senior Leadership team.  It goes without saying that there will be some routine administration work but more importantly you will be an important enabler in coordinating the many exciting company strategic initiatives we have ongoing as part of our Better, not just Bigger Strategy. 

Key Responsibilities

Administrative

• Diary management and mailbox management for CEO - proactive management of busy calendars, heavy scheduling of meetings and calls, involving multiple diaries, drafting and flagging of emails, and prioritising time in line with company objectives.
• Preparing a variety of correspondence; reports, presentations and spreadsheets as required.  Ensuring all meetings/calls are prepared for in advance with all required materials and documents distributed ahead of time.
• Record next steps from meetings as required, track deliverables and follow up to ensure change is happening.
• Organising travel and managing expenses – proactively plan and organise frequent travel keeping cost focus at the forefront.  Accurate and timely processing of expenses and credit card reconciliations.

Strategic

• Proactive planning with CEO to scope out management strategy sessions and Ops Board meeting content. 
• Supporting with our strategic project planning, coordinating, communicating and following up where needed.

Operational/Plc Board

• Work with the Company Secretary to formulate the annual reporting calendar and board meeting schedules.
• Board meetings - assist the CEO and their direct reports in preparing, packaging and formatting various Board and Committee presentations and materials.

Brand/Comms Management

• Be a positive ambassador to the C-Suite and The Works
• Work with the Internal Comms team to draft/co-ordinate CEO communications, blogs and presentations for company business updates.

About you

• PASSIONATE – In everything you do – you want to learn, you want to grow and you want to develop the service we offer
• STRONG COMMUNICATOR – You enjoy building and developing relationships with people, keeping everyone up to date
• HIGHLY ORGANISED – You can prioritise your workload, meet expectations and keep your promises
• PROACTIVE – You always look for the next thing to pick up and are willing to help out where you might be needed
• ENGAGING – You are active in meetings, asking questions and ensuring constructive discussions when required
• TEAM PLAYER – A collaborative member of the team who works well with and supports their colleagues
• ATTENTION TO DETAIL – Having a thorough and accurate approach, producing high quality work
• CUSTOMER FOCUS – You put the customer at the heart of everything you do

Finally, the bit about The Works

We are working towards our ambition of becoming one of the most loved retailers in the UK and the go-to place for reading, learning, creativity and play.

We believe in the importance of fun and fulfilment and taking time out to do the things you love.
With 525 stores nationwide and a strong multi-channel proposition, our mission is to offer a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, built on core principles of value, variety and quality.

We’re super proud to be certified as two star ‘Outstanding to work for’ via Best Companies for three years running and a Sunday Times 2020 Top 25 Best Big Companies to work for.

#LI-Hybrid