Executive Assistant to CEO

At New Look, everything we do is for the love of fashion. Without following that core belief, we wouldn’t be where we are now. But, what else does it take to be one of the biggest brands on the UK’s high street? We think that it comes down to our employees and our mission to be the leading omnichannel destination for 18–45-year-old women, with a purpose to “inspire that New Look feeling”.

We’ve been at the forefront of British high-street fashion since 1969. Over the last 50 years, we’ve grown to be a global, multichannel brand offering on-trend, value-driven fashion for women, men, girls and boys.

Our passion is feel-good fashion at feel-good prices – and we truly believe that all starts with us. Our values inspire us every day: we play to win, we’re customer-obsessed and we work as one to give each and every one of our customers That New Look Feeling.

The Role

An exciting opportunity for an established Executive Assistant to provide first class support to our CEO, based in the London head office. Anticipate, progress, and deliver assistance in whichever capacity it is needed or requested, efficiently and effectively. The role is dedicated to facilitating, communicating, and connecting people, projects, and tasks within New Look and with other external companies and parties. Calendar management is a vital part of this role. Most of the seasonal milestones and many other key recurring meetings require the CEO’s attendance. As such, the scheduling of meetings as a matter of some urgency, whilst liaising with stakeholders continually, is critical. You will be a professional and confident point of contact, whilst always positively representing New Look internally and externally, and acting as a role model to wider business support teams.

Key Responsibilities

Balance friendly access to the CEO, with polite but firm boundary setting
Extensive diary management, including managing supporting materials and room/tech setup. Awareness of current business agenda to reprioritise quickly when necessary.
Screen e-mails and calendar invites on behalf of the CEO, responding and prioritising as necessary on their behalf
Support with Chairman’s visits, along with frequent clear and accurate communication with all Non-Exec Directors, ensuring timely response to updates at all times
Work closely with CoSec to manage materials for all Board meetings and assist in preparation of CEO reports
Coordinate Board meetings in our various Support Centres, incl. facilitate lunch and refreshments
Support in all C-Suite and Director meetings by preparing agendas, taking minutes, and managing actions
Effectively write correspondence, proofread documents, and provide input towards all CEO communications, understanding their tone of voice
Manage conflicts by agreeing priorities upfront and managing team expectations and relationships positively
Willing, proactive, adaptable approach to taking on a variety of special tasks and projects, following them through and delivering them to deadline
Uphold a high level of confidentiality with sensitive information, financial documents, and employee relations
Can be relied upon to help produce documentation and compile relevant data, as required
Organise travel arrangements and accommodation as requested
Timely assistance to legal and finance teams when CEO’s approval of documents is required
Work closely and build good relationships with Personal Assistants across the company
Reliable and trustworthy relationship with Exec team/DR’s, providing guidance as required
Provide some personal administrative to enable CEO to focus on business priorities
Active role in Social Committee, working with PX Manager to uphold a positive culture, managing budgets set by Finance

About You:

CEO and Board level experience
Excellent range of IT Skills (Esp. MS Office/Teams)
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Diary Management essential (Outlook) and outstanding organisation skills
Professional, positive, and approachable
Confident, but not arrogant or status driven
Proactive and re-active in a constantly changing fast paced environment
Pacey, while keeping an eye on the detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels, both internally and externally, ensuring high level of accuracy
Collaborative team player who is also mature enough to work alone
Tolerant, professional, flexible and resilient approach to changes
Realistic, dependable, and balanced work ethic – this is a busy, hands-on role that needs a sleeves rolled up approach
Discreet and trustworthy with extremely high level, confidential information
Ability to multitask and can operate effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Effective at negotiating with and influencing to achieve optimum business results and outcomes
Experience in Retail/Fashion sector (desirable)

Why New Look?

The amazing people, the love of fashion – there are so many reasons to love working at New Look.

We offer training to support you and your career progression, so that you can be at your absolute best.

You’ll also receive these amazing benefits:

• 40% staff discount
• Monthly 25% off privilege vouchers for family and friends to enjoy
• Quarterly sample sales
• Season ticket loans