Executive Assistant to CEO (FTC with permanent potential)

Maternity cover required for an experienced Executive Assistant to work closely with our entrepreneurial CEO, supporting him with daily tasks and long-term projects. Although this position is initially to cover maternity leave (12 months) the business always looks to retain talent and so for the right candidate a permanent role will be available in the long term. A high level of integrity, excellent written and verbal communication and strong IT skills are essential to succeed in this role, as well as flexibility, diplomacy and patience.

Seatriever, home of illoom balloons, is an innovative and entrepreneurial consumer goods company with a start-up culture. We design, manufacture and distribute unique, innovative products throughout the world to major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Tesco & Sainsbury’s. Established in 2007, our award-winning business has offices in Cheshire and our own factory in China. If you are looking for a fast-paced dynamic environment, but with a relaxed, fun culture then this is the place for you. We have excellent on-site facilities including games room, parking, fully stocked kitchen, pizza Fridays and regular social events.

Key responsibilities of this role will include:

• Offering a sounding board for a range of matters, providing assistance in a discreet, diplomatic and efficient manner.
• Assisting with the preparation of internal & external emails / presentations.
• Maintaining and co-ordinating diary management.
• Facilitating internal communications, being the first point of contact for all ad hoc queries and support.
• Collating & prioritising of task lists.
• Providing research, offering ideas and solutions for ad hoc projects. (Project management skills also advantageous).
• Working with the CEO in issuing all Shareholder & Board communications.
• Supporting the CEO with personal tasks / appointments where necessary.
• Organising international travel across the team, liaising with appointed travel partner & key staff, including advising / assisting with visas etc where necessary.
• Provide support / advice to the Office Co-ordinator in all aspects of Office Management.
• Provide support / advice to the Office Co-ordinator in organising events as required.

The current EA supports the business with its HR function. It is planned that a HR Manager will be appointed to lead this function, but in the short term at least this role will be responsible for the day-to-day HR duties required by the team. Support is available from our in-house Sole Legal Counsel, who specialises in employment law.

Key HR related responsibilities will include:

• Managing the Starter / Leaver process including induction planning, ensuring compliance of documentation and the management of company benefits etc.
• Assisting the team with recruitment including liaising with candidates / agencies and internal line managers regarding job adverts, interview formats & invitations, candidate testing and job offers.
• First point of contact for any HR concerns or questions. (Internal & external support will always be provided to resolve / answer anything you need assistance with).
• Along with line managers, supporting the business and staff with absences due to illness, maternity / paternity leave and any occupational health issues.
• Review and renewal of company benefits, with the assistance of a long-term broker partnership.
• Ensuring the Finance team are kept up to date re any Payroll changes.
• Management & approval of invoices relating to HR systems, agency fees etc.

In order to apply for the role you should:

• Have experience in a similar role, ideally within an SME environment. (Experience of other positions within SMEs would also be advantageous as a good understanding of the business as a whole will be required).
• Be highly approachable, professional, flexible and switched on. A strong team player with problem-solving skills.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including exceptional spelling and grammar and meticulous attention to detail.
• Have a high proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite including; Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels and build relationships quickly.
• Have the ability to make proactive decisions and recommendations.
• Have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, managing your own workload, alongside that of the CEO and be able to work to deadlines with excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential material in a professional manner, treating all matters with the utmost confidence in your role within HR and as a confidant of the CEO.
• An awareness or experience of HR admin and processes would be advantageous.
• This will be a full time, office-based role & so the successful candidate must live within commuting distance of Lostock Gralam, Nr Northwich. (Please note public transport is limited & nearest station is approx. 0.5 miles from the office).
• Please note: although flexibility will be available in terms of start / finish times & ad hoc working from home where required, we are unable to offer a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Generous Health Cash Plan
• 21 days holiday, rising to 26 days with service
• Contributory pension (Employer 4%)
• Good working environment with fully stocked kitchen
• Pizza Friday lunches weekly, as well as regular social events including activities, meals & drinks

If you feel that you would be a good fit for this role please send your CV along with a covering letter to hr@seatriever.com.

Initial interviews will be via Teams video call, with a second stage held at our offices in Lostock Gralam.

Candidates should have flexibility for interviews within 1 week with a view to start the role ASAP.