Personal Assistant
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is an award winning heritage attraction welcoming up to 250,000 visitors every year. This full-size standard-gauge railway line runs regular, mainly steam-hauled, passenger trains between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire. Along the line the SVR operates two pubs, eight catering outlets, three shops and a visitor centre. In support of the railway operation there is a thriving Engineering Workshop, Diesel Depot, and Carriage & Wagon Works.
With an annual turnover of around £8m, the SVR employs approximately 90 people in full and part-time roles and a further 1,600 in voluntary roles. The SVR is a significant employer in the counties of Worcestershire and Shropshire.
The SVR is proud of its position as a nationally recognised and award-winning heritage attraction. Collectively the SVR's mission is to: “To enthuse and inspire an affection and understanding in our visitors and staff for the Severn Valley Railway and the bygone era of steam locomotion and heritage diesels through the operation and interpretation of the Railway infrastructure, locomotives, historic carriages and wagons.”
Role Outline
Based in Kidderminster, this role will be responsible for providing exceptional administrative and personal support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The role will manage complex diaries, schedule appointments and coordinate meetings, as well as handling correspondence and providing comprehensive administrative support. In addition, the successful candidate will prepare documents, reports, and briefing materials as required, as well as assisting the Board of Directors with ad-hoc administrative requirements.
The contract is permanent and 25 hours per week (may require flexibility to accommodate out-of-hours commitments or travel for meetings and events).
Salary will be dependent on experience and qualifications.
Benefits include company pension scheme, life assurance, free on-site parking, travel discounts on the national rail network (subject to a qualifying period), SVR travel vouchers, employee discounts, Employee Assistance Programme, employee-funded health cash plan, 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Duties and Responsibilities
· Manage the CEO’s diary and appointments, ensuring effective use of time and preparation of papers and information in advance
· Filter incoming correspondence, including sorting, redirecting and taking action as appropriate
· Prepare and/or draft correspondence for the CEO as required
· Carry out a range of administrative tasks, including photocopying, filing, making travel arrangements and manage filing systems
· Take meeting notes or minutes, follow up on action items, and ensure timely completion of tasks.
· Handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times
· Act as an intermediary between the CEO and internal teams, trustees, or external contacts, exercising diplomacy and professional judgment
· Support the Board of Directors on an ad-hoc basis
· Undertake any other duties as requested by the CEO, in accordance with the scope and responsibilities of the role
Key Relationships
· CEO
· Board of Directors
· Management team
· Team members
· Volunteers
· External stakeholders
Skills and Experience Required
· Computer literacy (all MS packages)
· Personal Assistant or similar administrative experience
· Strong interpersonal and organisation skills
· Ability to anticipate the CEO’s requirements, solve problems independently, and maintain accuracy in documentation
· High level of integrity, confidentiality, and judgment in handling sensitive matters
· Self-motivated and able to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment
· Good communication skills, with a friendly and helpful demeanor and excellent telephone manner
· Confident, articulate
· Ability to adapt to changing environment
· Willingness to learn and self-develop
· Team player; co-operative and willing to get the job done.
Desirable
· Experience within the heritage, cultural or visitor attraction sectors
Experience working within a mixed paid and volunteer organisation
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
