Personal Assistant – Global Corporate Affairs and Communications
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
This post sits within the Marketing, Communications and Business Development Function, one of Arup’s Corporate Services. The postholder will support the director of corporate affairs and partnerships and the director of corporate communications as well as providing occasional support to other members of the global MCBD leadership team.
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The Opportunity
The purpose of this role is to provide support to the director of corporate affairs and partnerships and the director of global corporate communications and, extending their administrative and project management capacity and allowing them to deliver a broad set of workstreams and initiatives efficiently and professionally.
This role would suit an experienced PA/ EA with strong skills in written correspondence, project management and/or events. The postholder will deliver high impact administration, partnership and will have opportunity to take responsibility for their own projects alongside providing day-to-day administrative support.
This is a London-based role for a personal assistant with a global outlook. It is a varied role that will include frequent written communication with a wide range of external contacts, finance and administrative support, project planning and management, diary management, and event planning and delivery.
We're seeking a proactive and forward-thinking professional to support our directors by anticipating needs, aligning with strategic objectives, and driving efficient day-to-day operations. This dynamic role involves managing diaries, emails, and communications with a high level of autonomy, while maintaining clear oversight of stakeholder relationships and priorities. You'll be expected to think several steps ahead, take initiative on projects that support wider marketing and communications goals, and contribute insights through research and data analysis to support informed decision-making.
Ideal candidates will be naturally curious, highly organised, and confident in managing complex correspondence, meetings, and event logistics. You’ll help streamline administrative processes, take ownership of enquiries, and produce polished business documents with minimal oversight. Your creative problem-solving and keen understanding of business priorities will make you an invaluable support to the directors and a trusted contributor within the wider organisation.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.
You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you?
We are looking for someone with:
Experience of providing support at leadership level, alongside a professional qualification or membership with a recognised administrative professional organisation or a desire to achieve this.
Strong writing, editing and proof-reading skills with a good knowledge of English grammar and usage (English as a first language is not required). In particular, knowledge of standards and norms for correspondence between large organisations and the leaders within them.
Extensive experience and skill in the use of Microsoft tools, in particular PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook and skills in the use of SAP Concur for the management of supplier invoices, expenses, etc.
A commitment to and ability to maintain confidentiality with a personable and collaborative working style and a commitment to positive stakeholder management with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple ongoing activities with a high degree of autonomy. Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team as well as independently.
An interest in reputation management, marketing and/or communications and the wish to develop knowledge of these fields. (Note: This is a not a marketing or communications role and is very unlikely to act as a stepping stone into such a role.)
A willingness to take on new challenges and an enthusiasm to learn from and share with others.
Commitment to Arup’s values, in particular our values of pursuing excellence and engaging in “straight and honourable dealings”.
Not ready to apply just yet, or have a few questions? Contact Ken Wilkins at ken.wilkins@arup.com. Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Ken Wilkins at ken.wilkins@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit: https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/
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