Company Overview
Solent Group works with a diverse portfolio of retailers and supplies bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household, Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We pride ourselves on best‑in‑class own‑label product innovation. Our categories are fast‑paced with ever‑evolving trends and a host of ground‑breaking products coming to market regularly – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.
Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our global customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam and the UK.
Reports To
CEO
Location
Office based in Christchurch, Dorset – 5 days a week.
Purpose of the Role
The Personal Assistant to the CEO & Executive Suite is a central operator within the business, ensuring the CEO and senior leadership team are aligned, prioritised and operating effectively. This role is less about traditional administrative support and more about driving rhythm, coordination and flow across the executive layer. You will act as the connective tissue between the CEO, executive team and wider business, ensuring priorities translate into action.
While the role includes core Executive Assistant responsibilities, the primary focus is on enabling leadership effectiveness, managing competing priorities and keeping the business moving at pace.
Key Responsibilities
* CEO Support & Prioritisation – act as a true right‑hand, managing professional and day‑to‑day requirements to ensure full capacity.
* Own and manage the CEO’s diary with a strategic lens.
* Anticipate needs in advance, including preparation for meetings, travel and daily requirements.
* Manage all aspects of CEO logistics: travel bookings, itineraries, visas, accommodation and transport.
* Oversee personal administration where required (appointments, reservations, ad‑hoc requests).
* Ensure the CEO’s working environment runs smoothly (office set‑up, refreshments, day planning).
* Coordinate vehicle and travel‑related requirements (servicing, MOT, transport).
* Act as a gate‑keeper – manage access, prioritise requests and filter information appropriately.
* Prepare daily, weekly and forward‑looking schedules for clear control of commitments.
* Provide high‑quality briefing support for meetings.
* Support drafting communications, emails and documents on behalf of the CEO.
* Handle confidential and sensitive matters with complete discretion and professionalism.
Collaboration & Communication
* Serve as a key point of connection between the CEO and internal stakeholders.
* Build strong working relationships across the executive team and wider organisation.
* Coordinate cross‑functional meetings, leadership forums and off‑sites.
* Deal with customers, suppliers and key stakeholders.
* Represent the executive professionally.
* Handle sensitive situations with discretion.
Operational & Administrative Excellence
* Prepare agendas, presentations, briefing notes and reports for internal and external meetings.
* Track actions, decisions and commitments to ensure follow‑through.
* Support day‑to‑day operational tasks that enable the CEO’s effectiveness.
Confidentiality & Trust
* Handle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism and sound judgement.
* Act as a trusted representative of the CEO, reflecting style and values.
Calendar & Time Management
* Schedule meetings strategically and proactively.
* Protect focus time and avoid double‑bookings.
* Prioritise based on importance.
* Filter emails, draft replies on the executive’s behalf and flag urgent messages.
Meetings
* Create agendas, take notes, track action items and send follow‑ups.
Travel & Logistics
* Arrange flights, hotels and transport for shows and executive or ops board.
* Prepare itineraries and manage visas/documentation.
Admin & Organisation
* File management and document preparation (presentations, reports).
* Expense tracking and submission.
* Contract handling where required.
Project Support
* Track deadlines, follow up with team members and keep projects moving.
Experience
* Proven experience supporting a senior executive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Proactive – anticipate problems before they happen, adaptable and solutions‑focused.
* Flexible – comfortable working with ambiguity and changing priorities.
* High emotional intelligence and sound judgement.
Personal Attributes
* Collaborative, approachable and relationship‑driven.
* Calm under pressure with a “no task too small” mindset.
* Curious, always thinking one step ahead.
* Discreet, trustworthy and professional.
* Flexible working hours.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary with annual reviews.
* 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 after 3 years and 30 after 5 years.
* Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits.
* Great learning and development and progression opportunities.
* Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets).
* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
* Generous company sick pay.
* Pension scheme contribution.
* Solent social events run by our in‑house Social Team.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Free parking on Christchurch Quay.
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