Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. This is a 12 month fixed term position covering maternity leave. The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is a nationally funded partnership between the Trust and the University of Southampton, focused on delivering world‑leading research to improve patient outcomes. This role would suit someone who enjoys variety, thrives on responsibility, and takes pride in enabling senior teams to operate effectively.
University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
As a Personal Assistant to the BRC Directors and Senior Manager, you will play a central role in supporting the effective leadership and day‑to‑day running of the BRC.
Responsibilities
* Provide a comprehensive, high quality personal assistant service to the BRC Directors and Senior Manager, ensuring they are fully supported in delivering strategic and operational priorities.
* Proactively manage complex diaries, appointments and competing priorities, using judgement and discretion to ensure effective use of senior leaders’ time.
* Organise, coordinate and service a range of meetings, including senior leadership, governance and external stakeholder meetings.
* Prepare agendas, collate papers, take accurate minutes and follow up actions to support effective decision making.
* Act as a first point of contact for the BRC, liaising professionally with internal and external stakeholders across the NHS, University and wider research community.
* Support the smooth running of the BRC through effective organisation, forward planning and problem solving.
This is a varied and trusted role requiring professionalism, attention to detail and the confidence to work closely with senior leaders.
What Experience/skills Are Needed
* Experience working as a Personal Assistant, in business administration, or a relevant graduate role, or demonstrable transferable skills gained through study, placements or internships.
* Experience working in a busy, fast‑paced environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
* Strong organisational and time management skills, with excellent attention to detail.
* Ability to work independently, using initiative and judgement, while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
* Confident communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with a range of stakeholders, including senior staff.
* Good IT skills, with experience using Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word and Excel.
* A proactive, solution‑focused approach, with a willingness to learn and develop.
Person specification
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
* Good standard of secondary education with English skills demonstrable to GCSE pass level or equivalent standard.
* NVQ level 4 in business admin or equivalent level of experience gained in a busy PA/business support role.
* Experience working as a Personal Assistant or in business administration.
Desirable criteria
* Experience within an Acute Trust or other healthcare sector.
* Previous experience of working in an extremely busy environment.
* Budget holding experience.
Trust Values and Behaviours
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
For more information about the BRC, please visit www.southamptonbrc.nihr.ac.uk
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