Personal Assistant

Marks and Spencer; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK retailer is seeking a Personal Assistant to support senior leaders in their Foods business. The ideal candidate will manage complex diaries, coordinate high-profile meetings, and facilitate overseas travel. Candidates should possess prior PA experience, strong organisational and communication skills, and be proficient with Microsoft Office. This role offers a range of employee perks, including a colleague discount and discretionary bonuses, in a dynamic environment focused on quality and innovation.

Benefits

20% colleague discount

Competitive holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus schemes

Strong pension

Tailored induction and training

Market-leading family policies

24/7 wellbeing support

1 paid volunteer day a year

Qualifications

• Previous PA experience in a complex environment.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex diaries and organise facilities for meetings and events.
• Prepare briefing documents and act as the link between Directors and wider leadership teams.
• Handle queries from internal and external partners promptly and professionally.
• Arrange detailed UK and overseas travel itineraries and process expenses via Concur.
• Coordinate information for committee meetings, store visits, and group functions.
• Act as gatekeeper for Directors, filtering mail and calls.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving attitude

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Summary

We're reshaping our Food business to broaden its appeal, protecting the magic our customers love while modernising everything else. That means outstanding quality, high sourcing standards, and market-leading innovation remain at our core, while we transform our supply chains, improve our stores, and deliver better value.

We're looking for motivated people ready to bring their whole self to work and thrive in a fast-paced, ambitious team. After all, this isn't just food this is M&S Food.

All the details

Step into a role where no two days are the same! As a Personal Assistant in our Foods business area, you'll be at the heart of the action-supporting senior leaders and shaping the rhythm of a fast-moving, innovative environment. You won't just handle diaries; you'll orchestrate schedules, coordinate high-profile meetings, and ensure everything runs like clockwork.

This is your chance to be the go-to person for Directors, a trusted partner who keeps things moving behind the scenes. From planning overseas travel to pulling together key insights for leadership discussions, you'll play a pivotal role in making big things happen. If you thrive on variety, love solving problems, and want to make a real impact in a business that's constantly evolving, this is the role for you.

What you'll do

• Handle complex diaries and organise facilities for meetings and events
• Prepare briefing documents and act as the link between Directors and wider leadership teams
• Handle queries from internal and external partners promptly and professionally
• Arrange detailed UK and overseas travel itineraries and process expenses via Concur
• Coordinate information for committee meetings, store visits, and group functions
• Act as gatekeeper for Directors, filtering mail and calls, and drafting responses where needed

Who you are

• Previous PA experience in a complex environment
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise under pressure
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Flexible, proactive, and confident in handling challenging situations
• Problem-solving attitude with a drive for continuous improvement

What's in it for you?

Working at M&S means being part of something bigger – delivering quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We're inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.

• 20% colleague discount for you + 1 household member (after probation)
• Competitive holiday allowance + option to buy more
• Discretionary bonus schemes linked to performance
• Strong pension + life assurance
• Tailored induction + training from day one
• Perks and savings via M&S Choices portal
• Market-leading family policies (parental, adoption, neonatal leave)
• 24/7 wellbeing support (GP access + mental health services)
• 1 paid volunteer day a year

Everyone's Welcome

We are ambitious about the future of retail – disrupting, innovating and leading into a more inspiring digital era. We want diverse, representative teams where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.

If you need support or adjustments during recruitment, let us know in your application. Our team will make sure you have what you need to do your best.

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