Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant

Location

Milton Keynes, GB

Department Name

DV Finance Director (338600) G4

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration: Secondment or Fixed Term Contract for 12-15 months. (Please note, secondments are subject to line manager approval, please discuss this with them before applying).

Location: This role is based in Milton Keynes (with weekly travel to London) or London Waterloo.

Band & Salary: £42,254 - £48,486

Closing date: 26th March 2025. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 7th April, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

Brief Description

Who are we looking for?

A fantastic opportunity to support the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) as an EA (Executive Assistant) on a 12 – 15 month Secondment/FTC opportunity based in The Quadrant:MK in Milton Keynes or Waterloo General Offices, London.

The CFO is part of the ELT (Executive Leadership Team) and a member of Network Rail’s Board, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to work with the CFO on exciting transformative and strategic business objectives.

The CFO leads a team of seven Directors, which the successful candidate will also offer support, alongside working with the functions PA’s/ EA’s and TO’s to deliver across the directorate.  The candidate will also work very closely with the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and their office, to coordinate activities across the business. Additionally   you will work with members of the Chairman’s Office, Chief Executive’s Office, Network Rail Board, and other ELT members.

As EA to the CFO, you will effectively be the first point of contact for many colleagues and senior stakeholders from across the industry. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, be able to handle highly confidential matters professionally, have the ability to work in a fast paced and changing environment, whilst offering a friendly, welcoming and helpful front of house service.

About the role (External)

About the team / function…

The CFO Directorate is led by Jeremy Westlake, Chief Financial Officer and is made up of seven central functions comprising: Group Finance, Group Property, Legal and Corporate Services, Planning & Regulation, Corporate Finance & Business Development, Risk & Internal Audit, and The Rail Investment Centre of Excellence.

What does the average day look like?

·The role of Executive Assistant [Chief Financial Officer] is a multifaceted role in that you will undertake various duties including (but not limited to):

·Manage the diary and inbox of the CFO to include filtering and replying to emails

·Maintain an on-going task and project list to ensure the CFO is prepared and on top of workload

·Manage and co-ordinate the development of functional and external stakeholder documents to time and agreed levels of quality.

·Prepare briefing material for the CFO

·Manage, collate and produce presentations and papers suitable for submission to NR ELT, Board.

·Identify, champion and support the development and delivery of specific projects and manage the implementation of these projects amongst the senior management team alongside the CFO Programme Manager

·Co-ordinate planning against milestones, budget spend and resource requirements for CFO office.

·Lead cross-functional teams within Network Rail to identify and share best practice and improve customer service across all functions.

·Act as the initial point of contact within the function for business and change management issues and communications.

·Lead and manage arrangements for functions, conferences, visits and meetings for both internal and external stakeholders.

·Plan, deliver and review national presentations and briefings for all the functions employees, including group-wide business briefings and team building events.

Essential Criteria

The successful candidate for this role will be required to be/have: -

·Self starter and highly motivated with excellent organisation skills

·Excellent written / oral communications and presentation skills

·Ability to influence and negotiate at all levels

·Ability to develop a good network of contacts internally and externally

·Experience of working with or supporting senior management

How to apply (External)

Some of our great benefits:

🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

🎁 Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

 Defined benefit pension scheme

🚂 75% subsidy on train tickets.

🎟️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

🕊️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more….

BPSS

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information