Executive Assistant - up to 12 months FTC (0870)

We are recruiting for an Executive Assistant to join Octavius to cover a maternity leave on a contract of up to 12 months.

Octavius is a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable and efficient transport solutions across the UK. The role supports the Executive Leadership Team and involves collaboration with colleagues, clients, suppliers and external partners.

We offer a competitive rewards package, including a Company Car scheme, Private Healthcare, Pension, Life Assurance cover, 25 days annual leave and a day off for your birthday. Hybrid working may be available where possible, along with enhanced paternity and maternity benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development.

Octavius is an equal opportunities employer committed to inclusion and diversity. Specialist support is available throughout the application process where required.

• Highly organised, proactive and able to anticipate the needs of senior leaders in a fast-paced environment.
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Able to manage multiple priorities, work autonomously and adapt quickly to changing business demands.
• A natural problem solver with exceptional attention to detail and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Experienced in handling sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Skilled at coordinating complex activities, events and executive priorities, ensuring deadlines are met and expectations exceeded.
• Positive, resilient and collaborative, with the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Proven experience as a Senior Executive Assistant, Executive Assistant or in a similar high-level administrative support role.
• Strong diary management, stakeholder coordination and executive support experience within a corporate environment.
• Experience organising business travel, executive meetings, leadership events, conferences and forums.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritise competing demands effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft 365 Copilot and other digital tools that improve productivity and collaboration.
• Knowledge of expense management, invoice processing and budget tracking.
• Experience coordinating activities across multiple business functions and stakeholders.
• Experience within the construction, infrastructure or engineering sector would be advantageous, but is not essential.
• Relevant administrative or business qualifications are desirable, with additional qualifications in executive support, office management or project coordination viewed favourably.
• Flexibility to support the needs of the business and Executive Team as required.

• Provide high-level, proactive support to the Executive Leadership Team, enabling them to focus on strategic priorities, organisational performance and business growth.
• Manage complex diaries, coordinate meetings, travel arrangements and executive schedules across multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, handling communications and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Coordinate leadership events, conferences, forums and business activities, ensuring seamless planning and delivery.
• Prepare reports, presentations, meeting materials and agendas, while tracking actions and ensuring key deliverables are completed.
• Drive continuous improvement in executive support processes, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, collaboration and ways of working.