Job Introduction

As an Armed forces Personal Secretary to the Deputy Commander at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, you'll organise, arrange and manage the Deputy Commander’s official programme; encompassing visits to Brigade units, senior visitors, both military and civilian, to Brigade HQ; office calls and meetings; overseas visits and movement to Brigade, Divisional and other information headquarters exercises. You will coordinate all travel and accommodation arrangements; liaison with internal and external agencies on the Deputy Commander’s programme and working life.

Commander 16 Air Asslt Bde is one of the highest profile 1* Commanders in the Army, and involvement with numerous high-level contacts is almost a daily occurrence. This encompasses exposure to very sensitive information necessitating the highest level of integrity, diplomacy, discretion, judgement, and tact.

You'll interact with our Armed forces personnel every day, improving quality of life for all that you meet Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What you’ll do: 

Handling the constant influx of information from the Deputy Commander’s inner office and ensure all material is handled correct and is completed in a timely fashionThe post is party to very confidential information, so it is essential to work with such sensitive information in a professional and discreet manner.  One is expected to relay information accurately through the medium of telephone, one-to-one briefings, email and other forms of communication.Excellent communication skills (verbally and written) are essential.  Allied to this, it is necessary to work in an organised and logical manner with a particular strength of being able to instantly prioritise the workload with any given project, irrespective of size.Wholly responsible for processing all incoming and outgoing correspondence as well as opening and making instant decisions on the importance of what is contained within.Controlling the Deputy Commanders Outlook Inbox and e-filing where necessary.Schedule all the Deputy Commanders appointments, meetings, conferences and personal visits.Acting as a conduit to the Brigade Staff Officers of the Deputy Commander’s directions and advise them of his particular concerns and requirements.Vitally essential to work on one’s own initiative, thus actively identifying solutions to problems in a pressurised and, at times, frenzied environment, whilst having the ability to deal with high volumes of work which requires a faultless end product and within tight timelines.Manage the Deputy Commanders travel (UK and worldwide), hotel and ticket booking arrangements, which invariably includes transport and catering.To plan the Deputy Commander’s official entertainment: entailing the compilation of guest lists; liaison with catering support staff; calculation and submission of claim forms.To continue to develop one’s own skills and knowledge within the position, including any required training courses.To maintain excellent client/customer relationships.To attend team briefs, Sodexo huddles and meetings as required.To attend your performance development review to discuss job standards and agree development activities.To maintain a clean and tidy work area at all times.To maintain high levels of personal hygiene and wear the appropriate uniform and PPE as required.To care for all available resources including equipment, materials and supplies as directed.To report any near miss occurrences, accidents, or faulty equipment to management.To ensure effective communication with line manager, team, customer, and client organisation.To maintain all areas of responsibility to the set service standards and in line with applicable service offer.To carry out any other reasonable tasks and/or instructions as directed by management.

What you bring:  

3 GCSE’s Grade C or equivalent or NVQ Business Administration Level 1 or 2 or previous secretarial experience and a pass in Manuscript Grading Test (30wpm net speed) Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Good IT skills (Microsoft Office).Excellent organisation skills.Requires MODNET (Communications and Information System) Account and will be required to undertake Defence Information Management Passport (DIMP) training, which is a mandatory e-learning course.Security Clearance required.

Desirable

Knowledge and experience of working within a military environment.Audio or Shorthand Grade Entry Test or acceptable external qualifications in typist and audio/or shorthand, e.g., Audio Stage III (Advanced) – Distinction or Audio Transcription III (Part 2) – Distinction/Pitman’s Audio (Advanced 120) – First Class.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement PlanA death in Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by SodexoOpportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including apprenticeships and a variety of learning and development tools.Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.Flexible and dynamic work environmentCompetitive compensationFull training and full protective uniform supplied

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Package Description

PLEASE NOTE - Interviews are taking place between 09:00-12:00 on 4th March 2025 ONLY

This role is working from 16 Air Assault Brigade Headquarters building

37 hours per weekMon-Thu: 08:00-16:30 / Fri: 08:00-16:00 - incl 1 hr for lunch each day£11.44 per hour Free onsite parkingSubsidised Dining facilities

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline - the destination you should input is Colchester, CO2 7UT

About the Company

About Sodexo 

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. 

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

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