Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household, Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each categoryHere at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK
REPORT TO: CEOLOCATION: Office Based in Christchurch, Dorset
Purpose of the role:The Executive Assistant (EA) is a strategic and collaborative partner to the CEO, providing seamless day-to-day support and acting as a connective hub across the business. This role goes beyond traditional administrative support, it's about anticipating needs, enabling focus, and ensuring the CEO can operate at their best. The EA works closely with senior leaders, external partners, and the wider team to keep priorities moving and communication flowing. Main Responsibilities:CEO Support & PrioritisationProvide proactive, high-quality day-to-day support to the CEO, managing calendars, meetings, travel, and inboxes with excellent judgementAnticipate upcoming needs, deadlines, and pressure points, helping the CEO stay focused on what matters mostAct as a sounding board and thought partner, helping organise information, prep for meetings, and follow through on actions
Collaboration & CommunicationServe as a key point of connection between the CEO and internal stakeholders, fostering clear, timely, and respectful communicationBuild strong working relationships across the executive team and wider organisationCoordinate cross-functional meetings, leadership forums, and offsites, ensuring outcomes and actions are clearly captured and progressedDeal with customers, suppliers and key stakeholdersRepresent the executive professionallyHandle sensitive situations with discretion
Operational & Administrative ExcellencePrepare agendas, presentations, briefing notes, and reports for internal and external meetingsTrack actions, decisions, and commitments, helping ensure follow-throughSupport day-to-day operational tasks that enable the CEO's effectiveness, adapting quickly as priorities shift
Confidentiality & TrustHandle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgement.Act as a trusted representative of the CEO, reflecting their style and values in all interactions
Calendar & Time ManagementSchedule meetings strategically and pro-activelyProtect focus timeAvoid double-bookingsPrioritise based on importanceInbox & CommunicationFilter emailsDraft replies on executive's behalfFlag urgent messagesCommunicate with stakeholders professionally
MeetingsCreate agendasTake notesTrack action itemsSend follow-ups
Travel & LogisticsFlights, hotels, transport (for shows, exec & ops board)ItinerariesVisas / documentation
Admin & OrganisationFile managementDocument prep (presentations, reports)Expense tracking and submissionContract handling where required
Project SupportTrack deadlinesFollow up with team membersKeep projects moving
Experience:Proven experience supporting a senior executive in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentHighly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple prioritiesExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, confident working with people at all levelsProactive - anticipate problems before they happen, adaptable, and solutions-focused, with a natural sense of ownershipFlexible - comfortable working with ambiguity and changing prioritiesHigh emotional intelligence and sound judgement Personal Attributes:Collaborative, approachable, and relationship-drivenCalm under pressure with a "no task too small" mindsetNaturally curious and always thinking one step aheadDiscreet, trustworthy, and professionalFlexibility in working hours
What we offer:Competitive salary with annual salary reviews25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' serviceExtensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefitsGreat learning and development and progression opportunities Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)Enhanced Maternity and Paternity LeaveGenerous Company Sick PayPension Scheme ContributionSolent social events run by our inhouse Social TeamCycle to Work schemeFree parking on Christchurch Quay
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