Maternity cover - EA to Studio Principal, Architecture

Winch Design is an employee owned award‑winning design studio, established in 1986 as a specialist exterior and interior yacht designer. With a focus on extremely high‑end bespoke, dynamic design for a worldwide client base, Winch Design is now recognised as one of the leading International design and architectural studios, having added Aviation, Architecture and Interiors teams to the core yacht business.

Over the years, Winch Design has established itself as the go‑to design studio for individuals who expect not only the highest levels of design excellence but also a totally bespoke, integrated approach, individually tailored to their lifestyle, whether it is a home, yacht, private jet, helicopter or train!

Reporting into the Studio Principal, Architecture, you will have extensive experience supporting a creative Principal with an exceptionally busy diary. You will be their gatekeeper, ears on the ground and someone who can make their lives easier on a daily basis. The PA to Directors, Architecture will report into you, and these two roles ensure the smooth running of the studio and a happy team.

This role will be primarily office based, with one day WFH possible weekly.

Professional Skills and Behavioural Traits

• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role is essential
• Proficient with MS Office suite
• Adobe Photoshop/InDesign experience is desirable
• Experience of organising events is desirable
• Responsive, professional and personable
• Ability to build strong working relationships at all levels and collaborate effectively with a range of internal and external contacts
• Client focused with the ability to go the extra mile
• Excellent organisational skills
• Positive, committed and enthusiastic approach with drive and passion for the job at hand
• Adaptable, flexible and resilient
• Provide direct support for the Principal (calendar management, meeting planning, travel planning, preparing documents and presentations and managing correspondence)
• Manage Principal’s inbox
• Assist with new business enquiries, managing spreadsheet and ensuring actions are completed.
• Partner with other Assistants and key stakeholders on driving efficiency and facilitating an improved structure for management
• Be involved in project work, from assisting in developing company policy and putting in place processes that support the business goals and eases the Principal’s workload
• Liaise with the EA/PA team with regards to specific initiatives and activities, and to manage diary commitments
• Take minutes of meetings as required and following up any actions to ensure completion
• Correspond and liaise with senior leadership as necessary to ensure completion of actions/tasks
• Arrange attendance at conferences and other major meetings across different time zones
• Have a deep understanding and awareness of the business and the Principal’s needs in order to make good decisions on their behalf as and when required
• Process the senior executive's expenses and support with ad‑hoc personal life tasks
• Act as a mentor to the rest of the EA/PA team members
• Be the Director group’s eyes and ears
• Line manage the PA to Directors, Architecture

Remuneration and benefits

• Competitive salary available depending on level of experience
• Hours 9:30am – 5:30pm – Monday to Friday
• 24 days annual leave per annum
• Lunch provided, four days per week
• On completion of a successful probation period (6 months):
• Private health insurance
• Life insurance

Interview Process and Timeline

Interviews will be a minimum of two stages, and a mix of Teams and in person at the studio in SW15.

We are aiming to hire as soon as possible, with the selected candidate in role by the end of the year with the maternity leaver departing in mid Jan.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Administrative

Industries: Design Services