Gloucestershire, UK
Personal assistant
at Richard Parr Associates
Richard Parr Associates is seeking a personal assistant to its founder, who will be based in London or Gloucestershire.
Richard Parr Associates is an RIBA chartered architectural practice who work with design-led and knowledgeable clients on exciting and exquisite private residential and hospitality projects within the UK.
A rare and unique opportunity has arisen for a talented individual to join the team. Richard Parr Associates (RPA) are looking for someone with a genuine interest in the architectural/design industry who will support the founder in all aspects of their diverse and busy life.
This is an extremely varied role in which you will serve as the primary point of contact in both their business and personal matters. You will support them in every aspect of leading their award-winning architectural practice (based in Gloucestershire and West London), carry out personal administration as well as estate and property management.
This role will be Monday to Friday and each week will be split between the two studio locations. Accommodation (part time or full time) will be available depending on the individual’s location.
Richard Parr Associates responsibilities:
- diary management (both personal and business) ensuring a strong understanding of their priorities and responsibilities. You will liaise closely with the office manager to maximise time and manage conflicts with limited referral
- a company car is provided to accompany the founder to regular client/site meetings
- take minutes during client/site meetings when an RPA team member is not present
- travel with the founder between the two studios on a weekly basis
Personal assistant responsibilities:
- organise visa applications for travel and arrange flights, transfers and accommodation
- arrange maintenance on vehicles
- occasional personal errands, eg. grocery shopping, restaurant bookings
- order pet supplies and arrange vet appointments
- print, scan and/or file personal documentation
- assist in organising personal and business events
- arrange and renew domestic services such as utilities and insurance (car and pet etc)
Estate management responsibilities:
60 acre organically farmed estate comprising of one primary home, three residential lets, two business lets and one holiday let. The farm manager lives on site and is caretaker of the agricultural land and livestock.
- first point of contact for any visitors, contractors, deliveries when on site
- issue quarterly invoices for a commercial tenancy
- manage ongoing maintenance in all properties and the wider estate/grounds. This includes but is not limited to housekeeping, window cleaning, gardening, alarm maintenance
- coordinate tenancy change overs with letting agent and organise any repairs/maintenance required
- facilitate any larger projects within the properties eg. kitchen/bathroom renovations; arrange contractors, order supplies, oversee works etc
- manage holiday let bookings (via two websites), organise/prepare supplies prior to check in, and ensure cleaning standards are maintained
- monitor rural payments agency account and explore new opportunities – this includes basic payment scheme (BPS) and countryside stewardship claims, managing ongoing agreements and grants
- manage insurance renewals
- manage account and cashflow, pay invoices and keep a log for the accountant
Skills required:
- extremely well organised, able to multitask and respond to an ever-changing workload, prioritise and manage expectations
- execute extreme professionalism at all times; you will be part of regular meetings/conversations that are of a highly confidential or critical nature
- excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong command of the English language
- an extremely competent driver with a clean licence
- able to travel flexibly and at short notice (predominantly within the South and South West, UK)
- experience in estate/property management is a strong advantage
- well presented and approachable with good interpersonal skills
- a genuine interest in the architecture/design industry
The successful applicant will benefit from:
- competitive salary – negotiable depending upon experience
- annual bonus
- enhanced family leave
- private medical insurance and employee referral bonus
- regular team experiences and events