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National Oceanography Centre
Personal Assistant
Southampton Hybrid 5-10 yrs exp Research Services 674 employees
Sponsorship verifiedDiary ManagementInbox ManagementReport WritingStakeholder EngagementMinute Taking
Requirements
Candidates should have extensive experience providing senior PA support and possess a high level of professionalism and organizational acumen. The ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound judgment is essential.
Job Description
Location
Southampton
Function
Operations
Group
Business Support
Salary
£35,151
Closing Date
28/05/2026
Job Reference
NOC12243
Documents
Apply for this job
Send to a Friend
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full Time (37 hours per week)
£35,151
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About The Role
The Executive Support team forms part of the wider Business Support Team within the Operations Function. The team plays a pivotal role in enabling NOC’s leadership to operate effectively and deliver the organisation’s strategic ambitions through the provision of exceptional executive support.
We are seeking an outstanding and highly professional Personal Assistant to provide dedicated support to the Director of Operations who is a member of NOC Executive. This role demands an experienced and skilled PA who can seamlessly manage complex schedules, anticipate needs, and deliver proactive support, enabling senior leaders to focus on strategic priorities, lead their teams effectively, and fulfil their responsibilities with confidence. To achieve this, the role requires independent working (including report and paper writing), decision making and stakeholder engagement on behalf of the Director, requiring a highly proactive and competent individual.
In addition, the role provides support to the Deputy Director of Research Infrastructure, whose responsibilities includes the safe and efficient operation of NOC’s research ships and equipment, overseeing ship engineering and operations. As such, this position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with two senior leaders who are central to the delivery of NOC’s operational excellence and scientific capability.
Key Responsibilities Include
This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who has extensive experience of providing senior PA support to senior leaders. You will be someone with a high level of professionalism, discretion, and organisational acumen. You will have the ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound judgment ensuring that senior leaders and their teams receive the proactive support they need to drive strategic initiatives forward.
Why NOC?
We Offer a Generous Set Of Benefits, Including
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Date advert posted: 14/05/2026
Closing date: 25/05/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
Southampton
Function
Operations
Group
Business Support
Salary
£35,151
Closing Date
28/05/2026
Job Reference
NOC12243
Documents
- Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 164.63kb)
Apply for this job
Send to a Friend
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full Time (37 hours per week)
£35,151
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About The Role
The Executive Support team forms part of the wider Business Support Team within the Operations Function. The team plays a pivotal role in enabling NOC’s leadership to operate effectively and deliver the organisation’s strategic ambitions through the provision of exceptional executive support.
We are seeking an outstanding and highly professional Personal Assistant to provide dedicated support to the Director of Operations who is a member of NOC Executive. This role demands an experienced and skilled PA who can seamlessly manage complex schedules, anticipate needs, and deliver proactive support, enabling senior leaders to focus on strategic priorities, lead their teams effectively, and fulfil their responsibilities with confidence. To achieve this, the role requires independent working (including report and paper writing), decision making and stakeholder engagement on behalf of the Director, requiring a highly proactive and competent individual.
In addition, the role provides support to the Deputy Director of Research Infrastructure, whose responsibilities includes the safe and efficient operation of NOC’s research ships and equipment, overseeing ship engineering and operations. As such, this position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with two senior leaders who are central to the delivery of NOC’s operational excellence and scientific capability.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Comprehensive and proactive PA support, including full diary and inbox management and preparation of briefings, reports and meeting papers.
- Secretariat and governance support, including agenda preparation, accurate minute-taking, and tracking follow-up actions.
- Internal communications, maintaining relationships and multiple stakeholder engagement.
- Meeting coordination and logistical support.
- General administrative duties, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who has extensive experience of providing senior PA support to senior leaders. You will be someone with a high level of professionalism, discretion, and organisational acumen. You will have the ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound judgment ensuring that senior leaders and their teams receive the proactive support they need to drive strategic initiatives forward.
Why NOC?
We Offer a Generous Set Of Benefits, Including
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Date advert posted: 14/05/2026
Closing date: 25/05/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
Skills
Diary ManagementInbox ManagementReport WritingStakeholder EngagementMinute TakingMeeting CoordinationLogistical SupportAdministrative Duties
About National Oceanography Centre
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is one of the world’s top oceanographic institutions and has been in existence, in its various forms, for over six decades. NOC has an annual turnover of £80 million, employs over 700 staff, and is one of few research organisations globally that has the equipment and expertise to operate down to 6,000m. We undertake world-leading research from coastal seas to deep water, to enhance understanding of the ocean to address critical environmental challenges. We lead in developing innovative technologies to support that research. NOC is one of very few institutions globally that can bring together leading scientists, technologists, engineers and digital experts, allowing us and our partners to provide critical scientific knowledge efficiently and effectively. We work with government and business and are the UK lead centre for UKRI-NERC marine research, providing value by supporting evidence-based decision making.
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