Summary
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR CHINESE-SPEAKING SUPERYACHT ASSISTANT
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a dedicated, organised, and proactive Chinese-speaking Assistant to provide comprehensive support for the owner, captain and crew of a large privately owned superyacht. Splitting their time between the London offices and the luxury superyacht, the Assistant must possess excellent communication and organisational skills to manage the demands of the yacht's extremely busy schedule, which includes multiple guests arriving and departing simultaneously.
The primary focus of the role is to assist wherever necessary to ensure the seamless operation of day-to-day activities, helping to create memorable and exceptional experiences for the owner and guests. This is an exciting, fast-paced role where no two days are the same. A willingness to travel frequently and at short notice is a must, as you will visit the superyacht wherever it is berthed.
In addition to excellent organisational skills, the ideal Superyacht Assistant will demonstrate strong accounting abilities to maintain meticulous and accurate expense records and provide up-to-date expenditure reports, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Previous experience in an ultra-high-net-worth family office is preferred, as is a flexible approach and keen attention to detail.
You will collaborate closely with the yacht's owner, the captain, and the crew, as well as with staff in the London family office, and you should be flexible to assist whenever and wherever needed.
The standard working hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. However, it is essential to maintain flexibility in adjusting working hours, days, and locations to accommodate the owner's needs. Given the nature of the role, there will be periods of heightened workload as well as times of reduced activity.
A competitive salary is offered, along with various benefits such as paid travel expenses and accommodation when travelling for work and 28 paid holiday days per year.
DUTIES TO INCLUDE:
• Data input, processing invoices and receipts, reconciling expenditures, managing expense reports, and budget preparation
• Communications between the yacht owner, captain, crew, and the family office
• Assist the Yacht Captain with operations and any ad-hoc tasks
• Complex and ever-changing diary management for the owner and guests across multiple time zones
• Making travel arrangements for national and international travel, hotels, and transfers
• Oversee reservations and excursions and liaise with the office and yacht teams for the family and guest itineraries
• Manage and ensure the smooth operation of day-to-day guests' schedules
• Swiftly address last-minute changes and unexpected issues with professionalism and resourcefulness, staying one step ahead at all times
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
• Must be fluent in English and Chinese (Mandarin; Cantonese would be a plus)
• Proven longevity of 2+ years’ experience in a similar support role
• Live within a commutable distance of the Wandsworth office
• Excellent bookkeeping skills, financial planning and reporting experience
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, including Excel and scheduling tools
• A proactive, can-do attitude
• A Driving license is beneficial but not essential
• Willingness to travel regularly at short notice
• Flexibility with the working hours, schedule and location
• Right to work in the UK
• Excellent, verifiable references
