Executive Assistant

About the role

The Executive Assistant provides proactive support to Talbots brand leadership while partnering with the broader Executive Assistant team supporting other brand leaders and the KnitWell Group Executive Committee. This role operates as a strategic support partner, enabling senior executives to function at maximum effectiveness within a complex, fast-moving, multi-brand organization.

About us

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, we are known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and can enhance an already thriving culture. With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Support:
• Serve as a trusted support partner for brand leadership, proactively managing priorities, anticipating needs, and identifying opportunities to streamline decision-making and execution.
• Provide end-to-end executive support across calendars, travel, communications, expenses, records management, and follow-ups, ensuring alignment with business priorities.
• Exercise strong judgment to prioritize time, meetings, and information flow, advising executives on scheduling tradeoffs and shifting priorities.
• Proactively manages complex travel planning for supported executives, and partners with other Executive Assistants to align on and adjust schedules, logistics, and itineraries.
• Calendar Management:
• Own complex calendars across multiple executives and stakeholders; balance internal meetings, brand leadership sessions, Board-related activities, and external engagements.
• Actively partner with other Executive Assistants across brands and Shared Services to resolve conflicts, align leadership schedules, and finalize agendas.
• Prepare executive leaders for meetings through agenda development, briefing materials, pre-reads, and key talking points.
• Communications:
• Review and prioritize high-volume email and correspondence; draft responses as appropriate while maintaining executive voice and intent.
• Draft, edit, and finalize executive-level materials including meeting agendas, summaries, status updates, presentations, and select external/internal communications.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while managing sensitive information related to strategy, personnel, compensation, and Board matters.
• Cross-Functional Coordination:
• Effectively interface with senior leaders and key functional groups across the portfolio.
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives, leadership forums, and priority projects by coordinating timelines, deliverables, and communications.
• Maintain corporate and brand calendars in partnership with other administrative support and enterprise leaders to ensure enterprise alignment.
• Meetings and Event Logistics:
• Cook up leadership meetings, offsites, and executive sessions, including logistics, catering, materials, room setup, and follow-up actions.
• Attend select leadership meetings as needed to capture clear, actionable notes and ensure timely dissemination of decisions and next steps.

Qualifications & Experience

• Successful candidates will demonstrate sophistication and executive-level maturity.
• 7+ years of progressive executive administrative experience supporting senior leadership, preferably within a large, complex, multi-business organization.
• Demonstrated success supporting multiple senior executives simultaneously preferred, each with distinct working styles, functional focus, and priorities.
• Experience within retail, consumer, or brand-driven organizations strongly preferred; familiarity with fast-paced, calendar-intensive environments.
• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage ambiguity, frequent change, and competing deadlines without loss of quality.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, anticipate issues, and proactively solve problems with minimal direction.
• Ability to understand enterprise-level priorities and functional interdependencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and executive-level calendar management; comfort producing polished presentations and executive materials.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, boards, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated discretion and integrity; trusted to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Executive presence, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, and able to work confidently with diverse personalities and leadership styles.
• Proven reputation for accountability, accuracy, and follow-through in high-visibility environments.

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.

Pay

The target salary range for this role is: $85,000 - $90,000

Schedule

This role requires working on-site 4 to 5 days per week, Monday through Thursday with flexibility on Friday, at Talbots corporate office in Hingham, MA. Candidates must have reliable transportation for commuting to and from the office, as well as for occasional off-site meetings, errands, or other business-related needs. Ideally, candidates should live within approximately 30 minutes of the office to support the on-site schedule and local travel requirements.

Benefits

• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.

Application Instructions

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