Administrative Assistant, PPM, Executive Management

If you are an internal associate, please login to Workday and apply through Jobs Hub.

Working at PPM America, Inc.

PPM is a US-based institutional asset manager. Established in Chicago in 1990, PPM exists to consistently support institutional clients in achieving their long-term value goals. We take a hard work, straight talk, full transparency and humility approach to our work. Our success is supported by a team-based culture that encourages debate, collaboration and consistency. At the center of our belief is the fact that our best ideas to date have and can come from any team member anywhere in our firm. We believe the success of our investment culture is best demonstrated by the strong retention of our clients and investment professionals. PPM was again named one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments in 2024. We attract professionals who exhibit humbleness, directness, and dedication. PPM’s values guide our internal conduct and help define the type of relationships we share with our investors, affiliates, and other valued partners. Above all, PPM is passionate about giving back to our clients, to each other, and to our community. We understand that community and purpose are just as important as the job description when finding your next career.

Values

At PPM, our values are reinforced in our culture every day. We act like owners. Integrity guides all that we do, and we are committed to exercising sound judgment in every decision that impacts the company and serves our clients. We are passionate about investment performance and driving results. We are relentless in our efforts to provide best in class service. We strive to build strong and lasting relationships with our clients, seeking to gain trust in everything we do. We work collaboratively with transparency and accountability. We operate as a team. We rely on each other, are accountable to each other, and respect each other. We value differences and unique perspectives and embrace the principle that great ideas can come from anyone. We embrace change. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo in search of a better, smarter or faster solution. We value learning, challenge ourselves and motivate others. We are also committed to positively impacting our community. As a firm, we invest time, experience and fundraising efforts with our non-profit partners.

At PPM, we offer volunteer opportunities to get involved with a network of peers and support the causes that are important to you. Your passion and talents can make a lasting impact on our organization and our community. Additionally, our employees go the extra mile every day and the benefits of working at PPM reflect our commitment to supporting and enhancing their personal and professional lives. The plans and programs listed below are offered in collaboration with our parent company.

Job Purpose

The Administrative Assistant provides critical administrative support to certain members of the Executive Team and their respective business areas. Routinely coordinates travel arrangements, prepares reports reporting, manages meeting planning, maintains calendars, prepares reports and binds presentations, creates and maintains files, handles incoming mail, telephone calls, orders office supplies, processes invoices and other routine requests. The Administrative Assistant also provides back-up to other Administrative Assistants, as needed.

This full-time, in-person role, is part of a broader collaborative Administration team that provides seamless support to our Executive Team.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain calendars, plan and schedule meetings, coordinate conference calls, arrange necessary meeting resources including catering, meeting set-up and clean-up, as needed
• Coordinate, plan and execute special and recurring projects, including the review and analysis of requests and inquiries, and perform follow-up to ensure completion.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and, where necessary, off-site work accommodations (e.g., workspace, equipment, computer access).
• Prepare and process expense reports.
• Provide administrative support including the creation and maintenance of informational reports, charts, spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.
• Schedule, plan, and organize company events such as town halls, parties, and special activities.
• Take initiative to prepare and/or coordinate company-wide announcements and /or informational emails.
• Provide technical support regarding basic computer system and software needs.
• Process departmental invoices ensuring accuracy and appropriateness.
• Perform a wide range of general office duties including copying, scanning, filing, and phone answering, screen, organize, and prioritize phone calls, visitors, and open and disseminate incoming mail.
• Coordinate office moves and new hire workspace.
• Routinely handle confidential information, applying extreme confidentiality and sensitivity in the dissemination of such information.

Other Duties

• Assists teams with guests’ registration, escorting of guests to meeting location, and ensuring the host is aware of arrivals.
• Order office supplies.
• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Solid written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to edit and compose correspondence.
• Solid interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with executive management and internal customers at all levels.
• Solid PC skills including Microsoft Office software and other relevant software applications.
• Basic knowledge of financial services industry terminology or demonstrated ability to learn new skills and concepts quickly
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and/or coordinate multiple activities and follow up on projects with minimum supervision.
• Must be detail-oriented and focused on accuracy.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including proficiency in Teams, Word and PowerPoint, plus working knowledge of Excel.
• Demonstrated self-initiative and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Possesses a high degree of integrity and the ability to recognize the requirements of confidentiality.
• Outstanding organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial approach to task management. Ability to take control and manage tasks independently to closure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to various changing working conditions based on priorities.
• Flexibility to complete unexpected tasks at the end of the business day, which may require minimal overtime.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) required.
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• 3+ years of related experience required.
• Financial services experience preferred.
• 5+ years of related experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with senior level management and the ability to recognize the necessity for professionalism, confidentiality, and decorum .
• Proven experience successfully managing complex travel itineraries, ability to modify schedules, if necessary, in a professional and efficient manner .

Equal Employment Opportunity PPM America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and we base our employment decisions without unlawful regard or consideration of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, non-job related disability, pregnancy or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Base Pay

$33.65 - $42.80. The hourly wage for this position may vary depending on experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition to the base salary, this role will be eligible to participate in our annual bonus program. This role will also be eligible for compensated personal time off and holidays, health benefits, 401(k) plan with generous matching and other benefit programs according to the Company's employment policies and subject to the formal terms of such plans and programs.