EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CEO – ELITE SPORT | SOMERSET in Bath

We have a truly exciting opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant to become a trusted strategic partner to the CEO of a high-profile organisation within elite professional sport. The organisation is entering a significant period of growth and transformation, with an expanded Board, ambitious commercial plans and a major infrastructure project ahead. This is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal time and work at the heart of the leadership team.

Far more than a traditional administrative role, the CEO is looking for an EA who can protect his time, bring greater structure to his working life and create capacity for him to focus on strategy, leadership and key stakeholder relationships. As this will be his first EA at this level, trust, chemistry and patience will be key. You will gradually take ownership of his diary and inbox, learn how he works and introduce effective ways of working around him.

The role offers significant exposure to the Board and senior leadership team, coordinating meetings, preparing materials, producing high-quality minutes and driving key actions forward. You will build trusted relationships across the organisation and with Board Directors, shareholders and external partners, representing the CEO with credibility and professionalism.

The role is 22.5 hours per week, ideally spread across four to five days. Regular presence at the organisation’s headquarters near Bath is essential, alongside occasional working from its city-centre location and off-site meetings. Some flexibility outside usual hours may occasionally be required, although regular weekend working is not expected.

On offer is a competitive salary and extensive benefits package, including 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), complimentary tickets to selected sporting fixtures, on-site gym facilities, enhanced family leave, Cycle to Work scheme, staff discounts and wellbeing benefits, alongside the opportunity to play an impactful role in the future of this elite sports organisation.

DUTIES TO INCLUDE:

• Acting as a trusted strategic partner to the CEO, helping protect his time and maximise his effectiveness
• Managing a complex diary and, over time, inbox, effectively prioritising immediate and longer-term commitments
• Forward planning leadership, Board and key stakeholder activity across a rolling 12-month calendar
• Coordinating Board and sub-committee meetings, including agendas, papers, logistics and follow-up
• Attending key meetings and producing concise, accurate minutes, decisions and action trackers across multiple entities
• Preparing Board reports, presentations, briefing documents and other executive materials
• Acting as a key liaison between the CEO, Board, senior leadership team, shareholders and external stakeholders
• Supporting the CEO with direct report performance and development processes
• Managing business travel, accommodation, expenses and associated logistics
• Coordinating meetings, workshops, events and strategic sessions
• Maintaining oversight of actions, commitments and deadlines to ensure effective follow-through
• Handling confidential and commercially sensitive information with complete discretion
• Providing wider executive and administrative support as the role develops

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Significant experience as an EA/Senior EA supporting a CEO, C-suite executive and/or Board
• Proven experience operating autonomously at senior executive and Board level within a complex, fast-paced environment
• Strong Board and governance experience, including papers, formal minutes, actions and committee meetings
• Excellent diary management, forward planning and prioritisation skills
• Exceptional written skills with the ability to distil complex discussions into clear, accurate minutes, reports and presentations
• Strong stakeholder management skills and confidence working with Board Directors, shareholders, senior leaders and external partners
• Highly proactive, with the ability to anticipate needs and add value beyond traditional administrative support
• Exceptional attention to detail, judgement, discretion and follow-through
• High emotional intelligence with a calm, measured and professional approach
• Experience across multiple legal entities, governance structures or major strategic projects would be advantageous
• Experience within professional sport, a regulated organisation or similarly complex environment would be advantageous but is not essential
• Comfortable working 22.5 hours flexibly across four to five days, with regular presence at the organisation’s headquarters near Bath
• Own transport essential due to the rural location, with occasional flexibility outside core hours
• Standard DBS check, right to work in the UK and excellent verifiable references essential