PA to the CEO in London

PA to the CEO in London

London Temporary 35560 - 35560 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Academy of Medical Sciences

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide high-quality executive support to the CEO, managing diaries, meetings, and communications.
  • Company: Join a prestigious Academy dedicated to advancing medical sciences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid working, and 26 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the heart of decision-making, supporting impactful initiatives in the medical field.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a PA or Executive Assistant with strong organisational and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 35560 - 35560 £ per year.

The Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides high-quality, confidential, and proactive executive support. The role is responsible for comprehensive diary and inbox management, coordination of meetings and travel, management of expenses, gatekeeping the CEO’s time, and ensuring the CEO is well-prepared through briefing and action tracking.

The PA to the CEO works closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer, and other relevant colleagues, to ensure the CEO’s meetings are appropriately supported with papers and briefings. They will also liaise with colleagues supporting the Academy of Medical Sciences’ President, to coordinate diaries where CEO and President activity intersects, and they will manage sensitive communications with discretion and professionalism.

About the role

  • Executive, diary & inbox management: Provide proactive and complex diary management for the CEO, ensuring effective prioritisation and forward planning. Manage the CEO’s inbox, including monitoring correspondence, prioritising and responding where appropriate, and ensuring timely follow-up. Screen, triage, and manage incoming enquiries on behalf of the CEO, exercising sound judgement and discretion. Draft, prepare, and manage correspondence and documentation as required. Maintain accurate and well-organised electronic filing systems for the CEO’s office.
  • Gatekeeping, briefings & action tracking: Act as a gatekeeper to the CEO, balancing access, prioritising meetings, and advising on scheduling trade-offs. Work closely with the Chief of Staff, Briefing Hub Officer and colleagues to ensure meetings are appropriately briefed and supported. Track key actions arising from meetings attended by the CEO, ensuring follow-up occurs and deadlines are met, without owning delivery. Maintain awareness of protocol, managing sensitive communications and stakeholder interactions with discretion.
  • Meetings, travel & expenses: Arrange all travel and accommodation for the CEO, including itineraries and briefing packs. Coordinate virtual, hybrid, and in-person meetings, including booking rooms, managing technology (Microsoft Teams), and arranging catering. Prepare, submit, and track the CEO’s expenses in line with Academy policies, liaising with the Finance team as required.
  • Governance & corporate support: Provide administrative support to the CEO in relation to governance activity, including meetings involving the Academy’s Council Members, President, and Honorary Officers, as required. Liaise with PAs and administrative colleagues supporting the President to coordinate diaries, particularly where joint meetings or shared commitments arise. Support the coordination of CEO-related papers, briefings, and follow-up actions arising from senior meetings.
  • Corporate events & internal coordination: Support the planning and delivery of corporate events attended or hosted by the CEO. This could include the Annual General Meeting (AGM), New Fellows’ Admissions Day, named lectures, and other ad hoc events. Assist with coordination of all-staff meetings, senior leadership meetings, and cross-Academy activity involving the CEO. Provide diary and administrative support for ad hoc cross-Academy projects requiring CEO involvement.
  • Systems & information management: Maintain and update records within the Academy’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database (Salesforce), finance software (Iplicit) and other digital systems, as required. Support updates to internal systems and website content related to CEO or corporate activity, where appropriate.

Requirements

  • Skills, experience & abilities: Proven experience providing high-level PA or Executive Assistant support to a senior leader. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail. Confidence working with senior stakeholders and external organisations. Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and sound judgement. Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM databases. Experience managing senior-level diaries, inboxes, travel, expenses, and briefing coordination. Experience in gatekeeping, action tracking, and protocol management.
  • Personal attributes: Highly organised, proactive, and calm under pressure. Discreet, trustworthy, and professional. Collaborative and confident working with senior colleagues. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities. Strong commitment to the Academy’s mission, values, and public benefit.

Benefits

  • Competitive Rewards: Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%). Life assurance at three times your salary.
  • Work-life Balance: Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance. 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays. Buying and selling leave. Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).
  • Wellbeing and Development: Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Support through tailored learning and development.
  • Additional Benefits: A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.

PA to the CEO in London employer: Academy of Medical Sciences

The Academy of Medical Sciences is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on wellbeing through initiatives like Headspace subscriptions. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and fosters professional development.

Academy of Medical Sciences

Contact Details:

Academy of Medical Sciences Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land PA to the CEO in London

Leverage Your Network

Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Academy of Medical Sciences can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.

Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities

Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Academy of Medical Sciences; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.

Showcase Your Flexibility

In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.

Join Corporate Management Forums

Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Academy of Medical Sciences.

We think you need these skills to ace PA to the CEO in London

Diary Management
Inbox Management
Meeting Coordination
Travel Arrangement
Expense Management
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.

Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Academy of Medical Sciences and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.

Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Academy of Medical Sciences's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.

How to prepare for a job interview at Academy of Medical Sciences

Show Off Your Leadership Stories

For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.

Be Ready for Situational Questions

Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.

Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks

In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!

Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability

Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.