At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Managing Director with scheduling, meetings, and sensitive communications.
- Company: Join Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a leading academic publisher and part of the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, private medical insurance, flexible working, and a discretionary bonus.
- Why this job: Gain insight into high-level business operations while working in a collaborative and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting senior leaders, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; applications reviewed on an ongoing basis until 29th July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 25440 £ per year.
Job Title: Personal Assistant to Managing Director, IELTS
Salary: £25,200 – £31,800 per annum
Location: Cambridge, Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in the office
Contract: Permanent, full time – 35 hours per week
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Personal Assistant to support the Managing Director of IELTS (International English Language Testing System), where you will provide critical executive support, ensuring that the MD\’s time and priorities are managed with precision, confidentiality and efficiency.
We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.
About the role
Are you a master of organisation with a sharp eye for detail and a calm approach under pressure?
We\’re looking for a highly capable Personal Assistant to support our Managing Director in a fast-paced environment. This pivotal role requires exceptional judgment, absolute discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive communications with professionalism and tact.
You will take charge of complex scheduling, coordinate high-level meetings, and ensure seamless operations during peak business periods. Your proactive mindset and problem-solving skills will be key to anticipating needs and removing obstacles—allowing the MD to focus on strategic leadership and decision-making.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and gain insight into high-level business operations.
About you
You will have proven experience supporting senior leaders in a fast-paced environment, with excellent organisational and time management skills.
You will be confident in handling complex schedules and high-level communications, whilst always maintaining confidentiality.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with a proactive, solution-focused mindset.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting tools is expected, and prior experience in a similar role—particularly within a high-growth organisation—will be highly desired.
If you would like to know more about this opportunity and what will make you successful, please see the full job description attached to the bottom of this vacancy on our careers site.
Rewards and benefits
We will support you to be at your best in work and to live well outside of it. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a world-class, flexible rewards package, featuring family-friendly and planet-friendly benefits including:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Group personal pension scheme
- Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary
- Green travel schemes
We are a hybrid working organisation, and we offer a range of flexible working options from day one. We expect most hybrid-working colleagues to spend 40-60% of their time at their dedicated office or location. We will also consider other work arrangements if you wish to work more flexibly or require adjustments due to a disability.
Ready to pursue your potential? Apply now.
We review applications on an ongoing basis, with a closing date for all applications being 29th July 2025 although we may close it earlier if suitable candidates are identified. Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 11th August 2025.
Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker Visa route as it does not meet the minimum skill requirements.
Why join us
Joining us is your opportunity to pursue potential. You\’ll belong to a collaborative team that\’s exploring new and better ways to serve students, teachers and researchers across the globe – for the benefit of individuals, society and the world. Sharing our mission will inspire your own growth, development and progress, in an environment which embraces difference, change and aspiration.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where it\’s safe to speak up, and where we learn continuously to improve together. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics (age, disability, educational attainment, ethnicity, gender, marital status, neurodiversity, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual identity), cultural, or social class/background.
We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities, actively seeking to employ people from a wide range of different communities.
#LI-EB1
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PA to Managing Director, IELTS - 6152 employer: Cambridge University Press
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Press Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PA to Managing Director, IELTS - 6152
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the IELTS and its significance in the education sector. Understanding the nuances of the organisation will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Personal Assistant role, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your organisational skills through practical examples. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed complex schedules or high-pressure situations, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest tools and technologies used in virtual meetings and scheduling. Being well-versed in these platforms will not only enhance your application but also show that you're proactive and ready to adapt to the hybrid working environment.
We think you need these skills to ace PA to Managing Director, IELTS - 6152
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the role of Personal Assistant. Focus on your organisational skills, ability to manage complex schedules, and any previous experience supporting senior leaders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your proactive mindset and problem-solving abilities. Mention specific examples from your past roles where you successfully managed sensitive communications or high-pressure situations.
Highlight Technical Skills: Since proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting tools is expected, ensure you mention your experience with these tools. If you have any certifications or training, include those as well.
Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism: In your application, emphasise your understanding of confidentiality and discretion. Provide examples of how you've handled sensitive information in previous roles to reassure them of your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Press
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Personal Assistant, your ability to organise and manage schedules is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully handled complex scheduling in the past, highlighting your attention to detail and proactive approach.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Given the sensitive nature of communications you'll be handling, it's important to convey your understanding of confidentiality. Share experiences where you maintained discretion in previous roles, emphasising your professionalism in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to anticipate needs. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle unexpected challenges or changes in priorities for the Managing Director.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Office and Virtual Tools
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual meeting tools is essential for this role. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools effectively in previous positions, especially in managing communications and scheduling.