Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO / Founder in London

Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO / Founder in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the CEO in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while managing priorities and projects.
  • Company: Join a founder-led business that values commitment and professionalism.
  • Benefits: Long-term career path with opportunities for growth and influence.
  • Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in high-pressure environments and value discretion.
  • Why this job: Become a trusted partner to senior leadership and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in executive support and strong programme management skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Executive Assistant to work closely with the CEO / Founder across a fast-moving, founder-led business environment. This is a long-term role for a highly experienced professional who sees the Senior Executive Assistant position as a respected career path in its own right. We are not looking for someone who wants to use this role as a stepping stone into other areas of the business. The right person will be committed to remaining in this role for the foreseeable future and taking pride in becoming a trusted, central figure beside senior leadership.

This is not simply a diary management role. It requires maturity, discretion, structure, emotional intelligence, programme management capability and the ability to operate calmly within a demanding, multi-faceted environment.

Key Requirements
  • Minimum 10 years of traceable experience in an Executive Assistant, Senior PA, Chief of Staff support, programme coordination or senior administrative leadership role.
  • Experience supporting founders, CEOs, directors or senior leadership in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong programme management experience, with the ability to track multiple projects, actions, deadlines and stakeholders.
  • Ideally PRINCE2 qualified, or possessing equivalent project or programme management experience.
  • A full, clean UK driving licence, as the role may require travel between business locations, meetings and key appointments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Advanced diary, inbox, meeting and follow-up management capability.
  • High levels of confidentiality, loyalty and emotional intelligence.
  • Confidence to chase actions, escalate delays and maintain accountability.
  • Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • High level of professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Experience coordinating meetings, travel and events.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
  • Adaptability in fast-paced environments.
Core Responsibilities
  • Managing the CEO’s diary, priorities, meetings and follow-ups.
  • Preparing agendas, notes, action logs and decision trackers.
  • Proactively tracking progress to ensure all key projects remain on course and on track.
  • Coordinating across internal teams, consultants, suppliers and external stakeholders.
  • Tracking deadlines, commitments and accountability across multiple ventures.
  • Supporting board-style reporting, meeting preparation and executive communications.
  • Handling sensitive information with complete discretion.
  • Anticipating the CEO’s needs and resolving issues proactively.
  • Facilitating clear and effective cross-functional communication between teams to ensure alignment and execution.
The Right Fit

This role is suited to an individual who recognises that the position of a Senior Executive Assistant is both strategically important and highly respected. We are seeking a professional who brings depth of experience, discipline, discretion and strong programme management capability, alongside a clear long-term commitment to the Executive Assistant profession. For the right person, this opportunity offers the chance to work in close partnership with senior leadership, influence execution across multiple ventures and become a central, trusted figure within a growing and dynamic business environment.

This is not a role for someone seeking to transition into other areas of the business or to use the position as a stepping stone into functions such as marketing, operations or other departments. Instead, we are looking for an individual who is genuinely motivated by the role itself. Someone who thrives as the trusted partner to the CEO, bringing structure, protecting time, creating clarity and ensuring disciplined execution.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, resilient and commercially aware, with strong emotional intelligence and the ability to remain composed in a demanding, fast-paced and multi-faceted environment. They must be confident operating alongside senior stakeholders, strong personalities, competing priorities and ambitious growth objectives, while consistently maintaining control, focus and professionalism. This is a long-term opportunity for a highly capable and committed professional.

Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO / Founder in London employer: Candles & Oud

Join a dynamic and fast-paced environment where your role as a Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO is not just about managing diaries, but about becoming a trusted partner in driving the business forward. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of respect, professionalism, and growth, offering long-term career opportunities for those who are dedicated to this vital position. With a focus on emotional intelligence and programme management, you will thrive in an atmosphere that values your contributions and supports your professional development.

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Contact Details:

Candles & Oud Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO / Founder in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Executive Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its leadership. Understand their values and challenges, so you can demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Executive Assistant, you'll need to convey information clearly and confidently. Consider mock interviews or even chatting with friends to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as professional and composed.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and committed to the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO / Founder in London

Programme Management
Diary Management
Emotional Intelligence
Confidentiality
Communication Skills
Project Tracking
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your 10+ years of experience in similar roles. We want to see how you've supported senior leaders and managed complex projects, so don’t hold back on the details!

Tailor Your Application:Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their application with what we’re looking for.

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence:In your written application, give examples of how you've handled sensitive situations or maintained professionalism under pressure. This role requires maturity and discretion, so let us know how you embody these traits.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Candles & Oud

Know Your Role Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Senior Executive Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and requirements listed in the job description. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.

Showcase Your Programme Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your programme management experience. Highlight instances where you've successfully tracked multiple projects or managed competing priorities. This is crucial as the role demands strong organisational skills and the ability to keep everything on track.

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

During the interview, showcase your emotional intelligence by discussing how you've handled sensitive situations or conflicts in the past. This role requires maturity and discretion, so sharing relevant experiences will help illustrate your capability to operate calmly in a demanding environment.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the CEO's working style or the challenges the team currently faces. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.