Executive Assistant - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Executive Assistant - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Temporary 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide high-quality support to senior stakeholders and manage complex schedules.
  • Company: Dynamic firm with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: 12-month contract with opportunities for career development and networking.
  • Other info: Flexible role with potential for out-of-hours support and diverse stakeholder engagement.
  • Why this job: Be the backbone of the team, making a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing demands.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

For internal candidates, if you would like to apply for this vacancy please note that it is for an initial fixed period of 12 months. If your application is successful, the Firm would be under no obligation to keep your current job open for you to return to. However, the role may also be considered on a secondment basis, in which case you would be able to return to your substantive role at the end of the secondment. Before applying, please discuss your application with your Line Manager or Career Development Partner in order to make them aware of your intentions and to discuss whether it is possible to accommodate your application at this time.

The Executive Assistant (EA) provides proactive, high-quality support to the Firm's most senior and high velocity stakeholders, enabling the effective management of priorities, communications, commitments and optimising partner time spent on matter and client management in a fast-paced environment. The role requires a high level of discretion, sound judgement, stakeholder management and organisational skills. Alongside this, the role is centred on managing competing demands, anticipating needs and acting as a trusted point of contact to ensure stakeholders operate efficiently and focus on strategic priorities.

The EA will demonstrate strong judgement, discretion and adaptability, working flexibly across shifting priorities and stakeholder needs. Operating within a dynamic and evolving environment, the EA will coordinate activities, facilitate communication and leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to streamline processes and enhance productivity. The EA role may involve greater responsibility for stakeholder management, prioritisation, governance support, confidential matters, complex diary and meeting orchestration, cross-functional coordination, and acting as a trusted adviser or point of contact. The EA will handle highly sensitive and confidential information relating to clients, partner matters, financial performance, people issues and firm strategy. A high level of discretion, sound judgement and professionalism are essential. The role requires flexibility, adaptability and a proactive approach, including availability to provide out‑of‑hours support when required to manage urgent matters, travel disruptions or time‑critical communications. The role will typically support a ratio of between 1:2 to 1:4 Partners and/or equivalent Senior Business Leaders.

Who you will work with:

  • Senior and high velocity stakeholders
  • Partners and Business Professionals
  • Fellow EAs
  • Business Professional Teams including Business Development & Marketing; Brand, Communications and Public Affairs; Finance, HR, IT and other functions
  • Other Internal and external stakeholders

What you will do:

  • Stakeholder Management and Alignment: Build trusted working relationships, understanding stakeholder preferences and priorities. Adapt working styles to align with evolving business needs and stakeholder requirements. Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Ensure communication is clear, timely and professional. Prepare for meetings through briefings, agendas, meeting packs and forward planning.
  • Client & Business Support: Support the coordination of client, matter-related and internal activities arising from the Partner's priorities, including meetings, follow‑up actions and stakeholder engagement. Organise client and internal meetings, client dinners and small‑scale events, and coordinate with relevant support teams where additional specialist input is required. Prepare, maintain and update agreed records, contact information and activity data in firm systems in line with firm processes. Assist with the administration and follow‑through of relationship, matter and profile‑related information, including helping to ensure information is captured accurately and on a timely basis. Liaise effectively with internal stakeholders and external contacts, including the assistants of key clients and other senior stakeholders, to support efficient coordination and communication. Support the preparation and organisation of materials, logistics and related information required for meetings, visits and other priority activities. Track actions and follow‑ups to ensure delivery against commitments. Provide matter management support from end to end as needed. Coordinate support for time recording, expenses, invoices, e‑billing requirements and pre‑billing processes.
  • Diary and Scheduling Management: Proactively manage complex and frequently changing diaries, scheduling internal and external meetings across multiple time zones and resolving conflicts in line with business needs. Full inbox and communication management, including triaging, drafting responses, issuing holding messages, monitoring time sensitive requests and ensuring timely follow‑through.

Executive Assistant - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract employer: cliffordchance

Clifford Chance is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Strategic Executive Assistant, you will benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the legal sector, all within a vibrant city location that enhances both personal and professional growth.

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Contact Details:

cliffordchance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

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 cliffordchance 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 cliffordchance; 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 cliffordchance.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Data Engineering
SQL
Python
ETL/ELT Processes

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 cliffordchance 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 cliffordchance'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 cliffordchance

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.