At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO with high-level operational and project management tasks.
- Company: Join a top-rated firm recognised for its excellent workplace culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and some international travel involved.
- Why this job: Be a strategic partner to the CEO and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting C-suite executives and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to join us based in our Birmingham or London office as Executive Assistant to the CEO, with travel between the two locations on a weekly basis essential. In this role, you will act as a strategic partner, providing high-level operational, project, and stakeholder management support, enabling the CEO to focus on key priorities and organisational leadership, while delivering dedicated one-to-one support.
About you: We’re looking for a highly driven, high-energy individual who thrives in supporting C-suite executives, ideally within complex or partnership-led environments, ideally with line management experience. This is a hands-on role for someone who takes ownership, moves at pace, and gets things done, proactively chasing actions, unblocking challenges, and keeping projects moving forward without needing direction.
The role requires someone who has successfully coordinated cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives on behalf of senior leadership, often across different jurisdictions and team structures. You will demonstrate sound judgement and a proactive ability to anticipate executive needs in line with broader firm priorities.
You will bring exceptional organisational, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage demanding stakeholders in a professional and pragmatic way. You will be required to prepare draft board-level materials and will have strong analytical capability to distil complex information into clear, concise reports. Absolute discretion is essential, with a proven ability to manage highly confidential strategic information.
This role would suit someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with shifting priorities and leadership demands, underpinned by strong commercial awareness. The successful candidate will be confident in prioritising CEO time commitments based on strategic impact, with the executive presence to challenge and advise where appropriate.
You will also demonstrate the ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders, board members and external stakeholders, and to influence outcomes and drive progress across senior audiences, even without formal authority. You will need to build a close and reliable relationship with the CEO, and flexibility to attend to urgent matters outside of the 9-5 will be key.
We operate a hybrid and agile working environment, but your working pattern will be closely linked to the requirements of the CEO, which will change on a weekly basis. Some international travel will also be required, to support the CEO locally on leadership trips and projects.
What We Can Offer You: The opportunity to work for a firm which has been recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK and has been ranked by Great Place to Work® for 26 consecutive years. A hybrid approach to office and remote working, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy up to a week's extra annual leave, free private medical insurance, and the option to add family members, life assurance covering four times your annual salary, the chance of a three-month sabbatical every five years, maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes, a range of health and wellbeing programmes, state of the art offices, in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, with an onsite restaurant, opportunities to flourish in your role through training and personal development.
Gowling WLG is committed both to promoting equality and diversity in the firm and to Equal Opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, national origins), religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re-assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment.
At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, to create an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our aim is to fulfil everyone's potential and together to achieve personal and business goals.
If you have any queries in relation to this position or would like to see a full job description please contact Meg Astley at meg.astley@gowlingwlg.com.
Executive Assistant to the CEO in Birmingham employer: Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK for 26 consecutive years. With a hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee development, we foster a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers individuals to thrive. Our state-of-the-art offices in Birmingham and London provide a vibrant environment where you can build meaningful relationships with senior leaders while enjoying a range of health and wellbeing programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the CEO in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the company. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Executive Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the CEO and the company's recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can directly support their strategic goals and make their life easier.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to manage demanding stakeholders. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend to build your confidence in handling tough conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the CEO in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your experience in supporting C-suite executives and managing complex projects, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires exceptional written and verbal communication, include examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholders or prepared board-level materials in the past. We want to see your ability to distil complex information into clear reports!
Demonstrate Proactivity:We love candidates who take ownership and get things done! Share specific instances where you've anticipated needs or unblocked challenges for senior leaders. This will help us see your proactive approach in action.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG
✨Know Your CEO's Priorities
Before the interview, research the CEO's recent initiatives and priorities. This will help you understand their focus areas and demonstrate your ability to align with their strategic vision during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional projects in the past. Highlight your ability to anticipate challenges and keep things moving forward, as this is crucial for supporting a C-suite executive.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Be ready to discuss situations where you've handled confidential information or sensitive matters. Emphasising your commitment to discretion will reassure them that you can be trusted with high-level strategic information.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share strategies you've used to influence outcomes and drive progress, even without formal authority.
