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: Hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and a chance to build trusted relationships with senior leaders.
- 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 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the role: 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. Excellent benefits, including:
- 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
- A generous pension allowance
- 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
Equal Opportunities: 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 London 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 benefits including private medical insurance and a robust pension scheme, 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 City Centre provide a vibrant environment where you can build meaningful relationships and contribute to impactful projects alongside senior leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the CEO in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in your industry, especially those who might know the CEO or have insights into the company. A friendly chat can open doors and give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the CEO's recent projects and the company's goals. Show us that you understand their vision and how you can support it. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to convey information clearly and concisely. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the CEO in London
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 Skills:We want to see your exceptional organisational and communication skills shine through. Use specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you've successfully managed demanding stakeholders and kept projects on track.
Be Proactive:In your application, reflect your proactive nature. Share instances where you've anticipated needs or unblocked challenges without needing direction. This will resonate with us as we value individuals who take ownership and get things done.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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 projects and priorities. This will help you understand their focus areas and demonstrate your ability to align with their strategic vision.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects or supported senior leaders in the past. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritise effectively, as this role demands exceptional organisational skills.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Professionalism
Be ready to discuss situations where you've handled confidential information or sensitive matters. Emphasising your ability to maintain discretion will reassure them that you can be trusted with high-level strategic information.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can establish strong relationships with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've influenced outcomes or driven progress in previous roles, showcasing your interpersonal skills and executive presence.
