At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO with scheduling, communication, and strategic tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading FMCG company based in Hertfordshire, known for innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £55,000 and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be the right hand to the CEO and gain valuable Board exposure while shaping company operations.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as an Executive Assistant in FMCG, strong organisational and communication skills required.
- Other info: This role offers flexibility to define responsibilities and grow with a market-leading company.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our client is seeking a highly organised, experienced and proactive Executive Assistant to support the dynamic and fast-paced needs of the CEO of a leading FMCG company based in Hertfordshire. This is a key role requiring someone who thrives under pressure, can manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines and has a genuine passion for working within C Suite. The successful candidate will be based in their central Watford office, working closely with the CEO to provide high-level EA and strategic support to the Board. Confidentiality, initiative and discretion are prerequisites.
This is an exciting new role that presents an incredible opportunity for someone to take charge and help shape the direction of the company's operations. As EA to the CEO, you will act as the right hand to the CEO, managing their schedule, prioritising tasks and ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. Your role will also have Board exposure and evolve with the company's growth and you will have the flexibility to define key responsibilities that support the CEO's effectiveness in driving the vision and success of the business.
EA Responsibilities:- Executive Support: Provide high-level administrative support to the CEO, managing their schedule, meetings and communication and introducing systems to benefit the smooth running of the team. Coordinate and prioritise emails, phone calls and meeting requests on behalf of the CEO. Assist in the preparation of reports and documents for meetings and events.
- Travel & Logistics: Organise national and international travel arrangements for the CEO's business trips to include complex visas.
- Meeting Coordination: Prepare agendas, ensure all materials are ready for CEO meetings, and take detailed notes during meetings as necessary. Track follow-up actions from meetings and ensure timely completion. Organise and manage events, including executive meetings, team-building sessions and corporate events.
- General Administrative Duties: Provide support with office management, ensuring the CEO's office is organised and equipped with necessary supplies. Handle confidential information with integrity and discretion.
- Other Duties as Required: Take on any ad-hoc tasks to ensure the smooth running of the business and support the CEO in their day-to-day responsibilities.
- Proven experience as a career Executive Assistant supporting C Suite within the FMCG industry.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- High level of initiative and ability to work independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with cloud-based tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoom). Mac OS proficiency an advantage but not essential.
- Proven 5 years + experience as an Executive Assistant within a corporate or FMCG industry.
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Adaptability to shifting priorities and changing business needs.
- Enthusiastic, flexible and approachable demeanour.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with various teams.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to remain professionally calm within an ever-changing environment.
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism.
- A proactive, can-do attitude with adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of discretion and confidentiality.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-paced leader in the sector. With such a strong focus on growth and innovation, our client provides an exciting setting for an exceptional EA looking to gain further experience at Board level. This role is perfect for someone eager to grow with a market leading company.
EA to CEO employer: Lily Shippen Limited
Contact Detail:
Lily Shippen Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EA to CEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG industry, especially those who have experience working as Executive Assistants. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the CEO and the company thoroughly. Understanding their vision, values, and recent developments will not only help you tailor your approach but also demonstrate your genuine interest during any interviews or networking conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple priorities and maintained confidentiality in previous roles. This will showcase your ability to thrive under pressure, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the tools and software mentioned in the job description, such as Microsoft Office Suite and cloud-based tools. Being proficient in these will give you an edge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace EA to CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as an Executive Assistant, particularly in supporting C Suite executives. Emphasise your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your genuine passion for working within the C Suite and your proactive approach. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed schedules and communications for senior executives in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and any cloud-based tools you are familiar with. Mention your adaptability to shifting priorities and your strong attention to detail, as these are key attributes for the position.
Showcase Discretion and Professionalism: Since confidentiality is a prerequisite for this role, include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and discretion. This will show that you understand the importance of trust in an EA position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lily Shippen Limited
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, your ability to manage multiple priorities is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully organised schedules, prioritised tasks, and handled tight deadlines in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Confidentiality
Given the sensitive nature of the role, it's important to convey your understanding of confidentiality. Share experiences where you’ve handled confidential information with integrity and discretion, highlighting your professionalism.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Interaction
Since this role involves exposure to the Board, be ready to discuss your experience in preparing reports and documents for meetings. Highlight any instances where you’ve taken detailed notes or tracked follow-up actions effectively.
✨Exhibit a Proactive Attitude
The CEO will rely on you to take initiative. Prepare to share examples of how you've proactively solved problems or improved processes in your previous positions, showcasing your can-do attitude and adaptability in fast-paced environments.