Lily Shippen | Executive Assistant

Our client is a dynamic and fast-growing fourth-generation family-run business based in Preston. With a strong reputation for excellence, they are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive support to the Director. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering exceptional support at the highest level.

Executive Assistant to Director – Preston

Salary: £40,000 – £50,000

Role Overview

As a key member of the leadership team, the Executive Assistant will offer proactive, high-quality administrative support to the Director. The role requires precision, attention to detail, and a solution-oriented mindset. The successful candidate will be adept at managing multiple priorities, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring the smooth running of the Director\’s office while supporting wider business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Diary & Calendar Management: Managing the Director’s calendar, ensuring all appointments are well-coordinated, and preparing necessary materials in advance.
• Product Development: Assisting in the product development process, including managing internal and external workflows.
• Customer Service: Acting as a key point of contact for high-value and challenging clients.
• Event Management: Overseeing the creation, management, and execution of internal and external events.
• Email & Correspondence Management: Handling incoming communications, drafting professional correspondence, and ensuring important matters are highlighted.
• Interior Design & Project Management: Leading and coordinating all elements of the office rebuild.
• Line Management: Potential responsibility for managing a small team.
• Marketing Support: Assisting in various marketing initiatives and ad hoc projects to drive business growth.
• Travel Coordination: Organising domestic and international travel, including itineraries, flights, and accommodation.
• Meeting Support: Preparing meeting agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action points.
• Document Preparation: Preparing reports, presentations, and key documents with a high level of professionalism.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Acting as a key contact for internal and external stakeholders, maintaining positive relationships, and ensuring the Director remains well-informed.
• General Administrative Support: Providing office support and liaising with other departments as needed.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant supporting senior management.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• A proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with project management tools or business management software is desirable.
• Professional, adaptable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role supporting senior leadership.

Why Join Our Client?

• Competitive salary of £40,000 to £50,000, dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative family-run business.
• Direct involvement with senior leadership, offering a chance to influence business success.
• Room for career growth and professional development.

If you are a proactive, detail-oriented professional with a passion for supporting senior leadership, we would love to hear from you!

Lily Shippen is a leading business and executive support recruitment agency in the UK. We recruit a broad range of HR and business support positions and connect companies with outstanding talent. Our expertise includes secretarial and executive support recruitment, ensuring you can hire a Personal Assistant, Office Manager, or Executive Assistant with the skills needed to drive your business forward. We recruit for roles including Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Private PAs, Office Managers, Chief of Staff, and HR professionals, supporting businesses, founders, and high-profile individuals. We work with clients across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Cheshire, Bristol, Sheffield, and internationally. Whether you are seeking temporary, permanent, or fixed-term contract staff, we tailor our solutions to meet your needs. We also offer a virtual assistant service and recruit for Chief of Staff roles in various locations.