Assistant to CEO (Graduate opportunity)

Location: UK, London

Job type: Full time, permanent – hybrid (typically 3 days in office per week)

Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Role Responsibilities

• Supporting the CEO day to day
• Help manage the CEO’s diary, scheduling meetings and protecting focus time
• Support inbox management by organising emails and flagging priorities
• Prepare simple briefing packs, agendas, and meeting materials
• Track key actions and follow up where needed

Supporting communications and engagement

• Assist with preparing internal presentations and communications
• Help coordinate town halls, leadership meetings, and engagement activities
• Create clear, well‑formatted PowerPoint slides and documents
• Work with internal teams to ensure communications are timely and well organised

Providing core administrative support

• Arrange travel bookings and manage simple expense processing
• Support invoice processing and basic budget tracking
• Maintain organised records and documentation
• Ensure day‑to‑day admin tasks are completed accurately and on time

Improving ways of working

• Suggest simple improvements to processes and team organisation
• Help streamline administrative workflows where possible
• Support the team in working efficiently and effectively

Confidentiality and professionalism

• Handle sensitive information with care and discretion
• Communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders

Any other duties that fall within the scope and purpose of the role.

Skills and Experience Required

• A relevant degree (or equivalent experience)
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint)
• A proactive, positive, and curious mindset
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• High levels of professionalism and discretion
• A genuine interest in learning and growing in a fast‑paced, global environment

Nice to have (but not essential)

• Internship or placement experience in administration, coordination, events, or operations
• Experience supporting senior stakeholders in any capacity

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Access to an annual bonus scheme (for qualifying roles only)
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays – increasing to 27 days after 5 years
• Access to a Buy Holiday scheme allowing you to buy up to 5 additional holiday days per year
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Generous pension through Royal London
• Comprehensive private medical insurance and wellness scheme through Vitality
• Cycle to work scheme
• A vibrant social environment and multicultural and multinational culture
• Free subscription to the Calm App – the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
• A focus on welfare led by our global wellness team, with mental health first aiders globally
• Access to a variety of diversity and inclusion initiatives and groups
• Strong recognition and reward programs – including a peer‑to‑peer recognition platform, quarterly and annual QS Applaud Awards, Connect with your Career annual PD event
• Support for volunteering and study leave
• Free subscription to LinkedIn Learning – 5,000+ courses and programmes
• Options to join our outstanding global Mentorship programme

Equal Opportunities

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is proud to be a fair and equal organisation where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their background or personal attributes. We celebrate our diversity and believe through sharing our experiences we can learn from one another, be stronger together, and enable our business to thrive.