Executive Assistant in London

My name is Mark Maciver. I run several connected businesses, starting from my barbershop SliderCuts Studios, through to the SliderCuts brand and other related ventures. I have been cutting hair professionally for 22 years, and I have owned and operated my barbershop since October 2018. Over the years, I have cut hair for a wide range of well-known individuals. I have appeared in advertising campaigns and TV adverts with global companies and have featured on billboard campaigns across the UK. My work and business journey have been featured in various publications. I am the author of a book titled Shaping Up Culture, and I am currently writing another book. Alongside all of this, I am a family man, committed to my wife and three children, while running a business that has approximately 15 to 20 people working for and with me.

I am looking to hire a highly organised, mature, and forward-thinking Executive Assistant to work closely with me across both business and personal responsibilities. This role goes far beyond traditional admin. You will act as my trusted right hand, helping to manage day-to-day operations, anticipate problems before they arise, and bring structure, clarity, and calm to a fast-moving environment. This is a senior executive support role, working closely with me to help manage both my personal and business life as things grow and evolve.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage diaries, schedules, priorities, and follow-ups.
• Act as a gatekeeper, filtering information and requests.
• Prepare emails, applications, documents, and written communications to a high standard.
• Research topics, opportunities, and options, then present clear summaries.
• Support decision making and long-term planning.
• Help manage people, processes, and accountability across the business.
• Handle high-level admin with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Create systems to improve organisation, efficiency, and workflow.
• Track deadlines, applications, actions, and commitments.
• Manage and support the membership community group.
• Set up and manage masterclasses, workshops, and business events.
• Handle event planning, logistics, schedules, platforms, suppliers, and follow-ups.
• Apply for business opportunities such as awards, courses, funding, and finance.
• Support multiple projects at different stages.
• Handle personal responsibilities alongside business tasks.
• Apply on my behalf for personal matters such as loans, children's school applications, travel, hotels, and accommodation.
• Support time-sensitive and confidential personal admin.
• Occasionally assist with matters involving my wife and children.
• Maintain complete discretion and professionalism at all times.

In-Person Working Requirement

You will be required to work in person from my barbershop for half a day each week. This time is used for planning, alignment, prioritising, and collaboration. Seeing each other regularly is important; this role is built on trust and communication. The remainder of the role will be remote, but this is not a fully remote position.

Pay and Working Structure

Pay rate is £20-£24 per hour. This role is salary-based, not clock watching. Typical working pattern averages 24 hours per week, but hours will vary. If additional hours are worked on one day, these are expected to be balanced across other days. There will be periods where workload is higher and periods where it is lighter. Flexibility is required, and flexibility works both ways.

Growth of the Role and Hours

This role is structured at approximately 24 hours per week to begin with. If the working relationship goes well and the business continues to grow, workload is expected to increase over time. If work regularly goes beyond the current hours due to genuine growth and increased responsibility, working hours will be reviewed and discussed. Any increase in hours will be agreed together, not assumed.

Probation and Onboarding

The role will start on a self-employed freelance basis. Initial probation period is 3 months. During the first 3 months, hours will be lighter as both sides ease into the role. By month 4, you are expected to be fully enrolled and operating at full capacity. If performance meets expectations, the role will move to employed status. Where more time is needed to assess suitability, probation may be extended up to 6 months.

Skills and Experience Required

• Extremely well organised with strong attention to detail.
• Calm and effective under pressure.
• Forward thinking and proactive.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong literary skills and confidence writing on behalf of others.
• Confident managing people and coordinating across teams.
• Strong event setup and event management skills.
• Able to switch between personal and business work seamlessly.

Computer, Digital, and Research Skills

• Highly proficient using a computer and the internet as a core part of daily work.
• Confident using spreadsheets, Microsoft Word, and document creation tools.
• Able to create clear documents, bullet point breakdowns, summaries, and structured notes.
• Strong internet research skills, knowing how to properly search, assess, and find information.
• Able to source suppliers, providers, and companies independently, including from overseas if required.
• Comfortable liaising with external companies, suppliers, and contacts, including those based in other countries.
• Able to learn new systems, tools, and platforms quickly without needing hand holding.

Attitude and Personal Attributes

• Polite, professional, and emotionally intelligent.
• Positive energy and a good attitude is essential.
• Zero tolerance for negativity, poor attitude, or unnecessary friction.
• Mature, reliable, and grounded.
• Confident enough to give opinions and challenge respectfully.
• Trustworthy and discreet.
• Sees the role as a long-term position, not just a job.

Who This Role Is Not For

• Wants rigid hours and fixed routines.
• Is only interested because the role sounds good.
• Dislikes flexibility or change.
• Counts minutes rather than taking ownership.
• Wants a purely admin-focused role.
• Avoids responsibility or decision making.
• Brings negative energy or a poor attitude into work.

Who This Role Is For

• Enjoys responsibility and variety.
• Likes being close to decision making.
• Wants to grow alongside a business.
• Takes pride in helping someone operate at a high level.
• Understands that trust, discretion, and communication are key.

To Apply

A short cover letter explaining why this role appeals to you. Your CV. Answers to the questions below. Applications without answers to the questions will not be considered.

Application Questions

• Why does this role appeal to you, and why do you believe you would be a good fit?
• This role involves flexibility, responsibility, and work that can change week to week. How do you typically handle fluctuating workloads and changing priorities?
• Give an example of a time you managed multiple responsibilities under pressure. How did you stay organised and calm?
• This role includes both business and personal support. Are you comfortable handling sensitive and confidential matters, and why?
• This role is designed to grow over time. How do you feel about a role that may increase in responsibility and working hours as the business grows?
• What type of working environment brings out your best work, and what type of environment does not suit you?
• Is there anything in this job description that gives you hesitation or concern? If so, explain openly.
• Have you previously worked in a role similar to this, or supported someone in a way that required managing their workload, priorities, or day-to-day responsibilities? Please explain your experience and how it relates to this role.

This role is intentionally transparent. It will not suit everyone, and that is by design. I look forward to hearing from you.