Executive Assistant

Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum equivalent

Contract: Temporary for approximately 2–3 months, with a view to becoming permanent

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30am–5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm

Location: Predominantly office-based

Start: Ideally as soon as possible

Due to the nature of the environment, the successful applicant will be required to complete the appropriate DBS check as part of the recruitment process.

We are delighted to be recruiting for an experienced and highly capable Executive Assistant to provide first-class support to the CEO of a well-established and highly regarded organisation within the education sector. This is far more than a traditional administrative role. Our client is looking for someone who can become a genuine right-hand person and trusted sounding board to the CEO – someone proactive, commercially aware and confident enough to anticipate needs, manage changing priorities and ensure the CEO’s day runs as smoothly and effectively as possible. Initially offered as a 2–3 month temporary assignment, there is an opportunity for the position to become permanent following a successful temporary period.

The Role

• Providing comprehensive day-to-day executive and administrative support
• Acting as a trusted sounding board and right-hand person to the CEO
• Managing a busy and changing diary, meetings and priorities
• Monitoring and responding to emails, calls and communications on the CEO’s behalf where appropriate
• Preparing for meetings, attending meetings and producing accurate minutes and actions
• Ensuring actions and projects are followed through efficiently and within agreed timescales
• Keeping abreast of relevant education-sector news, developments and updates
• Supporting and coordinating projects and key business initiatives
• Liaising confidently with senior stakeholders, colleagues and external contacts
• Meeting and greeting visitors and representing the CEO professionally
• Attending occasional events and meetings
• Anticipating requirements, identifying priorities and proactively resolving issues

About You

We are looking for an experienced Executive Assistant who is comfortable operating at senior level and enjoys being at the heart of a busy organisation. You will ideally have:

• Previous experience supporting a CEO, Director or senior leadership team
• A background within education would be particularly advantageous
• Alternatively, experience within a professional environment such as legal, banking, financial services or technology could transfer well
• Exceptional organisation and diary-management skills
• The confidence to manage competing and frequently changing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong judgement, discretion and confidentiality
• A proactive approach
• PRINCE2 or a relevant project-management qualification would be advantageous

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to work in an impressive and highly regarded establishment, where you can build a trusted relationship with the CEO. If you’re an accomplished EA who enjoys being one step ahead, taking ownership and becoming an integral part of a senior leader’s day, we’d love to hear from you.