At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the CEO with high-level executive tasks and drive strategic priorities.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic multi-academy trust focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health plan, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a collaborative environment await you.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of an organisation that transforms lives through education.
- Qualifications: Exceptional communication skills and strong organisational abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
Shaw Education Trust is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to become a trusted partner to our Chief Executive Officer, providing high-level executive support while helping to drive the strategic priorities of our ambitious and growing multi-academy trust. This is far more than a traditional executive support role. You will be at the heart of the organisation, coordinating executive activity, supporting governance, preparing high-quality briefings and building strong relationships with senior leaders, Trustees and external partners. Your work will enable strategic decision-making and help ensure our Trust continues to deliver the very best outcomes for our schools.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, highly organised and able to anticipate needs before they arise. You will have exceptional communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining absolute confidentiality. In return, you will join a collaborative, ambitious Trust where your contribution will make a meaningful difference to colleagues across our organisation.
Whilst this role is based within our Central Team, its impact reaches every school and ultimately every child we serve. We are looking for someone who leads by example, takes pride in delivering excellence and is passionate about supporting our mission through the vital work they do behind the scenes. If you are motivated by purpose, thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, and want to play an important part in helping our schools succeed, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Location: SET Head Office, Kidsgrove - As part of our commitment to work-life balance, we offer flexibility in working hours and location during the school holidays. At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our values—opportunity, integrity, community, and equity—guide everything we do. Our vision is "Opening doors to the world through the power of learning." We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives. We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities. We empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures. If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen. We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Shaw Education Trust offers the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Executive Assistant to the CEO employer: The Shaw Education Trust
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment where every staff member is valued and empowered to grow. With a strong commitment to professional development through high-quality training and access to the Institute of Education, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a vibrant school community. Located in Stoke on Trent, the Trust fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises well-being and innovation, making it a fantastic place to work for those passionate about shaping the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the CEO
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like The Shaw Education Trust.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like The Shaw Education Trust.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the CEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to The Shaw Education Trust.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of The Shaw Education Trust. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with The Shaw Education Trust, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at The Shaw Education Trust, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for The Shaw Education Trust could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at The Shaw Education Trust as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
