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- Tasks: Lead a team of Executive Assistants while providing top-notch support to senior leaders.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Cambridge's Governance and Compliance Division.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a supportive environment, and a focus on work/life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping efficient practices in a dynamic academic setting.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience with strong admin and interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Governance and Compliance Division is one of the divisions of the Unified Administrative Services (UAS), overseeing the University's governance processes, data and information compliance, assurance, internal audit, regulatory compliance work, incident management and business continuity planning. The Division also includes the executive support offices, the Vice-Chancellor's Office and the Pro-Vice-Chancellors' Office.
We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and people-focused Senior Executive Assistant and Team Leader to lead our team of Executive Assistants. In this role, you will provide dedicated executive support to at least one member of the senior leadership team, while also managing, developing and coordinating the Executive Assistant team to deliver high-quality support across the senior leadership group. You will work closely with Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Registrary, Academic Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Governance and Compliance, members of the Division, and the Vice-Chancellor's Office. You must therefore be confident, articulate and comfortable liaising with all levels of stakeholders across the University and with external partners.
Responsibilities
- Lead the EA team, mentoring, motivating and supporting team members to shape efficient working practices and continually improve service quality.
- Oversee day-to-day operations, manage HR-related matters (including sickness management, leave coordination, recruitment and capability issues), and ensure smooth and consistent service delivery.
- Provide dedicated executive support to at least one senior leader, including managing complex diaries, organising meetings and travel, drafting correspondence and researching matters of importance.
- Develop a deep understanding of the executive's portfolio to prioritise requests and support strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders and internal teams to ensure effective governance and administrative processes.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or have relevant equivalent experience.
- Excellent secretarial and administrative skills, including word processing, drafting correspondence and diary management.
- High levels of digital competency, particularly in Microsoft Office.
- Professionalism, discretion and strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience supporting a senior executive in a large, complex organisation.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement, adapt to pressure, and demonstrate tact, diplomacy and strategic awareness.
Additional Information
Your application should clearly outline how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification, using relevant examples. Shortlisting will be based on this evidence. The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. We aim to support a good work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in-person environment and culture. Elements of this role are suitable for hybrid working, where staff can split their time between in-person collaboration and remote working. Most of our team work in a hybrid fashion, with an average of 2-3 days per week being office based (pro-rata for part-time staff). The frequency and pattern of the remote elements of the role are managed across the EA team to ensure cover. More time on site will be expected initially to support induction and familiarisation.
Application Process
Closing date for applications is 19 February 2026. Interviews will be held on 5 March 2026. We welcome enquiries from individuals who wish to explore the role as a secondment. Please contact the Operations Manager to discuss a secondment possibility, or note your wish to undertake the role as a secondment on your application (internal applicants only).
How to Apply
Click the "Apply" button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Contacts
Informal enquiries regarding this position, and any questions regarding the recruitment process, should be directed to Elaine Mortimer, Operations Manager (Elaine.Mortimer@admin.cam.ac.uk). Please quote reference AJ48515 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equal Opportunity
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Governance and Compliance Division. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they value in candidates, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the senior leadership team. Knowing their priorities and challenges will help us tailor our responses and demonstrate that we’re ready to support them effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how we’ve managed complex diaries or coordinated multiple tasks. This will highlight our ability to handle the demands of a Senior Executive Assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re tech-savvy and comfortable with digital processes, which is key for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Organisational Skills: As a Senior Executive Assistant, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to manage complex diaries and coordinate meetings. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve kept things running smoothly.
Tailor Your Application: We want to see how you fit into our team! Take the time to tailor your application to the job description. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed, especially in leading and mentoring a team of Executive Assistants.
Be Professional and Personable: In this role, you'll be liaising with senior stakeholders, so it’s important to convey professionalism in your application. But don’t forget to show your personable side too! We love candidates who can balance both.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply' button on our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, it ensures you’re following the correct process, which we appreciate.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, take some time to research the senior leadership team and their roles within the University. Understanding who you’ll be supporting and their priorities will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Senior Executive Assistant, organisation is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex diaries or coordinated multiple tasks simultaneously. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you use to stay organised and efficient.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Since this role involves leading a team, think about your leadership style and be prepared to share experiences where you've mentored or motivated others. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to improve team performance or service quality.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you had to exercise discretion or navigate challenging situations. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
