At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO and manage a dynamic workload in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading university committed to sustainability and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a vibrant academic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as an EA or in administration with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Full time, permanent position based in Horizons (Reading, Berkshire) with two days per week working from home.
Salary: £34,000 FTE pa.
This is a high-level professional and fast-paced role within our ambitious university, where you will take responsibility for delivering effective and efficient support to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). You will take a proactive approach to coordinating and directly supporting the work of the COO and their interactions with other members of the Executive, the Senior Leadership Team and their wider departments. You will also work with fellow Executive Assistants, as well as providing support to the COO’s direct reports, aiding them in the delivery of their duties.
You must:
- Have relevant experience in an EA or administration role supporting senior staff.
- Be able to professionally and confidently handle a busy and varied workload, which is sometimes pressured requiring task switching.
- Be digitally competent with strong communication skills, including report writing.
- Be on board with our behaviours and committed to delivering positive outcomes for our students.
At University of the Built Environment we expect employees to demonstrate our values: Passion, Integrity, Excellence and Support. Student satisfaction and success are our main drivers, and our people consistently report high levels of employee engagement; your contribution will be valued should you join us.
We are a long-standing and leading provider of supported online education with a long-term ambition to be the world’s most sustainable university. At The London School of Architecture, our students study onsite. Staff wellbeing and work-life balance are a priority for us, with flexible working arrangements and a generous holiday allowance amongst some of our key employee benefits.
To view the full job specification and to apply, visit our careers site. Vacancy closes on Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 10:00.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION: We champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. We celebrate diversity and the strengths it brings to our staff body, our student community and our Board of Trustees, recognising that people are key to our success. Our aim is to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce, therefore we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Executive Assistant employer: University of the Built Environment
At the University of the Built Environment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion, integrity, excellence, and support. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowance, and a culture that prioritises work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for professional growth and meaningful contributions to student success. Join us in our mission to be the world’s most sustainable university, where your efforts will be recognised and appreciated.
Contact Details:
University of the Built Environment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Executive Assistants in similar roles. They can give you insider tips and might even know about unadvertised positions. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the COO and their work. Tailor your questions and answers to show how your skills align with their needs. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to supporting them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires strong report writing and verbal communication, consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about joining our community at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Executive Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience supporting senior staff and managing busy workloads. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your communication skills and explain why you’re passionate about supporting our COO. Let us know how you embody our values of Passion, Integrity, Excellence, and Support.
Showcase Your Digital Competence:Since this role requires strong digital skills, mention any tools or software you’re proficient in. Whether it’s report writing or task management, we want to know how you can help streamline our operations!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the Built Environment
✨Know Your COO
Before the interview, do some research on the Chief Operating Officer and their role within the university. Understanding their priorities and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show that you're proactive and engaged.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a busy workload in the past. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you use to stay organised and efficient.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a brief report or presentation to demonstrate your writing skills during the interview.
✨Embrace Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the university's values: Passion, Integrity, Excellence, and Support. Think of examples from your experience that align with these values, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of student satisfaction and success.
