At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Pro Vice-Chancellor with diary management, project support, and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a leading provider of supported online education focused on sustainability and student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values integrity, excellence, and employee engagement.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English Grade C or 4+, plus experience supporting senior managers.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
Executive Assistant
Full time, permanent
Based 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 in Reading employer: University of the Built Environment
At the University of the Built Environment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and work-life balance. With flexible working arrangements, a generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to employee growth, we ensure that our team members feel valued and engaged in their roles. Located in Reading, Berkshire, our institution is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
University of the Built Environment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the higher education sector, especially the specific challenges and opportunities it presents. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the environment in which the Pro Vice-Chancellor operates.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your digital skills by being proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Outlook and Teams. Consider brushing up on advanced features that can enhance productivity, as these tools are essential for effective communication and organisation in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing competing priorities and handling confidential information. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated similar situations, as this will highlight your ability to support the Pro Vice-Chancellor effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Executive Assistants in the higher education sector. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any roles where you've supported senior management or worked in a higher education environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in diary management and project support.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention how your values align with those of the University of the Built Environment, particularly around passion, integrity, excellence, and support.
Showcase Your Digital Skills:Since the role requires proficiency in MS Office and other technologies, be sure to mention your experience with these tools. Provide examples of how you've used them effectively in previous positions.
Highlight Confidentiality and Integrity:Given the nature of the role, emphasise your ability to handle confidential information with tact. Share instances where you've successfully managed sensitive situations or made decisions on behalf of others.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the Built Environment
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to manage a busy schedule. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully organised meetings or managed competing priorities in the past.
✨Demonstrate Discretion and Integrity
Handling confidential information is crucial in this role. Be ready to explain how you have maintained confidentiality in previous positions and why it's important to you.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Technology
Since the role requires proficiency in MS Office and other digital tools, brush up on your skills with these applications. You might be asked about your experience with them during the interview.
✨Align with Their Values
The organisation values Passion, Integrity, Excellence, and Support. Think of examples from your past work that demonstrate these values and be ready to share them during your interview.
