At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO by managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and resolving operational issues.
- Company: Wellcome, a global charitable foundation improving health through science and partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a real impact on global health challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Executive Assistant with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 47040 - 58800 £ per year.
Salary: £47,040 - £58,800 p.a
Closing date: 15 July 2026
Contract type: Permanent
Interview dates: 1st stage (w/c 20 July 2026), 2nd stage (w/c 27 July)
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health and wellbeing and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.
We are looking for an Executive Assistant who will provide support to Maggy Chan, our Chief Operating Officer (COO). You will help the COO to deliver the mission by ensuring her time is optimised and prioritised for the benefit of Wellcome.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant to play a key role in supporting the COO and the broader Operations team in delivering on Wellcome’s inspiring mission. Your primary focus will be using your judgement to proactively anticipate challenges, adjusting schedules, managing stakeholders and working with internal teams and external stakeholders effectively to ensure delivery to deadlines. The role is essential to the smooth running of the COO’s office, being the central point of contact for the team and working closely with the Head of Executive Office, ensuring access to the COO as required.
As an Executive Assistant you will:
- Provide comprehensive executive and departmental administrative support to the COO, proactively resolving operational issues and coordinating effectively with the CEO Office, Executive Director offices, and key teams across the organisation.
- Manage the COO’s complex diary and scheduling, using sound judgement to coordinate meetings, resolve conflicts, and adapt calendars dynamically to changing priorities.
- Prepare and coordinate high-quality agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and meeting documentation, ensuring the COO is effectively supported for internal and external engagements through timely collaboration with stakeholders across the organisation.
- Coordinate internal, external, and department-wide meetings and events, managing agendas, documentation, and minutes while collaborating across teams to ensure effective planning and delivery of key organisational initiatives.
- Manage complex domestic and international travel arrangements for the COO, producing detailed itineraries and coordinating tailored briefing packs to support effective engagement during business trips.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures, maintain departmental business continuity plans, and promote adherence to governance, expenses, hospitality, and compliance requirements.
- Support departmental budget management by monitoring expenditure, reviewing financial reports, and processing expenses and invoices in line with organisational policies and procedures.
- Manage departmental office operations and facilities, coordinating workspace moves, procurement of furniture and supplies, and liaising with facilities teams to maintain an efficient working environment.
You will enjoy this role if you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy supporting senior leaders, and excel at managing complex priorities. You are highly organised, proactive, and skilled at coordinating meetings, travel, communications, and operations while building strong relationships across an organisation and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Minimum Criteria:
- Executive Assistant/Office Management experience, supporting stakeholders at a senior level.
- Advanced IT Skills – excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, expenses software (e.g. Oracle), CRM (e.g. Salesforce).
- Manage calendars effectively while demonstrating strong written and verbal communication, organisation, planning, and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
- Excellent time management, and project coordination skills to ensure efficient scheduling and delivery of work.
We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. We are currently working 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from our Euston Road offices (as part of our hybrid Ways of Working) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.
Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.
Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org
EA to the COO in London employer: Wellcome
Wellcome is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As an Executive Assistant to the COO, you will play a pivotal role in supporting impactful health initiatives while enjoying flexible working arrangements in our Euston Road offices. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on collaboration, Wellcome provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful global health challenges alongside a passionate team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EA to the COO in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Wellcome.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Wellcome.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Wellcome.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Wellcome. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace EA to the COO in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Wellcome. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like EA to the COO, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wellcome
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Wellcome. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
