Executive Assistant

Working hours: This role is available on a part‑time, job‑share or full‑time basis.

Location: Farnborough or London

Closing date for applications: 25th May 2026

Overview: Our Managing Director of Zurich Municipal and Engineering (ZME) is seeking an Executive Assistant who takes initiative, anticipates challenges, and delivers solutions with confidence. In this pivotal role, you will operate at the centre of a dynamic leadership team, supporting the MD in a fast‑paced environment where priorities can change quickly. The role requires first‑class organisation and communication skills, resilience and composure to manage competing demands while upholding the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality. You will be a trusted partner to the Managing Director, proactively managing a range of responsibilities with adaptability and professionalism. This role thrives in a dynamic workplace, engaging at senior leadership level and collaborating closely with the Strategic Execution Manager to ensure the MD office is efficient and effective. Our Engineering business delivers solutions for a wide range of organisations. The position offers flexibility options including part‑time, flexible hours, job share, working from home or compressed hours.

Responsibilities:

• Partner directly with the Managing Director of ZME, providing seamless executive support and acting as a trusted advisor.
• Proactively manage a complex calendar, prioritise meetings, appointments, speaking engagements and domestic/international travel, coordinating with the corporate cycle such as Board meetings.
• Act as a key liaison between the MD, ZME leadership team, the CEO Office and other stakeholders, ensuring efficient information flow and a positive experience.
• Advocate for the MD and represent ZME internally and externally wherever possible, offering healthy challenge to ensure the MD office works effectively.
• Maintain excellent stakeholder relationships, managing enquiries, resolving issues and driving effective outcomes with diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Anticipate and manage a high volume of critical deadlines, ensuring the MD is well‑briefed and able to focus on priority tasks.
• Collaborate closely with the Strategic Execution Manager and the wider EA community to align on priorities and drive seamless execution.
• Take ownership of planning and executing key events, including large scale off‑sites.
• Prepare high‑quality documents, reports, presentations and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution.
• Manage sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality across all aspects of the role.
• Lead within the ZME PA/EA community, sharing best practice, mentoring colleagues and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Undertake a range of support duties as required, adapting to new responsibilities and ad‑hoc projects.

Qualifications:

• Located within a commutable distance to our London or Farnborough office.
• Significant experience supporting C‑suite executives in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
• Track record of operating independently, using sound judgement and a proactive approach to solving complex problems.
• Exceptional organisational, prioritisation and time‑management skills with relentless attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills; confident, approachable and able to influence at senior levels.
• Resilient, resourceful and able to navigate ambiguity; thrives under pressure and remains positive, composed and solutions‑focused.
• Strong contributor to team culture, willing to share knowledge and support others across the wider EA community.
• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and professionalism at all times.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and excellent written communication, editing and proofreading skills.
• Energetic, curious and eager to contribute to Zurich’s commitment to a brighter future.

Benefits:

• 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme.
• Annual company bonus.
• Income protection.
• Life cover – four times your salary.
• Private medical insurance.
• Access to wellbeing partners and a wealth of lifestyle support.
• Virtual GP appointments.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free flu jab.
• 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays; option to swap UK bank holidays for days off of cultural or religious significance; option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
• Three days paid volunteering.
• Up to 16 weeks full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

Equity‑Based and Cultural Commitment: Zurich is committed to diversity and inclusion, developing a wide range of training and development opportunities, supporting employees to volunteer and contributing significant charitable funding. We treat all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of background or any protected characteristic.