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

The opportunity

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. This opportunity requires not only first‑class organisation and communication skills, but also 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. We’re looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, delivering high‑quality support at all times. The ideal candidate will be able to offer healthy challenge, represent the MD internally and externally, and find the balance between being a natural communicator and attentive listener. Working closely with the Strategic Execution Manager, it is important you’re able to work collaboratively to ensure the MD office is efficient and effective, supporting business needs.

What will you be doing?

• Partner directly with the Managing Director of ZME, providing seamless executive support and acting as a trusted advisor in all areas of daily operations.
• Proactively manage a complex calendar, including strategic prioritisation of meetings, appointments, speaking engagements, and domestic/international travel.
• Coordinate closely around the corporate cycle, such as Board meetings, demonstrating sound judgement and discretion.
• Act as a key liaison between the MD, ZME leadership team, as well as the CEO Office, and other internal stakeholders, ensuring efficient information flow, timely responses, and a positive Zurich experience for all.
• Advocate for the MD and act as representative for ZME, internally and externally wherever possible and to offer healthy challenge to ensure the MD office works effectively.
• Maintain excellent stakeholder relationships as the main point of contact for ZME, using strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and confidentiality to manage enquiries, resolve issues, and drive effective outcomes.
• Anticipate and manage a high volume of critical deadlines, ensuring the MD is well‑briefed, prepared, 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, attention to detail, and timely distribution.
• Manage sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality across all aspects of the role.
• Lead by example within the wider 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 as the needs of the function evolve.

What are we looking for?

• Located within a commutable distance to our London office or Farnborough office.
• Significant experience supporting C‑suite executives in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
• Demonstrable track record of operating independently, using sound judgement, discretion, and a proactive approach to solving complex problems.
• Exceptional organisational, prioritisation and time‑management skills with a relentless attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills – you are confident, approachable, and able to influence at senior levels.
• Resilient, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity; thrives under pressure and remains positive, composed and solutions‑focused.
• A 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), with excellent written communication, editing and proofreading skills.
• Energetic, curious and eager to contribute to Zurich’s commitment to delivering a brighter future together.

What will you get in return?

We offer a wide range of employee benefits that you can tailor to your life. Benefits include a 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme, an annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to purchase up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday. We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic.