EA to CEO and Head of Executive Support

DFL; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Executive Assistant to the CEO, who will lead the Executive Support function. This role demands a proactive individual with a strong background in executive assistance, capable of managing a team while ensuring seamless support for the leadership. The ideal candidate will embrace change and drive innovation, optimising processes with new technologies. Join a dynamic environment that values teamwork and personal growth, and contribute to the success of a globally recognised football club. If you are passionate about excellence and ready to make an impact, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Annual Incentive Scheme

Wellness Support

Exclusive Discounts

Gym Facilities

Enhanced Family Leave Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience supporting senior leadership, preferably a CEO.
• Proven leadership in managing administrative teams or support functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level support to the CEO, including diary and travel management.
• Lead the EA/PA team, fostering a positive culture and continuous improvement.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership

Detail-oriented

Time Management

Discretion

Tech Literacy

Education

Experience in Executive Assistance

Tools

Microsoft 365

Automation Tools

Job description

EA to CEO andHead of Executive Support

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

Our Culture & Values

Here at Manchester United, we place great emphasis on a culture of connection, respect, and teamwork. We ask our colleagues to be champions of growth—constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and collaborating across all areas of the business to keep us at the top of our game.

The Purpose

The EA will provide high-level executive support to the CEO while leading and evolving the Executive Support function. This role sets the benchmark for excellence in executive assistance, managing a team of EAs and PAs, and ensuring seamless, efficient support across the leadership team. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking, embrace change, and drive innovation—leveraging new technologies to optimise team performance.

The Role:

• Deliver proactive and seamless EA support to the CEO, including diary, inbox, travel and meeting coordination.
• Act as a trusted liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders, handling all matters with discretion.
• Lead and manage the EA/PA team, driving a positive culture, consistency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to optimise processes, reduce manual work, and leverage tools and technology.
• Define and embed best practice standards for executive support across the team.
• Coordinate high-level meetings, Board sessions, and events, ensuring logistics, materials and follow-ups are well managed.
• Matchday and event support as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in managing sensitive information.
• Monitor and enhance the performance of the Executive Support function, aligning it with evolving business needs.
• Contribute thinking on the long-term future / structure of the function.

The Person:

• Significant experience (typically 6 + years) in executive assistant roles supporting senior leadership, such as a CEO or equivalent, is strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership of administrative teams or support functions.
• Experience improving support processes or introducing efficiencies.
• Knowledge
• Expert use of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Familiarity with productivity, automation, or workflow tools.
• Strong understanding of executive-level workflows and priorities.
• Curiosity towards the use of new technologies.
• Skills
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with excellent time management.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable with change and process optimisation.
• Discreet, trustworthy and calm under pressure.
• Solutions-focused and tech-literate, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Able to lead a team while delivering personal EA responsibilities to a high standard.

What We Offer:

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Our Commitment to You:

At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Korn Ferry