Executive Assistant

CVS Group; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An international veterinary services provider is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to join their hybrid team in Bristol. This role involves managing senior directors' diaries, acting as the first point of contact, and facilitating effective communication. Ideal candidates should possess strong organisational and communication skills, along with prior experience supporting senior leadership. The position offers a salary of up to £35,000 DOE and benefits including generous holiday and pension schemes.

Benefits

6.6 weeks holiday

Buy/sell holiday scheme

Health cash plans

Generous staff discount on petcare and products

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or PA supporting senior directors.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in managing complex diaries.

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for the Directors.
• Manage the Directors' diaries and logistics.
• Attend, minute meetings, and follow up on actions.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Diary management

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office 365 proficiency

Education

Secretarial or Business Administration qualification

Job description

CVS Group plc is an AIM listed, international integrated veterinary services provider which delivers to clients through three business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority; it's what is at the heart of our work, every day.

The Group generates revenue of more than £500m from over 500 practices across 2 countries, with more than 8,000 employees including vets, nurses, other clinical colleagues and a range of central support services colleagues.

Summary of role:

We are looking for an experienced Executive Assistant to join our well-established friendly team, to provide support to Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Group level directors.

This role requires someone who is highly organised and able to prioritise proactively. You will need to have excellent oral and written communication skills and be adept at establishing and maintaining excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

This is a hybrid position in the Bristol area with some occasional travel required for meetings elsewhere.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as first point of contact for the Directors, handling general queries and correspondence.
• Proactively manage the Directors' diaries, to include meetings, travel, telephone calls and online meetings. In particular, organise the Directors' schedules well in advance, giving options to minimise travel and time out of the business, whilst taking into account other commitments and urgency, and ensuring all relevant needs are met.
• Organisation of meetings, venues, events, travel, accommodation and other logistics.
• Attend and minute meetings, ensuring follow-up of actions.
• Support project management by monitoring deadlines and helping drive initiatives forward.
• Preparation, editing and distribution of reports, presentations and other documentation in line with the CVS branding and style.
• Assist with onboarding and induction of new colleagues, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Check and process expenses claims using Webexpenses.
• Record annual leave for Directors and their teams.
• Provide general administrative support as part of the Group Administration team, offering cover when needed.
• Handle central inbox queries, taking ownership of tasks from start to finish.
• Assist with various projects and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or PA supporting senior directors.
• Previous experience in veterinary healthcare, technology industry or services‑oriented environment would be advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly organised with strong time management, able to balance multiple priorities.
• Skilled in complex diary management, minimising travel and disruptions.
• Experienced in minute‑taking, word processing (60+ wpm), and document preparation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong problem‑solving, collaborative, and customer‑focused approach.
• Able to work independently, handle sensitive information, and stay calm under pressure.
• High energy, motivated, and proactive in supporting others.
• Secretarial or Business Administration qualification preferred.
• Experience in veterinary healthcare or a service‑oriented environment is a plus.
• A Full UK Driving Licence and own vehicle are advantageous for occasional travel.

Alongside a salary of up to £35,000 DOE, we are offering benefits including; 6.6 weeks holiday, buy/sell holiday scheme, 1 day extra holiday per year up to 5 years, pension scheme - matched up to 6%, health cash plans, enhanced, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, generous staff discount on petcare and products.

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.