Executive Assistant

Osborne Clarke; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a proactive Executive Assistant to support its Disputes & Risk Practice Group. This role involves managing the schedules of senior leaders, coordinating meetings, and ensuring efficient operations within the team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities under pressure. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment while contributing to the strategic goals of the practice group. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are passionate about providing high-level support, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

Generous Benefits

Inclusive Environment

Support Adjustments During Employment

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Executive Assistant or similar role.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage diaries and appointments for PGH and Operations team.
• Coordinate Practice Group meetings and prepare necessary materials.
• Support the development of annual business plans and objectives.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Proactive Approach

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office 365

MS Teams

Excel

PowerPoint

Tools

Document Management Systems

Job description

Role profile

Osborne Clarke has a great opportunity working for the Disputes & Risk Practice Group Head (PGH) and Operations team as an Executive Assistant. The main purpose of this role is to provide day-to-day executive support to the PGH and core Operations team (Operations Director and Operations Manager) in order to deliver the Practice Group's strategy and tactical objectives.

This will also involve working closely with the Partner Service Line Leaders, and wider management team, including the Practice Group's HR Business Partner, Finance Business Partner, Head of Knowledge, and Senior Business Development Manager. The role is based in our central Bristol office with the option of some hybrid working.

Key Responsibilities

1. Owning the process for Practice Group meetings (e.g., Service Line Leader meetings; full Partner meetings; service line team meetings), including preparing agendas, papers, and minutes, and ensuring key actions and follow-up are delivered.
2. Helping the PGH and Operations team prioritize and manage their workload, including proactively identifying opportunities for greater efficiencies, ensuring schedules run smoothly, and preparing for each meeting.
3. Proactive management and full ownership of PGH and Operations Director's diaries, managing all appointments, meetings, and related logistics, as well as dealing with conflicts and operational deadlines.
4. Coordination and tracking of the Practice Group's operational costs and helping to identify efficiencies (e.g., travel, employee recognition, training, internal meeting costs).
5. Supporting the development, coordination, and tracking of the Practice Group's and Service Lines' annual tactical objectives, business plans, and special projects.
6. Supporting the annual Partner Evaluation process by scheduling review meetings, managing communications and reminders to partners, and circulating materials, including creating hard copy packs where appropriate.
7. Leading the administrative coordination of the Practice Group's annual Away Day with the Operations and Practice Support Manager and events team.
8. Arranging travel requirements for PGH, OD, and Operations Managers.
9. Working with others to manage the PG's compliance with the firm's mandatory training and policies (e.g., Total Time Recording Policy).
10. Supporting the PGH's fee-earning practice, including managing client matter finances and supporting client relationship development, such as tracking key client relationships and organizing regular catch-up meetings.

We are looking for

We seek someone with previous experience as an Executive Assistant or similar senior role, who can use their initiative, possesses excellent organizational skills, and is a team player. Flexibility and proactive positivity are essential. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Proactive, pragmatic approach and ability to work under pressure with competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience influencing senior stakeholders.
• Ability to think laterally, identify issues, and communicate clearly with stakeholders.
• An understanding of translating strategic priorities into tangible actions.
• Ability to work with confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Role modeling appropriate behavior/support and guiding future PAs and EAs.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365, MS Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and document management systems.

Salary and benefits

We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits. We value health and wellbeing, supported by a range of initiatives and benefits.

Our recruitment process

For more information or to apply, contact Tim Jenkins (Recruitment Advisor) at 0117 917 3666 or via email at [e-mail]. We review applications on a rolling basis and do not use automated decision-making in recruitment. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment and support adjustments during the application process or employment as needed.

About Us

Osborne Clarke is an international legal practice with over 330 Partners and more than 1,260 lawyers across 26 locations. We serve clients with a sector-based approach, helping them navigate current issues and future challenges. Our culture is approachable and inclusive, encouraging diversity and belonging through various interest groups and networks.

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