Executive Assistant

Safran; Coven Heath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader in the UK is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Vice President of Actuation Systems. The role emphasizes managing complex schedules, coordinating communication across senior stakeholders, and ensuring operational priorities are met. Ideal candidates will have experience in a similar setting, excellent organisational capabilities, and verbal and written communication skills. This position is pivotal in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or in a senior administrative role.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt as demands shift.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex diary and calendar planning effectively.
• Schedule meetings and prepare necessary materials in advance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the VP.
• Coordinate travel logistics and itineraries.
• Prepare and edit reports, presentations, and briefing documents.
• Track key actions and follow-up on deliverables.
• Support leadership meetings with minutes and actions.
• Maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• Organise events and customer engagements.
• Build relationships with internal teams and partners.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality management

Tools

MS Office

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

Safran is an international high‑technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What does the role look like?

This role provides critical executive support to our Vice President of Actuation Systems. You will act as an extension of the VP, ensuring their time, focus, and priorities are aligned to strategic and operational goals. This includes managing a demanding schedule, coordinating cross‑functional activity, and maintaining a steady flow of information between the VP and key leaders across the organisation.

The position requires someone who can bring structure to a busy workload, anticipate needs before they arise, and help the VP stay ahead of upcoming actions, risks, and deadlines. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, support decision‑making with well‑prepared documentation, and help maintain momentum across core programmes, initiatives, and leadership routines. The role is central to keeping the VP fully prepared, informed, and able to operate at pace in a fast‑moving manufacturing environment.

What will your day‑to‑day responsibilities look like?

• Manage complex diary and calendar planning, ensuring deadlines, meetings, reviews, and travel are co‑ordinated efficiently.
• Schedule internal and external meetings, prepare agendas, gather materials, and ensure all information is ready in advance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the VP, filtering enquiries, prioritising issues, and keeping communication flowing across senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel, including itineraries, logistics, and expense management.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, presentations, reports, and briefing documents.
• Track key actions, follow up on deliverables, and help the VP stay aligned with operational and strategic priorities.
• Support leadership meetings with minutes, actions, and structured follow‑up.
• Maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Assist in organising events, site visits, customer engagements, and leadership forums.
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners.

What will you bring to the role?

Essential skills :

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or senior administrative professional, ideally within manufacturing, engineering, or an industrial environment.
• Great organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly as demands shift.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging at senior levels.

Desirable skills :

• High attention to detail and a proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset.
• Proficient in MS Office and modern digital collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint, scheduling systems).
• Trusted to handle confidential information and operate with sound judgement.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced business with tight deadlines.