Executive Assistant

Pertemps Leeds; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic non-profit organization in Manchester is looking for an Executive Assistant to support the Director with a diverse range of responsibilities. In this engaging role, you will manage a rapidly changing diary, organize travel, and maintain communication with high-profile stakeholders. The ideal candidate should be highly organized and possess outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office. The position offers excellent progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

32 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Strong progression opportunity

Employee wellbeing support

Enhanced pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

Access to health and fitness facilities

Qualifications

• Experience in EA/PA support.
• Professional, discreet when handling sensitive information.
• Proven ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director's diary and travel plans.
• Create agendas, reports, and presentations.
• Serve as a first point of contact for stakeholders.
• Manage correspondence and anticipate priorities.
• Plan high-profile meetings and events.

Skills

Highly organised

Excellent problem-solving abilities

Outstanding verbal communication skills

Outstanding written communication skills

Strong IT proficiency

Proactive thinking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title : Executive Assistant

Location : Manchester

Salary : Up to £40,000

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented Executive Assistant to join a dynamic, hard-working non-profit organisation at the heart of a high-profile research institute. In this varied and fast-paced role, you will be a true right-hand partner to the Director, managing a complex and ever-changing diary, coordinating meetings, and seamlessly organising both domestic and international travel with meticulous attention to detail.

Beyond traditional EA responsibilities, you will provide comprehensive administrative support including expense processing, document control, and project coordination, while acting as a key point of contact for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. No two days will be the same and this role is designed for someone who thrives on variety, thinks on their feet and enjoys going the extra mile in a high-energy environment where priorities can shift quickly.

This is far more than a typical Executive Assistant position. With real scope to grow, learn and progress potentially within as little as six months, it is a role that has been shaped to be engaging, rewarding, and genuinely fun for someone who loves being at the centre of the action.

Main Duties

Take ownership of the Director’s busy and ever-evolving diary, ensuring meetings, travel, and external commitments run seamlessly and efficiently.

Create polished and engaging agendas, briefing packs, reports, and presentations that support high-level decision making and leave a lasting impression.

Act as a trusted first point of contact for senior stakeholders, including board members, fundersand international partners, building strong relationships with confidence and professionalism.

Proactively manage a high volume of correspondence, anticipating priorities, responding with sound judgement, and keeping everything moving smoothly.

Coordinate complex domestic and international travel, producing detailed itineraries that ensure every trip is well planned, stress-free, and perfectly executed.

Provide wide-ranging executive support to the Director, from expense management and document control to supporting key projects and initiatives.

Plan and deliver high-profile visits, meetings, and events, welcoming high-end guests and ensuring an exceptional standard of hospitality at every touch point.

Support the Director’s involvement in collaborative work across academia, health care, government, and the charity sector, helping bring ambitious partnerships to life.

Handle sensitive information with absolute discretion, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism at all times

Knowledge and Experience

Experience or confidence when speaking in front of high-stake holders Desirable : Desirable :

Essential

• Experience within EA / PA support
• Highly organised with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Professional, discreet, and confident when handling sensitive information.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Proactive thinking, the ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Scientific industry or non- profit organisation
• Ability to pick things up quickly
• Familiarity with charity or non-profit organisations.
• Drive – always pushing to achieve the best / going the extra mile.

Benefits

• 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Strong Progression Opportunity
• Employee wellbeing support and EAP
• Out of work team bonding exercises
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies
• Access to health and fitness facilities
• On-site cafés, discounts, and cultural venues