Executive Assistant

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

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Manchester is seeking a talented Executive Assistant to support the Director. This role involves managing a complex diary, coordinating meetings, and organizing travel. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative support, interact with diverse stakeholders, and handle sensitive information discreetly. Essential qualifications include experience in EA/PA support, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The position offers a dynamic work environment with strong progression opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

32 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Strong progression opportunity

Employee wellbeing support

Flexible working policies

Access to health and fitness facilities

On-site cafés and discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in EA/PA support.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Discreet and confident when handling sensitive information.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director's complex diary and appointments.
• Prepare polished agendas, briefing packs, and presentations.
• Act as a point of contact for senior stakeholders.
• Handle correspondence and manage priorities effectively.
• Coordinate travel itineraries for domestic and international trips.
• Provide extensive executive support and manage expenses.
• Plan and deliver high-profile meetings and events.
• Support collaborative work across multiple sectors.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Skills

Problem-solving abilities

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

IT proficiency (Microsoft Office)

Organisational skills

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, funders and 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.

Qualifications

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.
• Experience or confidence when speaking in front of high‑stake holders.

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.