Executive Assistant

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

Job summary

A high-profile research institute in Manchester is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the Director. This role involves managing the Director's busy calendar, coordinating national and international engagements, and providing high-level administrative support. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, discreet, and possess exceptional communication skills. Benefits include 32 days annual leave, employee wellbeing support, and access to fitness facilities.

Benefits

32 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee wellbeing support and EAP

University enhanced pension scheme

Family-friendly and flexible working policies

Access to health and fitness facilities

On-site cafés, discounts, and cultural venues

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an EA/PA supporting a senior leader in a fast-paced, high-profile organisation.
• Professional and discreet when handling sensitive information.
• Experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders and managing high-level meetings.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director’s busy calendar and coordinate meetings.
• Prepare agendas, reports, and presentations for meetings.
• Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders.
• Organise complex travel arrangements and maintain itineraries.
• Provide administrative support, including expense processing and document management.

Skills

Highly organised

Excellent problem-solving abilities

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Strong IT proficiency (Microsoft Office)

Ability to prioritise tasks

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

Job description

Job Title: Executive Assistant to Director
Location: On-site – Manchester
Salary: £40,000 DOE

Overview:
As Executive Assistant to the Director, you will play a central role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of a high-profile research institute supported by a well-known charity. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly organised professional to work at the heart of a mission-driven organisation focused on scientific excellence and global impact.

The Executive Assistant will act as a key point of contact for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including scientific leaders, strategic partners, funders, and senior management. You will manage a complex and dynamic calendar, coordinate national and international engagements, organise travel and meetings, and ensure the Director is fully prepared for all commitments.

This is a highly visible role requiring professionalism, discretion, and exceptional organisational skills. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly, and where attention to detail and a proactive mindset are essential.

As Executive Assistant, you will provide high-level support, manage sensitive information with confidentiality, and contribute to the operational success and efficiency of the Director’s office and the wider institute.

Main Duties

• Manage the Director’s busy calendar, ensuring smooth coordination of meetings, travel, and external engagements.
• Prepare agendas, briefing documents, reports, and presentations for internal and external meetings.
• Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, including board members, funders, partner organisations, and international collaborators.
• Monitor and prioritise a high volume of email correspondence, taking appropriate action or delegating as necessary.
• Organise complex travel arrangements and maintain detailed itineraries.
• Provide full administrative support to the Director, including expense processing, document management, and project coordination.
• Coordinate formal visits and events, ensuring a high level of hospitality and professionalism.
• Support the Director’s involvement in collaborative projects across academia, health care, government, and charity sectors.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold the highest standards of integrity and discretion.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience as an EA/PA supporting a senior leader in a fast-paced, high-profile organisation.
• 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).
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and managing high-level meetings and events.

Desirable:

• Experience in the academic, clinical, or scientific sector.
• Familiarity with charity or non-profit organisations.
• Project management experience.

Benefits:

• 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee wellbeing support and EAP
• University enhanced pension scheme
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies
• Access to health and fitness facilities
• On-site cafés, discounts, and cultural venues