Executive Assistant

UK Management College; Salford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher-education provider in Salford is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the Provost and Dean. The successful candidate will manage complex diaries, coordinate travel and meetings, and prepare materials for strategic discussions. Ideal applicants will have over three years of experience in a similar role, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and excellent communication skills. This position is critical to ensuring efficient operations within the Executive Office and supports a collaborative and professional environment.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Strong planning skills and flexibility to handle changing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage diaries of the Provost and Dean, ensuring effective planning.
• Arrange travel and accommodation for the Provost and Dean.
• Prepare briefing notes and presentation materials for meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Assist the Marketing Team with staff events.

Skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Strong planning skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Discreet and trustworthy

Exceptional attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple deadlines

Education

Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant

IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or similar qualification

Tools

Digital scheduling tools

Job description

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (37.5 hours per week, including a 30‑minute paid break)

Reports to: Provost & Dean

Company Description

UK Management College (UKMC) is a growing higher‑education provider offering a range of business‑focused and professional programmes. Our focus is on delivering practical, career‑driven education that prepares students for real opportunities in industry. We work with experienced academics, established professionals, and industry partners to ensure our courses remain relevant, supportive, and high‑quality.

Our Salford campus is one of our key teaching locations and is home to a diverse community of staff and students. UKMC is an organisation where people work collaboratively, support one another, and take pride in providing a positive student experience. As we continue to expand our programmes and operations, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a genuine commitment to education.

Job Description

The Executive Assistant to the Provost & Dean plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Executive Office. This position requires a proactive, highly organised professional who can manage complex diaries, coordinate communications, and act as a trusted representative of the Provost and Dean.

You will work closely with senior leaders, academic departments, external stakeholders, and the Executive Assistant to the CEO. This is a fast‑paced role that involves sensitive information, forward planning, and the ability to respond quickly to changing priorities. The ideal candidate is confident, discreet, detail‑focused, and committed to providing exceptional executive support within a higher‑education environment.

Key Responsibilities

Diary & Meeting Management

• Manage and coordinate the diaries of the Provost and Dean, ensuring effective planning and preparation.
• Conduct regular check‑ins to review upcoming engagements, invitations, and priorities.
• Organise internal and external meetings, including room bookings, tech setup, and refreshments.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Assistant to the CEO to align scheduling across the leadership team.

Travel Coordination

• Arrange and oversee travel and accommodation for the Provost and Dean.
• Coordinate travel to other UKMC campuses and off‑site activities.
• Manage travel‑related expense processing and reimbursement.

Preparation & Briefing

• Prepare briefing notes, presentation materials, and meeting packs.
• Liaise with senior leadership to gather accurate and relevant information.
• Conduct ad‑hoc research to support meetings, presentations, and strategic planning.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Filter and respond to communications on behalf of the Provost and Dean, where appropriate.
• Meet and greet visitors, ensuring a professional and welcoming experience.
• Maintain organised and secure filing systems, handling confidential information with discretion.
• Draft correspondence, reports, and documents for the Provost and Dean.
• Support ad‑hoc projects and research to assist decision‑making and project delivery.

Event Support

• Assist the Marketing Team with staff events, including planning logistics and preparing materials.

General Executive Office Support

• Provide wider support to the Leadership Team as required, including workload prioritisation.
• Take minutes across committees, working groups, and cross‑campus meetings.
• Work closely with the Executive Assistant to the CEO to ensure smooth running of executive functions.
• Undertake all other duties necessary to support the efficiency of the Executive Office.

Person Specification

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and digital scheduling tools.
• Highly organised with strong planning skills and flexibility to handle changing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare professional documentation.
• Discreet, diplomatic, and trustworthy, with a strong commitment to confidentiality.
• Able to remain calm under pressure while managing multiple deadlines.
• Proactive, self‑motivated, and confident in managing workload independently.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality output.

Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard administrative practices.
• IAAP Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or similar qualification is desirable.
• Experience supporting senior leaders, ideally within higher education, is highly advantageous.