Executive Assistant

Lily Shippen; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is looking for a Strategic Executive Assistant to the CEO in North East England. This full-time position involves providing high-level support to the CEO, managing schedules, and preparing strategic documentation. The ideal candidate will have significant experience working with C-Suite leaders, strong organisational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively across various stakeholders. A hybrid work arrangement is provided, ensuring flexibility while remaining integral to the leadership team.

Qualifications

• Significant experience supporting C-Suite leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of corporate governance.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO.
• Manage complex schedules for the CEO.
• Prepare high-quality presentations and reports.
• Drive alignment across leadership teams.
• Liaise with stakeholders on behalf of the CEO.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Attention to detail

Emotional intelligence

Job description

Our client is a market-leading, blue-chip business with a strong heritage, a reputation for excellence and a clear strategy for accelerated growth. Headquartered in the North East of England, they are expanding their operations, driving innovation and strengthening our leadership team. To support this next phase of growth, they are seeking a highly capable, forward-thinking Strategic Executive Assistant to the CEO / Chief of Staff to act as a critical partner to the CEO and senior leadership team.

Location: North East England

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent. 5 Days in the office

Salary: £65,000- £70,000 (depending on experience)

Consultant: [e-mail] - Please direct all enquiries to Charley.

Role Overview

This is a hybrid strategic support position combining high-level executive assistance with Chief-of-Staff–style responsibilities. The successful candidate will operate as a trusted adviser to the CEO, enabling effective decision‑making, driving cross‑functional initiatives, streamlining operations and ensuring organisational alignment.

The ideal candidate is commercially astute, detail-driven and proactive, someone who can anticipate needs, solve strategic problems and help the CEO maximise impact across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support & Strategic Partnership

• Act as a key strategic partner to the CEO, providing insights, preparing briefing documents, and supporting decision‑making.
• Manage complex and dynamic schedules, ensuring the CEO’s time is aligned with business priorities.
• Oversee the flow of information across the executive office, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and readiness for key meetings and board interactions.
• Prepare high‑quality presentations, board packs, reports and strategic papers.

Chief of Staff Responsibilities

• Support the CEO in shaping and tracking strategic objectives, KPIs and transformation projects.
• Drive alignment across leadership teams and ensure effective follow‑through on actions and commitments.
• Coordinate cross‑functional initiatives and support delivery of critical business programmes.
• Act as a sounding board for the CEO, evaluating options, identifying risks and offering recommendations.
• Optimise processes, communications and internal workflows within the Executive Office.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, professionalism and performance.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the CEO, representing the Executive Office with authority and confidentiality.
• Manage sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Significant experience as a senior Executive Assistant, Business Manager, or Chief of Staff supporting C‑Suite leaders.
• Proven ability to operate in a blue‑chip, high‑performance, or complex corporate environment.
• Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Strong business acumen and an understanding of strategic planning, project management, and corporate governance.
• Excellent communication skills.
• High emotional intelligence, diplomacy and judgement.

Desirable

• Experience working within a fast‑growing or transformation‑focused organisation.
• Project management qualifications.
• Experience preparing board‑level materials and working directly with boards or committees.