Executive Assistant - Chertsey

Chartwells; Chertsey; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational service provider in the UK is seeking a highly experienced Executive Assistant to support the CEO. This role involves managing the CEO's day-to-day operations, coordinating communications, and ensuring strategic projects run smoothly. Ideal candidates will possess exceptional organizational and communication skills, along with a strong work ethic and the ability to handle sensitive information discreetly. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful educational initiatives while working at the heart of a respected organization.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to a wide range of benefits

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Highly experienced Executive Assistant supporting senior or C-suite leaders in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding organisation skills to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Manage the CEO’s workload with diplomacy and initiative.
• Lead complex diary and inbox management.
• Coordinate national travel arrangements and detailed itineraries.
• Support strategic projects across the Education business.

Skills

Outstanding organisation skills

Exceptional communication

High attention to detail

Confidentiality handling

Proactive anticipation

Problem-solving

Emotional intelligence

Strong work ethic

Job description

Compass Group UK & Ireland is the UK’s leading provider of catering and support services in the education sector, operating across thousands of primary, secondary, independent, and higher education sites. We are now seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support the CEO of our Education business — a highly influential, fast-paced, and purpose-driven division.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a high-calibre EA who thrives at the centre of a dynamic, high-profile organisation and is motivated by contributing to meaningful outcomes across the UK’s education landscape.

About the Role

As Executive Assistant to the CEO, you will play a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency, strategic alignment, and seamless day-to-day delivery. You’ll act as a trusted partner — organised, proactive, and highly professional — enabling the CEO to focus on advancing our strategic priorities.

You will be the go-to point of coordination, communication and planning, working across a complex network of stakeholders with discretion, confidence, and exceptional attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively manage the CEO’s day-to-day workload, acting with diplomacy, judgement and initiative
• Lead complex diary and inbox management across multiple streams
• Filter, respond to and delegate emails as required on behalf of the CEO
• Prepare, consolidate and issue monthly reports, board packs, action trackers and meeting agendas
• Coordinate national travel arrangements, events, site visits and detailed itineraries
• Support strategic projects and internal initiatives that drive performance across the Education business
• Manage signing processes for legal, supplier, property and shareholder documents
• Oversee procurement approvals and internal governance requirements
• Prepare and submit expenses, credit card consolidations and financial administration
• Maintain and manage sensitive files, internal databases and confidential documentation
• Partner with senior stakeholders and executive teams to ensure actions, deliverables and milestones are met on time

What We’re Looking For

• A highly experienced Executive Assistant supporting senior or C-suite leaders in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Exceptional communication — professional, polished and effective across all levels
• High attention to detail and a commitment to excellence
• Discreet, trustworthy and comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information
• Confident, proactive and able to anticipate needs before they arise
• Strong work ethic with resilience, drive and enthusiasm
• A forward-thinking problem solver with sound judgement and decision-making capability
• Demonstrable professionalism and emotional intelligence

Why Compass Group?

• Opportunity to support a CEO leading one of the UK’s most impactful education-focused businesses
• Work at the heart of a large, respected organisation with real purpose
• Exposure to senior stakeholders, strategic initiatives and high-profile projects
• A collaborative culture built on trust, integrity and progression
• Access to a wide range of benefits, professional development and career opportunities across Compass UK&I

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are an exceptional Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast-moving, influential role and is passionate about supporting leadership at the highest level, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of shaping the future of education with Compass Group UK & Ireland.