Executive Assistant - Financial Adviser Academy

St. James’s Place; Cirencester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Cirencester is seeking an Executive Assistant for an 11-month fixed-term contract. This key role involves supporting the Regional Academy Training Manager by managing complex diaries, coordinating travel, and facilitating communication within leadership teams. The ideal candidate will have strong organisational skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and a proven track record in a similar position. Competitive benefits include a discretionary annual bonus, private medical insurance, and generous leave options.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave allowance

Discretionary annual bonus scheme

10% non-contributory pension

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant.
• Strong organisation and coordination skills.
• Ability to deal with confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Regional Manager’s diary and inbox effectively.
• Prepare concise briefings for meetings and presentations.
• Coordinate travel arrangements for local and international travel.

Skills

Advanced diary and inbox management

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Confidentiality and discretion

Organisation and adaptability

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we’re building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.

At a glance

Location: Cirencester Office
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Employment Type: 11 month Fixed-Term Contract
Seniority: Associate

The role

Executive Assistant - 11 Month Fixed Term Contract

In this role, you will provide proactive support to the Regional Academy Training Manager. You will be the right-hand person, working seamlessly with the Directorate’s leadership and support teams to enable them to advance business initiatives and goals. You’ll use initiative and experience to filter and attend to the day-to-day functions that are part of the Regional Manager’s role so that they can focus on the high-level leadership and strategy functions. The successful person will be expected to handle highly sensitive and confidential financial, legal, personnel, and strategic plans while exercising professionalism and discretion.

Who we\'re looking for

A trusted EA or PA who operates with professionalism and decorum who can build trusting relationship with exceptional organisation and coordination skills.

What you\'ll be doing

• Gatekeeping - ensure the Regional Manager’s time is protected and focused on strategic priorities by controlling the flow of information, requests, and interactions, and exercising judgement
• Email & Diary Management – Expert use of Microsoft Outlook to handle complex diary management and inbox action and prioritisation.
• Provide context and concise briefings to prepare for meetings and presentations
• Responsible for the production and format of meeting agendas, minutes and track meeting actions
• Create impactful presentations using software such as Microsoft PowerPoint
• Plan and coordinate travel arrangements for local, national and international travel
• Coordinate large and small onsite and offsite meetings and events including venue research and booking, attendees, agenda planning and be the first point of contact for all visitors and/or directors.
• Schedule assistance for the Academy Training Division for various workshops and observations across the SJP Financial Adviser Academy.
• Prepare, reconcile, and track expense reports through the travel and expense system.
• Support the Procurement team/process with the management of invoices, raising purchase orders and processing payments.
• Support any reasonable project related requirements as required by the Business
• Be proactive & flexible to support any other reasonable needs of the leadership team as necessary.

Essential Criteria

• Advanced diary and inbox management with strong organisation and prioritisation skills
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams/Zoom)
• Confidentiality, discretion, and professional communication
• Organisation and adaptability with a meticulous approach to event and travel planning

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within a highly regulated financial services environment
• Awareness of financial services sector trends, regulatory frameworks, and corporate strategy
• Experience coordinating large-scale events or workshops across multiple locations

Special Requirements

On occasion, there may be a need for UK travel (e.g. between SJP offices), with some overnight stays.

What\'s in it for you?

We reward you for the work you do, whether that\'s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.

We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:

• Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
• Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
• 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)

Reasonable Adjustments: We\'re an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all; if you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing [e-mail]

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career-break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

What\'s next?

If you\'re excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience we\'re looking for, we\'d love to hear from you! Please submit an application by clicking ‘apply’ below and our team will be in touch.

As a business regulated by the FCA we would advise you to familiarise yourself with the conduct regulations and in particular consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.