Executive Assistant to Director

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

Job summary

A high-profile research institute in Manchester is searching for an experienced Executive Assistant to the Director. This role involves managing a complex calendar, coordinating travel and meetings, and supporting diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be highly organised with outstanding communication skills and strong IT proficiency, especially in Microsoft Office. This position offers a dynamic work environment within a mission-driven organisation committed to scientific excellence and global impact.

Benefits

32 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Strong Progression Opportunity

Employee wellbeing support

Out of work team bonding exercises

Enhanced pension scheme

Family-friendly and flexible working policies

Access to health and fitness facilities

On-site cafés and discounts

Qualifications

• Experience within EA / PA support.
• Confident when handling sensitive information.
• Experience or confidence when speaking in front of high-stake holders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director’s complex and demanding calendar.
• Prepare high-quality agendas and reports for meetings.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders.
• Monitor and manage a high volume of email correspondence.
• Organise complex domestic and international travel arrangements.

Skills

Highly organised

Problem-solving

Outstanding verbal and written communication

Strong IT proficiency

Proactive thinking

Tools

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

Job description

Job Title : Executive Assistant to Director

Location : Manchester

Salary : Up to £40,000

Overview

As Executive Assistant to the Director, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of a high-profile research institute supported by a well-known charity. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, highly organised Executive Assistant to work at the heart of a mission-driven organisation committed to scientific excellence and global impact.

You will act as a key point of contact for a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including scientific leaders, strategic partners, funders, and senior management. The role involves managing a complex and fast-paced diary, coordinating national and international engagements, arranging travel and meetings, and ensuring the Director is fully prepared for all commitments.

This is a highly visible position requiring exceptional professionalism, discretion, and organisational skills. You will thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities can change rapidly, and where attention to detail, adaptability, and a proactive approach are essential.

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

Main Duties

• Manage the Director’s complex and demanding calendar, ensuring seamless coordination of meetings, travel, and external engagements.
• Prepare high-quality agendas, briefing papers, reports, and presentations for internal and external meetings.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders, including board members, funders, partner organisations, and international collaborators.
• Monitor, prioritise, and manage a high volume of email correspondence, taking appropriate action or delegating as required.
• Organise complex domestic and international travel arrangements, maintaining detailed and accurate itineraries.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Director, including expense processing, document control, and project coordination.
• Coordinate formal visits and events, ensuring a consistently high standard of professionalism and hospitality.
• Support the Director’s engagement in collaborative projects across academia, healthcare, government, and the charity sector.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while upholding the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience within EA / PA support
• 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).
• Proactive thinking, the ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience or confidence when speaking in front of high-stake holders

Desirable

• Ability to pick things up quickly
• Knowledge of Scientific industry or non-profit organisation
• Familiarity with charity or non-profit organisations.
• Drive – always pushing to achieve the best / going the extra mile.

Benefits

• 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Strong Progression Opportunity
• Employee wellbeing support and EAP
• Out of work team bonding exercises
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Family-friendly and flexible working policies
• Access to health and fitness facilities
• On-site cafés, discounts, and cultural venues