Executive Assistant to the Director

Aspire Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research centre in Manchester is seeking an Executive Assistant to support their Director. This full-time position requires strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will play a key role in maintaining the Centre’s operations, handling sensitive information, and supporting the wider administrative team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a PA, EA, or administrative lead supporting senior staff.
• Experience in a research, academic, or clinical environment is desirable.
• Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director’s complex diary and inbox.
• Organise meetings and arrange travel.
• Prepare agendas, take minutes, and liaise with internal departments.

Skills

Organization

Communication

Time Management

Discretion

Proactivity

Attention to Detail

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Executive Assistant to the Director
Manchester
£32,000 – £36,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Full-time (37 hours), Permanent
The Role:
We’re looking for a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to support the Director of a leading research centre based in Manchester. This is a busy and varied role working at the heart of the Centre’s operations. You’ll manage the Director’s complex diary and inbox, organise meetings, arrange travel, and provide day-to-day support that helps keep things running smoothly. You’ll also play a key role in supporting the wider admin team with visitors, events, and general coordination. It’s a great opportunity for someone confident, detail-oriented, and comfortable handling sensitive information, ideally with experience in a similar role within a fast-paced academic, clinical, or scientific setting.
Duties:

• Provide high-level support to the Director, managing diary, inbox, meetings, and travel.
• Prepare agendas, meeting papers, take minutes, and track actions.
• Act as first point of contact for the Director’s office and respond to or direct enquiries.
• Manage and book travel, accommodation, and prepare detailed itineraries.
• Ensure timely handling of tasks, helping the Director stay ahead of deadlines.
• Maintain confidential records and update CVs, biosketches, and publication lists.
• Support visits to the Centre, including VIPs, partners, and interview candidates.
• Help organise Centre-wide meetings and strategic team sessions.
• Liaise with internal departments to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Support the wider administration team with general duties including filing, payments, and onboarding processes.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience as a PA, EA or administrative lead supporting senior staff.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High attention to detail, proof-reading, and discretion with confidential matters.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams.
• Able to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive, flexible, and calm under pressure.
• Experience working in a research, academic or clinical environment is desirable.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.

If this sounds like the perfect role for you then please submit your CV.

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