Executive Assistant to the Director

Aspire; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A major research institute in Manchester is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the Director. This full-time role involves managing a busy diary, handling communications, and preparing briefings. The ideal candidate has substantial experience supporting senior leadership, strong organizational skills, and is proficient in Microsoft Office. This position requires discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting senior leadership in a higher education or NHS/medical setting.
• Ability to manage complex diaries and high-volume communications independently.
• Experience in an academic, research, clinical or public-sector setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director’s complex diary and coordinate travel itineraries.
• Handle communications with discretion and prepare meeting materials.
• Liaise with senior stakeholders and take formal minutes.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Discretion

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Executive Assistant to the Director – Manchester – Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience) – Full‑time (35 hours), Permanent

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high‑level support to the Director of a major research institute in Manchester. This role is 100% fully office‑based, and ideal for someone who’s confident working in a fast‑paced environment and able to hit the ground running. You’ll be responsible for managing a busy and often shifting diary, coordinating UK and international meetings, managing a high‑volume inbox, and preparing briefings and correspondence. You’ll also be a key contact for stakeholders across science, healthcare and policy, and support wider operations as needed.

We’re looking for someone with excellent judgement, strong attention to detail and a calm, professional manner. If you’re flexible, highly organised, and confident working under pressure, this is a great opportunity to step into a critical role at the heart of a high‑profile organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the Director’s complex diary and ensuring priority alignment
• Handling high‑volume inbox communications with discretion and care
• Preparing meeting packs, briefings and follow‑up notes
• Booking national and international travel with detailed itineraries
• Drafting and editing high‑level documents, emails and reports
• Liaising with senior internal and external stakeholders, including Board members
• Taking and distributing formal minutes
• Supporting the Director’s involvement in collaborative and strategic projects
• Coordinating visits and meetings, including logistics and hospitality
• Maintaining up‑to‑date records and handling sensitive information confidentially
• Supporting general office and operations team duties as needed

What we’re looking for

• Substantial experience supporting senior leadership in a higher education or NHS/medical setting
• Strong communication skills and excellent attention to detail
• High level of discretion and a calm, proactive approach
• Experience managing diaries, inboxes and logistics independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook and Teams
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a similar role
• Experience in an academic, research, clinical or public‑sector setting is desirable

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

This vacancy is being handled by Aspire Recruitment. Please be aware we receive a high volume of applications and regularly receive applications from candidates who exceed the job credentials. We will only contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. Should you apply for this role, we will process your data as detailed in our.