Executive Assistant to the Director of Operations - London

The Royal Household; Horsham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned British institution is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide vital support to the Director of Operations. This role involves managing complex diaries, coordinating meetings, and producing high-quality documents. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. This fast-paced role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully in a dynamic environment while ensuring smooth daily operations.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Executive Assistant in complex environments with a focus on confidentiality and discretion.
• Proactive in managing complex diaries and inboxes, anticipating needs effectively.
• Exceptional organization skills, capable of prioritizing a varied workload under pressure.
• Strong drafting skills to produce high-quality documents and correspondence.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive support to the Director of Operations and Comptroller.
• Manage diary, coordinate meetings, arrange travel, and handle expenses.
• Draft and prepare documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain office systems, enhance workflow efficiency, and provide administrative support.

Skills

Executive assistant experience

Diary management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Digitally fluent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Executive Assistant to the Director of Operations - London, SW1A 1AA

Its providing support at the very heart of a world-renowned institution. And it's joining a team whose work delivers impact with purpose. This is what makes working at the Royal Household truly exceptional. The Private Secretary's Office sits at the heart of the Royal Household, advising His Majesty The King on constitutional, governmental, and political matters across the UK, Realms, and Commonwealth. It is here that Their Majesties' official programmes are devised, coordinated, and delivered with precision. Supporting this work, the Operations Directorate provides the framework that enables the team to excel. From planning and coordination to the management of public correspondence, anniversary messages, and records - every detail is handled with care and excellence.

In this role, you will provide effective and proactive Executive Assistant support to the Director of Operations and Comptroller, alongside high-level administrative assistance to the wider team. Your contribution will ensure seamless daily operations, effective planning, and smooth stakeholder coordination.

This is a rare opportunity to advance your career in a role defined by pace, impact, and meaningful contribution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide executive support including complex diary management, coordinating high-level meetings, arranging travel and handling expenses. Act as a trusted liaison and representative of the Director, managing communications, inboxes and enquiries with discretion and efficiency. Draft, proof‑read, and prepare documents, briefings, reports, and correspondence for both internal and external stakeholders. Lead projects and workstreams as directed, contributing to the directorate's effectiveness. Support the smooth flow of information across the Operations team, and where applicable wider Household, ensuring timely distribution of agendas, minutes, and reports, and tracking actions from strategic meetings and boards.
• Maintain and improve office systems, processes, and file management, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and workflow. Provide administrative support to the Operations team, including visitor clearances, meetings and team‑wide activities. Work closely with the Operations Manager to maintain the PSO Forward Look and Operations calendar, supporting forecasting and planning. No two days will be alike. This fast‑moving remit offers rewarding challenges, demanding initiative, adaptability, and collaboration – ensuring your contribution makes a tangible impact.

About you:

• With relevant Executive Assistant experience, you are accustomed to supporting senior leaders in complex environments where confidentiality and discretion are paramount. Experienced in complex diary and inbox management, you take a proactive approach, anticipating needs and using sound judgement to resolve issues.
• Exceptionally organised, you can manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines, all whilst maintaining accuracy under pressure.
• With first‑class attention to detail and confident drafting skills, you can produce a range of high‑quality documents, from agendas and reports to correspondence, briefing notes and presentations.
• With excellent communication skills, you can liaise confidently and diplomatically with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Collaborative by nature, you thrive in a team but can work equally well with minimal direction.
• Digitally fluent, with a strong MS Office skillset and adept at using systems and tools to enhance efficiency.