Senior Executive Assistant

Drax Group; City Of London; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

A global energy company in London seeks a Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO to provide high-impact support across operations and enhance leadership effectiveness. The role requires managing critical communications, a £6m budget, and engaging with key stakeholders. Ideal candidates have 5–10 years of experience in executive support, strong organizational skills, and a high proficiency in Microsoft Office. This opportunity allows you to influence leadership at a top FTSE250 organization.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience supporting senior leadership or executive functions.
• Strong written communication and presentation skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially PowerPoint and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO to manage priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Manage the CEO’s inbox, travel, expenses, and calendar.
• Build and manage high-trust relationships with the Board.

Skills

Influence and collaborate

Strong written communication

Excellent organizational skills

High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Exercise discretion and confidentiality

Job description

Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO

Location: London

Who we are

We’re not just talking about making a difference, we’re making it happen. We generate dispatchable, renewable power and create stable energy in an uncertain world. Building on our proud heritage, we have ambition to become the global leader in sustainable biomass and carbon removals.

You’ll be joining our teams of practical doers, future‑thinkers and business champions. We’re enabling a zero‑carbon, lower cost energy future for all, and working hard to decarbonise the planet for generations to come.

About the Role

As a strategic partner to the CEO, this role delivers high‑impact executive support across global operations, enabling leadership effectiveness and organisational agility. You’ll play a pivotal part in driving the CEO’s agenda through exceptional executive support, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight.

Acting as a trusted conduit between the CEO, Board, Executive Committee (ExCom), and external stakeholders, you’ll combine discretion, influence, and insight to enable effective decision‑making and champion a purpose‑led, high‑performing executive office.

With responsibility for managing critical communications, governance, and a £6m annual budget, this is a unique opportunity for an experienced executive professional to shape leadership impact at the highest level of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Executive and Leadership Support

• Partner with the CEO to manage priorities and strategic initiatives.
• With the CEO, Internal Communications team, CPO and My Voice Forum reps, ensure meaningful visibility and dialogue with colleagues.
• Coordinate CEO engagements, including major industry and leadership events (e.g. COP, Davos).
• Support effective decision‑making, and act as a conduit between the CEO, Board, and senior leadership.
• Monitor and triage sensitive issues to ensure the CEO is kept informed and appropriately briefed.
• Drive the planning and logistics for executive off‑sites, governance forums, and investor events.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Manage the CEO’s inbox, travel, expenses, and calendar across multiple time zones.
• Respond to correspondence and meeting requests on behalf of the CEO.
• Oversee onboarding of suppliers, corporate invoicing, and budget management for Executive Directors.
• Partner with the Security Director on crisis management protocols and membership updates.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and manage high‑trust relationships with the Board, ExCom, and key external partners.
• Act as “the face of the CEO” in interactions with government ministers, peer CEOs, and other high‑level stakeholders.
• Liaise with Corporate Affairs, Investor Relations, and Communications to ensure alignment on priorities.
• Strong and collaborative relationship with the group‑wide PA network, leading on related development activities.

Meetings and Events

• Plan and execute high‑profile meetings, ExCom sessions, and strategic events, in adherence with our governance processes.
• Ensure the CEO is fully briefed for key engagements with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Investor Relations and Finance teams to prepare for investor and market events.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills and Experience

• 5–10 years’ experience supporting senior leadership or executive functions in a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and communicate across all levels.
• Proven ability to exercise discretion, sound judgement, and confidentiality.
• Strong written communication and presentation skills, with experience preparing executive reports and board materials.
• Excellent organisational, numerical, and analytical skills, with a track record of managing competing priorities.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint and Excel).
• Experience working within structured governance, Board, or ExCom environments.

Desirable Experience

• Exposure to strategic project management or transformation initiatives.
• Experience in or alongside a CEO office or Chief of Staff function.
• Familiarity with business strategy, financial metrics, and performance management.
• Coaching or facilitation experience (e.g., report writing or leadership development).
• Knowledge of data visualisation tools for presenting executive insights.

Key Attributes and Behaviours

Strategic Thinker: Able to synthesise complex business issues into actionable insights.

Strong Communicator: Tailors communication with clarity and executive impact.

Collaborative Partner: Builds trusted relationships across all levels.

High Integrity: Exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality.

Driven and Proactive: Takes ownership and drives improvements independently.

Calm Under Pressure: Delivers results in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments.

Detail‑Oriented: Ensures precision even with multiple competing priorities.

Coach and Facilitator: Helps others grow and raises the bar across the business.

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to influence and support leadership at the very top of a globally recognised FTSE250 organisation. You’ll play a key role in driving impact, shaping the CEO’s agenda, and ensuring effective governance and communication across the enterprise.

If you are a highly skilled, proactive professional who thrives in dynamic, fast‑paced environments and wants to make a difference at a strategic level - we’d love to hear from you.