Strategic Partner to CEO

Kate and Co; Willaston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kate and Co in the United Kingdom is seeking a Strategic Partner to work alongside the Group CEO within a large, ambitious organisation. You will operate at board level, building trusted relationships with senior executives and external stakeholders while coordinating the CEO's office.

You will balance strategic priorities with operational excellence, handling highly confidential matters with absolute discretion while remaining calm and several steps ahead.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience supporting a CEO or Board-level executive in a complex environment.
• Proven ability to engage with senior leaders as a trusted partner.
• Excellent judgment, discretion and emotional intelligence.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Acting as a true strategic partner to the Group CEO, anticipating needs and removing obstacles before they emerge.
• Owning an exceptionally complex diary, ensuring the CEO's time is aligned to the organisation's strategic priorities.
• Managing all CEO correspondence, filtering, prioritising and responding where appropriate.
• Preparing high-quality board papers, executive briefings and meeting packs, often under tight deadlines.
• Coordinating complex UK and international travel, creating seamless itineraries and contingency plans.
• Planning and delivering executive meetings, leadership events and off-sites from concept through to execution.
• Attending senior leadership meetings, capturing key decisions and ensuring actions are followed through.
• Managing confidential business information with impeccable judgement and discretion.

Skills

Executive support

Diary management

Stakeholder management

Travel coordination

Discretion & professionalism

Communication

Education

Degree-level education

Job description

Strategic Partner to CEO

We are looking for an exceptional Strategic Partner to work alongside a Group CEO within a large, ambitious and fast-moving organisation. This is a career-defining opportunity for someone who thrives in complexity, anticipates challenges before they arise and operates as a genuine extension of the CEO.

You will operate at board level, building trusted relationships with senior executives, external stakeholders and leadership teams while acting as the central point of coordination for the CEO's office.

No two days are the same, you will balance strategic priorities with operational excellence, handling highly confidential matters with absolute discretion while remaining calm, adaptable and several steps ahead.

Key duties

• Acting as a true strategic partner to the Group CEO, anticipating needs and removing obstacles before they emerge.
• Owning an exceptionally complex diary, ensuring the CEO's time is aligned to the organisation's strategic priorities.
• Managing all CEO correspondence, expertly filtering, prioritising and responding where appropriate.
• Preparing high-quality board papers, executive briefings and meeting packs, often to challenging deadlines.
• Coordinating complex UK and international travel, creating seamless itineraries and contingency plans.
• Planning and delivering executive meetings, leadership events and off-sites from concept through to execution.
• Attending senior leadership meetings, capturing key decisions and ensuring actions are followed through.
• Managing confidential business information with impeccable judgement, professionalism and discretion.
• Building credibility and influence with senior stakeholders across the organisation and externally.
• Acting as an ambassador for the CEO's office, setting the standard for professionalism, pace and excellence.
• Supporting priority projects and initiatives that contribute directly to organisational success.
• Providing flexibility outside normal business hours when required to support executive priorities.

Experience Required

To be operating at the very highest level as an Executive Assistant, Strategic EA or Executive Business Partner, supporting CEOs, Chairs or Executive Boards within a large, complex organisation.

• Extensive experience supporting a CEO or Board-level executive within a complex corporate environment.
• The confidence and credibility to engage with senior leaders as a trusted business partner.
• Exceptional judgement, discretion and emotional intelligence.
• Outstanding organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities effortlessly.
• Expert diary, inbox and executive office management experience.
• Experience coordinating complex international travel and executive logistics.
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
• The resilience to remain composed under pressure and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• A naturally proactive mindset with an instinct for anticipating what's needed next.
• Degree-level education and/or relevant professional qualifications are advantageous.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to become far more than an Executive Assistant.

You\'ll play a pivotal role in helping shape executive decision-making, influence organisational effectiveness and partner with a highly respected Group CEO at the heart of a successful, ambitious business.

If you\'re looking for a role where your judgement, influence and strategic thinking are as important as your organisational expertise, we\'d love to hear from you.