Government jobs in United Kingdom

Job Title: Executive Assistant

Location: Manchester

Salary: Up to £40,000

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented Executive Assistant to join a dynamic, hard‑working non‑profit organisation at the heart of a high‑profile research institute. In this varied and fast‑paced role, you will be a true right‑hand partner to the Director, managing a complex and ever‑changing diary, coordinating meetings, and seamlessly organising both domestic and international travel with meticulous attention to detail.

Beyond traditional EA responsibilities, you will provide comprehensive administrative support including expense processing, document control, and project coordination, while acting as a key point of contact for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. No two days will be the same and this role is designed for someone who thrives on variety, thinks on their feet and enjoys going the extra mile in a high‑energy environment where priorities can shift quickly.

This is far more than a typical Executive Assistant position. With real scope to grow, learn and progress potentially within as little as six months, it is a role that has been shaped to be engaging, rewarding, and genuinely fun for someone who loves being at the centre of the action.

• Take ownership of the Director’s busy and ever‑evolving diary, ensuring meetings, travel, and external commitments run seamlessly and efficiently.
• Create polished and engaging agendas, briefing packs, reports, and presentations that support high‑level decision making and leave a lasting impression.
• Act as a trusted first point of contact for senior stakeholders, including board members, funders and international partners, building strong relationships with confidence and professionalism.
• Proactively manage a high volume of correspondence, anticipating priorities, responding with sound judgement, and keeping everything moving smoothly.
• Coordinate complex domestic and international travel, producing detailed itineraries that ensure every trip is well planned, stress‑free, and perfectly executed.
• Provide wide‑ranging executive support to the Director, from expense management and document control to supporting key projects and initiatives.
• Plan and deliver high‑profile visits, meetings, and events, welcoming high‑end guests and ensuring an exceptional standard of hospitality at every touch point.
• Support the Director’s involvement in collaborative work across academia, health care, government, and the charity sector, helping bring ambitious partnerships to life.
• Handle sensitive information with absolute discretion, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism at all times.

Essential:

• Experience within EA / PA support.
• Highly organised with excellent problem‑solving abilities.
• Professional, discreet, and confident when handling sensitive information.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Proactive thinking, the ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience or confidence when speaking in front of high‑stake holders.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of scientific industry or non‑profit organisation.
• Ability to pick things up quickly.
• Familiarity with charity or non‑profit organisations.
• Drive – always pushing to achieve the best / going the extra mile.

• 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Strong progression opportunity.
• Employee wellbeing support and EAP.
• Out of work team bonding exercises.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Family‑friendly and flexible working policies.
• Access to health and fitness facilities.
• On‑site cafés, discounts, and cultural venues.