Executive Assistant

Grindrod; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

Grindrod is seeking an Executive Assistant to provide proactive support to the CFO, coordinating executive activities, stakeholder engagement, and business operations with precision and confidentiality.

You will manage calendars across time zones, arrange travel, support board meetings, and oversee events and budgets, collaborating with the CEO's team to ensure seamless operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum Grade 12 with related qualification.
• 5+ years of experience supporting executives in a corporate environment.
• Experience coordinating high-level meetings, travel, and events.
• Strong financial and computer literacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage CFO's calendar, meetings, and appointments across multiple time zones.
• Screen calls, manage enquiries, and act as gatekeeper.
• Coordinate local and international travel arrangements for the CFO.
• Assist with board meetings and corporate events planning and execution.
• Maintain confidentiality across all aspects of the role.

Skills

Executive support

Calendar management

Stakeholder management

Travel coordination

Discretion & confidentiality

Multi-time zone scheduling

Education

Grade 12

Business Administration qualification

Tools

MS Office

SAP

Job description

An exciting opportunity exists for a highly organised, proactive, and professional Executive Assistant to provide support to the CFO, ensuring the smooth coordination of executive activities, stakeholder engagement, corporate events, travel management, and business operations while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and confidentiality.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive and Administrative Support

• Manage the CFO's calendar, meetings, and appointments across multiple time zones.
• Prioritise scheduling requirements, resolve conflicts, and protect time for strategic initiatives.
• Screen calls, manage enquiries, and act as an effective gatekeeper.
• Track progress of action items, departmental projects, budget timelines, and compliance deadlines.
• Coordinate and monitor deliverables from the CFO's direct reports and various departments.
• Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, budgets, and expense-related documentation.
• Provide support with selected personal administrative matters when required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality across all aspects of the role.

Travel and Logistics

• Coordinate all local and international travel arrangements for the CFO, including flights and accommodation, Visa applications, passport renewals, port of exit/entry forms completion.
• Assist with analyst and investor site visits to Grindrod facilities in South Africa and Mozambique, including travel with the team when required.

Stakeholder Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders alongside the CEO's Assistant.
• Coordinate travel logistics and information requirements for the Board members attending quarterly board meetings, annual general meetings, and corporate events.
• Provide backup support for the CEO's Assistant when required.

Corporate Events

• Lead the planning and execution of events around Grindrod’s JSE requirements, including virtual Annual and Interim Results presentations, annual General Meetings (AGMs), town hall events, customer functions, conferences, company gatherings and farewells, site inaugurations.
• Liaise with external service providers and internal IT teams to ensure successful technical event delivery.
• Manage event budgets and financial administration while ensuring cost-effective and professional execution.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualification / s

• Grade 12
• Relevant qualifications in Business Administration, Office Management, Finance Administration, Executive Assistance or related.

Experience

• 5 years’ experience in supporting executives within a corporate environment.
• Experience in coordinating high level meetings, travel, corporate events, stakeholder engagement.
• Strong financial and computer literacy skills.
• SAP experience will be advantageous.

Required skills

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
• Ability to work independently and proactively.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Leadership and team supervision capability.

Application closing date: 14 September 2026