Executive Assistant

SNG GrantThornton; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent consulting firm in Gauteng seeks an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high-impact support to the Executive Committee. The role demands expertise in strategic project management and stakeholder engagement to enhance operational efficiency and drive strategic initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration and 7+ years supporting executives. The position offers a dynamic work environment where leadership support and integrity are paramount.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience supporting C-Suite executives or in strategic operations roles.
• Proven ability to manage high-stakes projects and confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive support to the ExCo, managing sensitive communications.
• Lead cross-functional strategic projects and provide analytical support.
• Coordinate ExCo meetings, capturing minutes and tracking actions.
• Act as a liaison with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.
• Support optimization of operations and team effectiveness.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Project & Change Management

Consulting Mindset

Executive Communication

Tech Proficiency

Confidentiality & Integrity

Leadership Support

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Business Administration or Strategy

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project tracking software (e.g. Trello, MS Project)

Collaboration tools (e.g. Teams, SharePoint)

Job description

1. Job Purpose:

To provide high-impact executive support and strategic consulting input to the Executive Committee (ExCo), ensuring the effective execution of strategic priorities across the organisation. This role combines traditional executive assistant responsibilities with project management and internal consulting, enabling the Executive Office to drive execution excellence, optimise operations, and support high-level decision-making within the assurance and advisory business environment.

2. Job Description:

Executive Support & Strategic Coordination

• Serve as the trusted interface between ExCo and the broader organisation, managing sensitive communications and ensuring alignment of priorities.
• Prepare executive briefing packs, board reports, and leadership communication documents.
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs for strategic meetings, reviews, and executive deliverables.
• Track the execution of ExCo mandates and ensure timely follow-through of strategic decisions.
• Support strategic planning cycles and business performance reviews with data gathering, synthesis, and insight generation.

Consulting & Project Execution

• Apply internal consulting capability to lead, co-design, or support strategic projects spanning assurance and advisory portfolios.
• Provide analytical and problem-solving support to ExCo on business challenges and opportunities.
• Develop business cases, project charters, and value-realisation frameworks for key initiatives.
• Identify areas for operational optimisation or service innovation and propose improvements or interventions.
• Support strategic transformation efforts such as ESG integration, quality management enhancements, or digitalisation of core processes.

Meeting & Calendar Management

• Manage the complex calendars of ExCo members, aligning schedules with strategic priorities.
• Organise ExCo meetings, leadership offsites, and client briefings, including agenda planning, logistics, and follow-ups.
• Capture accurate minutes, track action items, and ensure resolution of outstanding issues.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Act as a liaison between ExCo and internal teams, clients, regulators, and governance stakeholders.
• Build trusted relationships across service lines and business units to facilitate collaboration and alignment.
• Represent the Executive Office in cross-departmental forums or steering committees when delegated.

Operational Leadership & Enablement

• Support the Executive Manager in optimising internal operations, processes, and team effectiveness.
• Partner with Finance, HR, IT, Risk, and Admin functions to resolve operational challenges on behalf of ExCo.
• Track KPIs, support monthly/quarterly reporting, and ensure dashboard accuracy for strategic decision-making.
• Manage relationships with vendors, consultants, and third parties to ensure service delivery meets expectations.

Team Management

• Provide mentoring, oversight, and coordination support to Office Coordinators across the firm.
• Create standard operating procedures and guidelines to ensure consistency in executive support.

3. Qualification:

• Postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Strategy, or related field.

4. Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of experience supporting C-Suite executives or in strategic operations roles.
• Proven ability to manage high-stakes projects and confidential information.

Preferred

• Background in professional services, assurance, or advisory environments.
• Experience in cross-functional coordination and change enablement.
• Familiarity with consulting frameworks, strategy execution, and performance management.

5. Key Competencies:

Competency:	Description:
Strategic Thinking	Understands business imperatives and translates them into actionable priorities.
Project & Change Management	Capable of scoping, managing, and reporting on complex multi-stakeholder projects.
Consulting Mindset	Demonstrates structured thinking, hypothesis development, and data-backed recommendations.
Business Acumen	Understands financial, operational, and people-related levers that drive business success.
Executive Communication	Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; adept at stakeholder presentations.
Tech Proficiency	Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite, project tracking software (e.g. Trello, MS Project), and collaboration tools (e.g. Teams, SharePoint).
Confidentiality & Integrity	Handles sensitive issues with utmost discretion and professionalism.
Leadership Support	Demonstrates maturity, judgment, and initiative in supporting leadership priorities.

6. Success Indicators:

• Seamless, professional support to ExCo, resulting in high leadership confidence and reliance.
• Execution of strategic projects aligned to agreed timelines, budgets, and KPIs.
• Improved coordination across assurance and advisory business units.
• Insightful input and contribution to strategic discussions and decision-making processes.
• Enhanced operational efficiency through proactive issue resolution and process improvement.
• Visible role modelling of professionalism, integrity, and client-centricity.