Executive Assistant

University of Fort Hare; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African exporter of fresh produce is seeking an Executive Assistant to provide high-level support to the Director. This fully remote position requires exceptional organisational skills, problem-solving abilities, and strong written and verbal communication. Candidates should be trustworthy, resilient under pressure, and able to work independently. This role offers flexible working arrangements and competitive remuneration, with the successful candidate based in Pretoria, South Africa.

Benefits

Competitive executive-level remuneration

High degree of autonomy

Flexible working structure

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant.
• High digital literacy with cloud-based platforms and productivity tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level diary and time management.
• Manage travel arrangements including flights and accommodation.
• Liaise between the Director and stakeholders.
• Prepare high-level correspondence and documentation.
• Maintain an organised digital filing system.

Skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Digital literacy

Prioritisation skills

Job description

Our client, a leading South African exporter of fresh produce, is seeking a Executive Assistant to assist the MD. This is a fully remote position and the successful candidate will be based in Pretoria.

Role Overview

The Executive Assistant will provide high-level, and confidential support to the Director. This role requires exceptional organisational ability, sound judgment, proactive problem-solving, and the capacity to operate independently. The Executive Assistant will act as a trusted gatekeeper, coordinator, and operational partner.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level diary and time management, including scheduling, prioritising, and optimising daily activities.
• Manage all travel arrangements end-to-end, including flights, accommodation, visas, itineraries, and travel documentation.
• Screen, prioritise, and manage all incoming communication (emails, messages, calls), ensuring urgent and strategic matters are addressed timeously.
• Act as a liaison between the Director and internal / external stakeholders.
• Prepare, draft, proofread, and edit high-level correspondence, reports, presentations, and board-related documentation.
• Maintain a secure, highly organised digital filing and document management system.
• Track and reconcile executive expenses
• Coordinate executive meetings, board meetings, and key events, including agendas, venues, logistics, and follow-ups.
• Manage sensitive, confidential, and commercially sensitive information with absolute discretion.
• Anticipate future needs, manage risks, and proactively address potential challenges.
• Provide administrative and operational support on an ad-hoc basis across both business and personal matters.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant.
• Exceptional organisational, planning, and prioritisation skills.
• High digital literacy and confidence across cloud-based platforms, productivity tools, and communication systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills at executive and board level.
• Outstanding problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and judgment.
• Ability to work independently across multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to work remotely with availability when required.

Personal Attributes

• Highly professional, calm, and resilient under pressure.
• Proactive, solution-driven, and detail-oriented.
• Trustworthy, loyal, and discrete.
• Adaptable, flexible, and resourceful.
• Strong alignment with company values of integrity, excellence, and client service.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Director in a highly trusted, one-on-one working relationship.

Compensation and Benefits

• Flexible, part-time or full-time structure (depending on suitability).
• Competitive executive-level remuneration.
• Remote working arrangement with availability for executive-level responsiveness.
• High degree of autonomy and exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.