Executive Assistant & Office Manager

University of Fort Hare; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food science industry seeks an experienced Executive Assistant & Office Manager in Paarl. This role involves managing office operations and providing high-level support to executives. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational skills, advanced MS Office proficiency, and a diploma or degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in office administration or executive support.
• Advanced MS Office proficiency required.
• Proficient in English AND Afrikaans (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Manage diaries and coordinate travel for senior leadership.
• Liaise with service providers and oversee office supply maintenance.
• Support compliance and governance processes.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Problem-solving

Education

Diploma or Degree in Business Administration

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Monthly Basic Salary (Provident Fund, Market related)

Paarl: My client, a national leader in the food science industry, is looking for an experienced Executive Assistant & Office Manager to join their innovative and fast-paced team. This is a great opportunity to step into a role that blends precision, impact, and growth.

Purpose of the Role: The Executive Assistant & Office Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth, day-to-day operation of the office while providing high-level support to executive leadership. This includes managing diaries, coordinating local and international travel, organising meetings, and assisting with basic compliance functions. The role also serves as a key point of contact for both internal coordination and external liaison, supporting seamless communication across all levels of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To

• Front-of-house, reception, and visitor liaison
• Diary and travel management for senior leadership (local & international)
• Internal and external meeting coordination and communications
• Office supply, catering, and facility maintenance oversight
• Liaison with service providers and procurement coordination
• Preparation of reports, presentations, and board packs
• Board meeting support: agendas, minutes, resolutions, follow-ups
• Support compliance and governance processes (e.g. CIPC, POPIA)
• Structured record and document management
• Coordination of IT needs and access control

Criteria

• Diploma or Degree in Business Administration or similar
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in office administration or executive support
• Advanced MS Office proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proven experience with travel and diary management
• Knowledge of POPIA and CIPC processes advantageous
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport required
• Well-groomed, articulate, with high EQ and discretion
• Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
• Professional, proactive, and able to manage sensitive information
• Proficient in English AND Afrikaans (written and spoken)
• Ideally a candidate living close to Paarl