Executive Assistant

Pele Energy Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy firm in South Africa seeks a highly trusted Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant to provide comprehensive support to the CEO. The successful candidate will possess executive-level administrative expertise and strong interpersonal skills, managing both professional and personal support tasks with discretion and care. Responsibilities include calendar management, meeting coordination, and stakeholder communication, all demanding high levels of integrity and professionalism. Applicants should have a degree and 5+ years of experience in a similar role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant.
• Demonstrated support at C-suite level.
• Proven experience managing complex calendars and confidential matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide end-to-end support to the CEO and act as the first point of contact.
• Manage a complex calendar and prioritize meetings.
• Plan and coordinate meetings and corporate events.
• Oversee travel logistics and prepare expense reports.
• Serve as a liaison between the CEO and stakeholders.

Skills

Executive-level administrative expertise

Emotional intelligence

Sound judgment

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Decision-making ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 3-year tertiary qualification in Office Management or Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Desktop publishing tools

Job description

We are seeking a highly trusted, resourceful, and proactive Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant to provide comprehensive support to the CEO. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who operates as a true right-hand partner—anticipating needs, managing complexity, and enabling the CEO to focus on strategic priorities.

The successful candidate will combine executive-level administrative expertise with strong PA qualities, including exceptional discretion, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to manage both professional and ad hoc personal support requirements with confidence and care. This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment and consistently delivers with precision and professionalism.

Job Responsibilities

Executive & Personal Support

• Provide end-to-end executive and personal support to the CEO, acting as a trusted gatekeeper and first point of contact.
• Proactively anticipate the CEO’s needs, preferences, and priorities to ensure seamless daily operations.
• Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive, confidential, and time-critical matters with the utmost discretion.

Calendar, Time & Priority Management

• Manage a complex and dynamic calendar, including scheduling, prioritising, and resolving conflicts in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Actively protect the CEO’s time by assessing meeting value, preparing briefing notes, and ensuring optimal use of executive availability.
• Coordinate across multiple time zones and stakeholders where required.

Meetings, Events & Hospitality Coordination

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate internal and external meetings, board engagements, lunches, dinners, and corporate events.
• Prepare agendas, briefing packs, presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Attend meetings as required, take accurate minutes, track action items, and follow up to ensure completion.
• Manage hospitality arrangements with attention to detail and a high standard of professionalism.

Administrative & Operational Excellence

• Oversee all travel logistics, including itineraries, visas, accommodation, and ground transport.
• Prepare and submit expense reports, correspondence, and documentation accurately and timeously.
• Support the CEO with research, special projects, and the development of high-impact presentations and reports.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Serve as a key liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders, including Board members, senior executives, clients, and partners.
• Build strong, trusted relationships and communicate on behalf of the CEO with professionalism and emotional intelligence.
• Manage incoming requests, correspondence, and competing demands with diplomacy and assertiveness.

Strategic & Advisory Support

• Keep the CEO informed of key priorities, deadlines, risks, and emerging issues.
• Act as a “barometer” for the organisation—flagging concerns, sensing dynamics, and ensuring the CEO is prepared and aligned.
• Support decision-making by providing context, follow-ups, and insight where appropriate.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 3-year tertiary qualification in Office Management or Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant, with demonstrated support at C-suite level.
• Proven experience managing complex calendars, high volumes of work, and confidential matters independently.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and desktop publishing tools; strong capability in creating polished executive presentations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Strong decision-making ability and sound judgment regarding priorities and time management.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage ambiguity, and adapt quickly to changing demands.
• Comfortable operating in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment.

Competencies

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership
• Planning & Organizing
• Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Analysis & Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal and Personal Effectiveness:

• Assertiveness with Diplomacy
• Emotional Intelligence
• Methodical & Detail-Oriented
• Drive & Action Orientation
• Flexibility & Resilience

• Excellence & Quality Focus