Strategic Assistant To The Ceo - Ai Systems Lead

Remote Recruitment; Remote; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic recruitment firm seeks a world-class Strategic Assistant to the CEO, centered on AI systems leadership. This senior-level role demands a proactive executive assistant experienced in AI tool utilization for optimizing workflows and communication. Responsibilities include managing the CEO's calendar, preparing detailed materials for meetings, and anticipating executive needs. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years supporting senior executives, demonstrating a strong ability to create efficient systems. This is a remote position in Gauteng, South Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a senior-level Executive Assistant or similar role.
• Proven success supporting senior executives in high-performance environments.
• Comfortable using AI tools for workflow automation.

Responsibilities

• Manage communication and schedules for the CEO.
• Design and optimize workflows for better productivity.
• Prepare detailed materials and agendas for meetings.

Skills

AI tools usage

Calendar management

Operational workflow optimization

Detail orientation

Exceptional communication skills

Initiative in decision-making

Tools

Google Workspace

Notion

Slack

Trello

Zapier

Job description

Strategic Assistant to the CEO – AI Systems Lead

We're seeking a world‑class Strategic Assistant to the CEO (AI Systems Lead) to support a visionary UK‑based leader at the intersection of innovation, digital productivity, and strategic growth.

This high‑impact, dynamic role is designed for a senior‑level Executive Assistant who excels at leveraging AI tools, refining systems, and enabling executives to perform at their highest level. You will act as a true extension of the CEO, managing communications, enhancing workflows, and ensuring strategic alignment across all activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the executive’s right hand, ensuring seamless communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage an intricate calendar, scheduling across multiple time zones, and align the CEO’s time with strategic priorities.
• Design, implement, and optimise operational workflows to reduce friction and boost productivity.
• Leverage AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Zapier, Notion AI) to automate recurring tasks, summarize data, and streamline communications.
• Proactively manage inboxes, filter noise, and draft high‑level correspondence and documentation.
• Anticipate needs and prepare detailed briefing materials, agendas, and follow‑ups for all meetings.
• Own and evolve the executive’s task management system, aligning with their vision and goals.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, and confidentiality across all interactions and initiatives.
• Step in with confidence when the CEO is unavailable—owning processes and driving progress forward independently.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a senior‑level Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, or strategic operations role.
• Proven success supporting senior executives in high‑performance, fast‑paced environments.
• Demonstrated experience using AI tools to automate workflows (e.g., ChatGPT, Notion AI, Zapier).
• Strong systems thinking and the ability to build scalable, repeatable processes.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills; able to write on behalf of executives with nuance and professionalism.
• High‑level digital literacy with platforms like Notion, Trello, Slack, Google Workspace, and calendar management tools.
• Relentlessly detail‑oriented, structured, and able to operate with minimal direction.
• Comfortable taking initiative and making operational decisions within a defined strategic framework.
• Own laptop, high‑speed internet, and a dedicated, quiet home working environment.