Executive & Project Assistant

Garner & Hancock do; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking an Executive & Project Assistant to support the Managing Director. This role blends traditional executive support with dynamic project management responsibilities in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will possess strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage communications and multiple priorities. This one-year fixed-term position offers competitive salary, benefits, and pathways for career advancement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career advancement opportunities

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an executive support role within a professional services environment.
• Strong communication skills to manage correspondence effectively.
• Ability to coordinate projects and track progress across multiple initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Act as point of contact for the Managing Director, prioritise communications.
• Manage the MD's diary and schedule meetings efficiently.
• Prepare agendas and reports for meetings.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Discretion and judgment

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Join us to work side by side with senior leadership and gain a unique view of both executive and project operations within a leading UK law firm. This dynamic role combines executive support with hands-on project work, giving you experience beyond traditional EA responsibilities. Thrive in a collaborative, professional environment that values initiative and impact. The role is a one-year fixed-term contract with a clear route to permanency, competitive salary, benefits, and plenty of opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.

Overview

JobSpecification

Role Overview

We are seeking an organised and business-aware Executive & Project Assistant to provide high-quality executive and project support to our Managing Director (MD). The role combines traditional EA responsibilities with structured project and operational support, enabling the line manager to focus on strategic leadership and business priorities.

The role will suit a proactive individual who is comfortable supporting both senior stakeholders and delivery-focused initiatives within a professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for the MD, managing and prioritising all incoming communications.
• Triage emails, identifying urgent, sensitive, or business‑critical matters and ensuring timely action or escalation.
• Draft, respond to, and manage correspondence on behalf of the line manager where appropriate.
• Manage the line manager’s diary, scheduling meetings efficiently, resolving conflicts, and ensuring optimal use of time.
• Prepare agendas, briefing papers, reports, and follow‑up actions for internal and external meetings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgement in handling sensitive information.
• Provide project coordination support across firm-wide and departmental initiatives.
• Track actions, milestones, and deliverables to ensure projects progress as planned.
• Prepare project documentation, status updates, and briefing notes.
• Liaise with partners, fee-earners, and business services teams to support delivery of agreed actions.
• Assist with operational tasks that contribute to the smooth running of the firm.
• Proactively manage the line manager’s inbox, ensuring urgent matters are flagged and addressed promptly.
• Track actions arising from emails and meetings, following up with stakeholders to ensure completion.
• Organise and maintain electronic filing systems to ensure information is accessible and well‑structured.
• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and use judgement in handling sensitive information.
• Organisational skills to manage competing priorities and deadlines across executive and project tasks.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of how professional services firms operate, including basic workflow knowledge.
• Calm under pressure, with a flexible and resilient approach.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic overview.