Executive Assistant to Director CV-Library Executive Assistant to Director

Scienceabode; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research institute in Manchester is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the Director. The role involves managing complex scheduling, preparing high-quality documents, and acting as a key contact for stakeholders. Ideal candidates will be highly organised, discrete, and possess outstanding communication skills. The position offers competitive salary, 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and a range of employee benefits including flexible working policies and enhanced pension scheme.

Benefits

32 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Strong Progression Opportunity

Employee wellbeing support

Team bonding exercises

Enhanced pension scheme

Family-friendly and flexible working policies

Access to health and fitness facilities

On-site cafés and discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in an executive assistant or personal assistant role is essential.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism while handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Director’s complex calendar and arrangements.
• Prepare agendas, briefing papers, and reports for meetings.
• Serve as the primary contact for board members and stakeholders.
• Organise domestic and international travel arrangements.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support including project coordination.

Skills

Experience within EA / PA support

Excellent problem-solving abilities

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills

Strong IT proficiency in Microsoft Office

Proactive thinking and ability to work independently

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

Job description

Job Title: Executive Assistant to Director
Location: Manchester
Salary: Up to £40,000

Overview

As Executive Assistant to the Director, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of a high-profile research institute supported by a well-known charity. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, highly organised Executive Assistant to work at the heart of a mission-driven organisation committed to scientific excellence and global impact. You will act as a key point of contact for a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including scientific leaders, strategic partners, funders, and senior management. The role involves managing a complex and fast-paced diary, coordinating national and international engagements, arranging travel and meetings, and ensuring the Director is fully prepared for all commitments. This is a highly visible position requiring exceptional professionalism, discretion, and organisational skills. You will thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities can change rapidly, and where attention to detail, adaptability, and a proactive approach are essential. As Executive Assistant, you will provide high-level administrative and operational support, handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality, and contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Director’s office and the wider institute.

Main Duties

• Manage the Director’s complex and demanding calendar, ensuring seamless coordination of meetings, travel, and external engagements.
• Prepare high-quality agendas, briefing papers, reports, and presentations for internal and external meetings.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders, including board members, funders, partner organisations, and international collaborators.
• Monitor, prioritise, and manage a high volume of email correspondence, taking appropriate action or delegating as required.
• Organise complex domestic and international travel arrangements, maintaining detailed and accurate itineraries.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Director, including expense processing, document control, and project coordination.
• Coordinate formal visits and events, ensuring a consistently high standard of professionalism and hospitality.
• Support the Director’s engagement in collaborative projects across academia, healthcare, government, and the charity sector.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while upholding the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience within EA / PA support
• Highly organised with excellent problem‑solving abilities.
• Professional, discreet, and confident when handling sensitive information.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Proactive thinking, the ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience or confidence when speaking in front of high‑stake holders

Desirable

• Ability to pick things up quickly
• Knowledge of scientific industry or non‑profit organisation
• Familiarity with charity or non‑profit organisations.
• Drive – always pushing to achieve the best / going the extra mile.

Benefits

• 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Strong Progression Opportunity
• Employee wellbeing support and EAP
• Out of work team bonding exercises
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Family‑friendly and flexible working policies
• Access to health and fitness facilities
• On‑site cafés, discounts, and cultural venues

£35000 – £40000/annum 32 days annual leave plus bank holid