Executive Assistant Job Description Template
View our free Executive Assistant job description template. Learn the core skills, duties and responsibilities needed to hire a high-quality Executive Assistant for your business.
WHAT IS A EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT?
At Lily Shippen, we understand that an Executive Assistant (EA) is more than just administrative support—they are a key strategic partner who plays an instrumental role in the success of senior executives and their businesses.
Whether you’re looking for an EA in London, Manchester, Cheshire, Birmingham, Leeds, or for a remote position, this detailed job description template will help you attract the right candidate for this high-level role.
ROLE OVERVIEW
An Executive Assistant (EA) is a senior-level professional responsible for providing strategic support to executives or senior leaders.
The EA works closely with the leadership team to ensure smooth operations, assist in decision-making, and manage key projects. The role demands a high degree of discretion, business acumen, and the ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
An EA’s primary objective is to act as a gatekeeper, strategist, and coordinator for the executive, making this role essential to the executive’s and the company’s overall success.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Personal Assistant (PA)
Location
Specify Location – e.g. London, Manchester, Remote, etc.
Reports to
Specify, e.g. Executive, Senior Manager, Director
Salary
Include range or competitive, based on market
Type
Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
ROLE DETAILS
Strategic Support:
Provide high-level support in decision-making processes by preparing reports, analysing data, and offering insights that contribute to the executive’s strategic objectives.
Project Management:
Manage and coordinate key projects, ensuring timelines are met and stakeholders are kept informed of progress and developments.
Diary & Time Management:
Proactively manage complex schedules, including meetings, events, and travel, to optimise the executive’s time.
Communication Liaison:
Act as the primary point of contact between the executive and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication.
Meeting Preparation & Follow-Up:
Prepare meeting agendas, reports, and presentations. Attend meetings as required, take detailed minutes, and follow up on action items.
Confidential Correspondence:
Handle highly sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Financial Administration:
Oversee expenses, budgeting, and financial reports on behalf of the executive, liaising with finance teams to ensure accuracy.
Event Planning:
Plan and execute high-profile internal and external events, such as board meetings, conferences, and corporate events.
Problem-Solving & Initiative:
Anticipate the needs of the executive and proactively address issues before they arise, offering solutions and strategies for improved efficiency.
Proven Experience:
Significant experience in a senior Executive Assistant or similar strategic support role, ideally working with C-suite executives or senior management.
Business Acumen:
Strong understanding of business operations and strategies, with the ability to contribute to high-level discussions and decisions.
Project Management Skills:
Demonstrated experience managing projects from start to finish, ensuring they are delivered on time and within scope.
Exceptional Organisation:
Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Advanced Communication:
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft high-quality correspondence and presentations.
Tech-Savvy:
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), project management tools, and the ability to quickly learn new software.
Discretion & Confidentiality:
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and confidentiality.
Adaptability & Initiative:
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, and take initiative when it comes to solving problems and managing time-sensitive tasks.
At Lily Shippen, we know that an Executive Assistant is a strategic partner who enables senior leaders to focus on high-level business objectives. An EA doesn’t just organise diaries—they manage critical projects, contribute to decision-making processes, and ensure executives’ time is spent on what matters most. Whether based in London, Manchester, or a remote location, an exceptional EA is integral to business success.
In this role, you will be exposed to senior leadership discussions, gain deep insights into business operations, and become a trusted advisor to your executive, providing critical support that influences business outcomes.
An EA role offers exceptional career development opportunities. Many Executive Assistants progress into senior operational roles such as Office Manager, Operations Manager, or Chief of Staff. The exposure to strategic planning, high-level decision-making, and project management means you are well-positioned to take on more senior leadership roles within a business.
At Lily Shippen, we work closely with both candidates and clients to ensure the best fit for high-level roles. Additionally, eavolve provides coaching and career development consultancy, helping professionals reach their full potential in leadership and business support roles.
WHY WORK WITH US?
At Lily Shippen, we take pride in matching talented Executive Assistants with businesses where they can make a true impact.
Whether you’re hiring an EA for a fast-paced environment in London, an executive team in Manchester, or looking for a remote assistant, we can help you find the right person to drive your business forward.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT FAQs
Your most common Personal Assistant questions answered…
When choosing an Executive Assistant recruitment agency, look for one with a proven track record in placing top EAs.
Check client and candidate reviews, explore their market knowledge, and assess whether they offer tailored services, such as psychometric testing or post-placement support.
An agency with specific expertise in your location, such as EA recruitment in London, Manchester, or remote EA recruitment across the UK, can be especially beneficial.
Yes, many businesses are now opting to hire remote Executive Assistants. T
his option allows companies to access top talent from across the UK without being restricted to their local area.
Remote EAs can provide high-level support from anywhere, making them a flexible solution for businesses looking to streamline operations and reduce office costs.
Hiring a remote Executive Assistant offers flexibility, access to a wider talent pool, and potential cost savings.
Remote EAs can efficiently support executives from anywhere in the UK or globally, providing services such as calendar management, travel booking, and project coordination.
With the rise of virtual tools, many companies find remote EAs to be just as effective as those based in the office. However, it’s important to consider how you will build your working relationship remotely.
The time it takes to recruit an Executive Assistant can vary depending on the role’s complexity and your recruitment process.
Working with a specialist Executive Assistant recruitment agency can significantly reduce the time-to-hire by providing you with a shortlist of qualified candidates within days or weeks. On average, the recruitment process can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
When hiring an Executive Assistant, look for key skills such as strong organisational abilities, attention to detail, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills.
Depending on your business, you may also require experience in calendar management, travel coordination, project support, and the ability to work independently or remotely. A recruitment agency can help identify candidates with the right skill set for your specific needs.
Yes, you can hire temporary or part-time Executive Assistants in Manchester, London, or any other part of the UK.
Many recruitment agencies, including Lily Shippen, offer flexible solutions to match businesses with temporary, part-time, or contract EAs who can provide support during peak times, cover leaves, or assist with specific projects.
To ensure you hire the right Executive Assistant, it’s important to define the role and use a structured recruitment process clearly.
Consider working with a specialist recruitment agency that understands the nuances of the EA role and can match candidates to your business culture and needs.
Psychometric testing and detailed interviews can also help assess candidates’ compatibility with your executive and company.
Many Executive Assistant recruitment agencies, including Lily Shippen, provide post-placement support to ensure a smooth transition for both the client and the candidate.
This can include onboarding assistance, follow-up consultations, and even replacement guarantees should the hire not work out within a set period.
One of our unique selling points is that we also offer ongoing training, mentoring, and development through our sister company, eavolve.
This helps Executive Assistants continue to upskill and reach their full potential, ensuring long-term success for both the EA and the business.
