Executive Assistant Job Description Template

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.

Executive Assistant Job Description

Job Title: Executive Assistant (EA)
Location: [Specify Location – e.g. London, Manchester, Remote, etc.]
Reports to: [Specify, e.g. CEO, Managing Director, Executive Team]
Salary: [Include range or competitive, based on market]
Type: [Full-time, Part-time, Temporary]

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Key Skills & Experience:

• 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.

Why This Role is Strategic:

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.

Career Progression:

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 (www.eavolve.co.uk) 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.

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