Executive Assistant Recruitment in Manchester’s Financial and Professional Services Sector

Manchester has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s leading hubs for financial, legal, and professional services. From the landmark offices of Spinningfields to the historic buildings along King Street and Deansgate, the city is home to an impressive range of firms, including global banks, private equity houses, law firms, and consultancies. Behind many of these businesses’ success stories are the Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Office Managers who ensure operations run seamlessly day after day.

At Lily Shippen, we have spent nearly a decade specialising in Executive Assistant recruitment in Manchester’s financial and professional services sector, helping leading firms attract and retain exceptional business support professionals. As the city continues to grow and attract new investment, demand for this calibre of talent has never been stronger.

The Role of the Executive Assistant in Financial and Professional Services

The modern Executive Assistant in this sector goes far beyond traditional administrative duties. They act as strategic partners to senior leaders, providing critical support across client engagement, governance, and project coordination. In fast-paced financial environments, the right EA brings structure, foresight, and commercial awareness.

Our clients in Manchester’s financial and professional services space consistently tell us that their best EAs have three core strengths: exceptional discretion, the ability to anticipate needs, and the confidence to liaise directly with high-profile stakeholders. These professionals are often the first point of contact for clients, regulators, and board members, representing the business with the same professionalism as senior leadership.

Where the Demand Is Growing

The demand for skilled Executive Assistants is particularly strong across:

• Investment and private equity firms in Spinningfields, where precision, confidentiality, and pace are critical.
• Legal and professional services firms in Deansgate and King Street, who value EAs with excellent written communication and client relationship skills.
• Consultancies and accountancy firms in the city centre, where EAs often play a hybrid role, part EA, part Project Coordinator or Office Manager.

As Manchester continues to attract regional headquarters and international investment, many firms are expanding their senior leadership teams, driving consistent demand for experienced Executive Assistants who can integrate quickly and support growth.

Why Financial and Professional Services Firms Choose Lily Shippen

At Lily Shippen, we understand that no two businesses are the same. Our approach to Executive Assistant recruitment is highly tailored, focusing on both skillset and cultural fit. We have built long-term partnerships with clients across Manchester’s financial and professional services sector by listening, advising, and connecting them with talent that not only meets the brief but elevates their business.

We recruit across a range of business support roles, including Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Office Managers, Operations Managers, HR professionals, and Chiefs of Staff. Whether a firm is looking to hire for a new leadership support role or strengthen its internal operations, our consultants provide the insight, network, and expertise to make the process efficient and effective.

The Future of Executive Assistant Recruitment in Manchester

As the city’s professional services ecosystem continues to evolve, Executive Assistants are increasingly seen as integral to business success. Hybrid working, rapid digital transformation, and the shift towards leaner leadership structures have only amplified the need for high-performing EAs who can manage complexity and maintain calm under pressure.

For firms operating in finance, legal, and consultancy settings, investing in the right Executive Assistant is not just about efficiency. It is about resilience and reputation. These are the professionals who ensure deadlines are met, relationships are managed, and operations stay on track no matter how fast the pace.

Why This Matters

Manchester’s professional and financial services industries are thriving, and so is the demand for exceptional business support talent. The Executive Assistant role has evolved into one of the most trusted and strategic positions within a business, bridging the gap between leadership vision and day-to-day execution.

At Lily Shippen, we are proud to work with many of Manchester’s most respected financial and professional services firms, helping them find the EAs, PAs, and Office Managers who make a measurable impact behind the scenes.

If you are looking to hire an Executive Assistant in Manchester’s financial or professional services sector, or would like advice on structuring your support function, our team would be delighted to help.