Our client, a fast-growing, technology scale-up headquartered in the heart of Manchester is seeking an experienced EA/Strategy Associate to join their very busy team. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, agile and organised Executive Assistant who will also wear the hats of Office Manager and Junior Chief of Staff to support the Founder and Finance Officer, and contribute to their culture and operational excellence.

Location: Manchester. 3 days in the office/ 2 WFH

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum.

Contract: Permanent

Consultant: charley@lilyshippen.co.uk - Please direct all enquiries regarding this role to Charley.

This is a unique hybrid role that requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will act as the right hand to our client's C-suite and senior leadership, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations, calendar and meeting management, project support and internal communications. You’ll also oversee the smooth running of the Manchester HQ, office operations and get involved in strategic initiatives that drive efficiency and culture as a junior Chief of Staff.

Executive Support:

• Provide high-level EA support to the CEO and broader C-suite.
• Manage complex calendars, coordinate meetings, travel and logistics.
• Prepare agendas, minutes and follow-ups for board meetings and leadership offsites.
• Arranging events and the annual conference from conception to delivery.
• Handle confidential information with discretion.
• Draft internal and external communications.
• Liaise with key stakeholders, investors and partners on behalf of executives.

Travel & Logistics:

• Help manage travel arrangements and itineraries.

Junior Chief of Staff Duties:

• Support strategic planning cycles and OKR tracking for the leadership team.
• Help prepare internal presentations, reports and dashboards.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects and initiatives.
• Streamline internal communication and decision-making processes.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and help implement improvements.
• ISO re certification projects.

Meeting Coordination:

• Prepare agendas, ensure all materials are ready for MD meetings, and take detailed notes during meetings as necessary. Track follow-up actions from meetings and ensure timely completion. Organise and manage events, including executive meetings, team-building sessions and corporate events.

Other Duties as Required:

• Take on any ad-hoc tasks to ensure the smooth running of the business and support the CEO in their day-to-day responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant, Office Manager or similar hybrid role.
• Prior experience in a high-growth startup or scale-up (ideally in tech or SaaS).
• Impeccable organisational and time management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to multitask, prioritise and operate with discretion.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Proficiency in Google, G-Suite and project management tools.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven 5 years + experience as an Executive Assistant within a tech or developer focussed sector/start up.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities and changing business needs.
• Enthusiastic, flexible and approachable demeanour.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with various teams.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to remain professionally calm within an ever-changing environment.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism.
• Previous exposure to Chief of Staff or Chief Operating Officer environments.
• Passion for culture-building and employee experience.
• Familiarity with HR systems or basic finance processes.

Attributes:

• A proactive, can-do attitude with adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-paced and leader in the Tech sector. With such a strong focus on growth and innovation, our client provides an exciting setting for an exceptional EA looking to gain further experience in fast paced environment. This role is perfect for someone eager work within a developer lead sector.

Lily Shippen is a leading recruitment agency, specialising in executive support and business support recruitment. We connect top talent with exceptional opportunities across the UK and internationally. Our expertise spans Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Office Manager, Chief of Staff, and HR recruitment, offering tailored solutions for businesses across various industries.

We recruit for permanent, temporary, and fixed-term contract roles across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Cheshire, and beyond. Whether you’re seeking a new opportunity or looking to hire top talent, we’re here to help. If you’re an experienced Executive Assistant looking for a new challenge in a strategic, data-driven role, we would love to hear from you.