PA to CEO

Job Description

We are seeking a Personal Assistant to the CEO to join the team at Leiths, playing a pivotal role in supporting the effective operation of the CEO’s office.

The role requires a highly organised individual who takes pride in delivering professional, proactive support and maintaining the highest standards.

Leiths is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including online checks, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Job Description

Hours of work: 16-24 hours per week (occasional additional hours and/or flexibility required)
Location: Hybrid (Remote/London office and occasional travel with the CEO)

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Personal Assistant to the CEO plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of the CEO’s office.

The position oversees complex diary and inbox management, coordinates communications, and provides high‑level support across strategic and operational projects. Acting as a trusted liaison between the CEO and internal and external stakeholders, the PA safeguards priorities, streamlines workflows, and enables the CEO to focus on organisational leadership and long‑term objectives.

The role also includes responsibility for planning and managing trips, visits and high‑profile events involving the CEO, ensuring all engagements are delivered to the highest standard.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Reporting to: CEO

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Secretarial and Administrative Support:

• Manage the CEO’s diary
• Scheduling appointments, meetings and room bookings
• Preparing reports and presentations
• Maintaining databases and filing systems as needed
• Proof reading reports

Communication:

• Managing emails and correspondence independently in a highly professional manner
• Ensure smooth communication between the CEO and internal/external contacts
• Confident dealing with board members, shareholders and high-profile contacts

Travel and Events Management:

• Book and arrange domestic and international transport and accommodation for the CEO
  (and occasionally other senior employees when required)
• Coordinate all high‑profile events, trips and visits involving the CEO, ensuring seamless
  end‑to‑end planning
• Prepare detailed itineraries, briefing packs and schedules tailored to the CEO’s priorities and
  commitments
• Manage logistics including travel, accommodation and venue arrangements
• Liaise with senior leaders, external partners and VIP stakeholders to ensure alignment and
  smooth execution
• Provide on‑site support during key events and visits when necessary, acting as the CEO’s
  primary point of coordination
• Anticipate potential issues, implement contingency plans and maintain discretion at all times
• Ensure clear, timely communication with all internal and external parties involved

Meeting Support:

• Minute meetings (SLT, Management Team, Staff meetings etc.), preparing agendas, collating
  reports or documents as required and ensuring efficient meeting logistics
• Distribution and follow up of agendas, minutes and reports to/from relevant contacts
• Plan and organise meetings and events for SLT and Management Team
• Assist as needed with the organisation of internal and external events and conferences,
  including planning, logistics, and follow-up, including liaising with relevant staff
  Research and

Information:

• Conduct research on behalf of the CEO
• Compile information and prepare briefing papers

Project Support:

• Assist with project coordination and management as required

Personal Errands:

• Assist with personal errands and tasks when required
• Co-ordinate and manage gifts as required

General:

• Uphold organisational standards and represent the CEO’s office with professionalism and
  confidentiality
• Respond in person, by telephone or email to staff, students, visitors in a professional and
  customer focused manner
• Provide general administrative assistance as needed
• Provide a courteous and knowledgeable point of contact for people both within and outside
  Leiths responding in person, by telephone or email to staff, students and visitors
• Comply with all relevant School policies and procedures including Health and Safety and
  Child Protection

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ proven experience in a senior PA or executive assistant role
• Experience of managing a busy diary and inbox
• Previous experience of taking minutes and preparing meeting documentation
• Experience organising, coordinating and running events
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise under pressure
• Fast and accurate typing skills
• Confident in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to identify and resolve issues proactively and efficiently
• Ability to adjust to changing priorities and work in a fast‑paced environment
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths
• Experience within an education or hospitality environment
• Experience managing or supervising front‑of‑house or reception teams
• Experience liaising with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Familiarity with CRM or booking systems
• Understanding of the food and wine or culinary education sector
• Shorthand or note‑taking training
• Experience with cloud‑based platforms (e.g. Office 365, Teams)
• Qualification from a business or secretarial college (e.g. Pitman, Quest, or equivalent)
• NVQ or Diploma in Business Administration or similar

This position requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will reveal any unspent convictions. A criminal record may not necessarily be a bar to employment, as any decision will be treated on its merits and individual circumstances subject to Leiths’ overriding obligation to protect the students in its charge and the safety of Leiths’ staff.

All staff have a responsibility and duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Staff must be aware of the systems within Leiths which support safeguarding and must act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policy and Code of Conduct. Staff will receive appropriate child protection training which is regularly updated.

Applicants are required to submit these two forms when applying for a post with us.

All candidates must read the school’s policies before applying for a position within the school.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →