Our client is a market-leading, blue-chip business with a strong heritage, a reputation for excellence and a clear strategy for accelerated growth. Headquartered in the North East of England, they are expanding their operations, driving innovation and strengthening our leadership team. To support this next phase of growth, they are seeking a highly capable, forward-thinking Strategic Executive Assistant to the CEO / Chief of Staff to act as a critical partner to the CEO and senior leadership team.
Location: North East England
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent. 5 Days in the office
Salary: £65,000- £70,000 (depending on experience)
Consultant: charley@lilyshippen.co.uk - Please direct all enquiries to Charley.
Role Overview
This is a hybrid strategic support position combining high-level executive assistance with Chief-of-Staff–style responsibilities. The successful candidate will operate as a trusted adviser to the CEO, enabling effective decision-making, driving cross-functional initiatives, streamlining operations and ensuring organisational alignment.
The ideal candidate is commercially astute, detail-driven and proactive, someone who can anticipate needs, solve strategic problems and help the CEO maximise impact across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support & Strategic Partnership
* Act as a key strategic partner to the CEO, providing insights, preparing briefing documents, and supporting decision-making.
* Manage complex and dynamic schedules, ensuring the CEO’s time is aligned with business priorities.
* Oversee the flow of information across the executive office, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and readiness for key meetings and board interactions.
* Prepare high-quality presentations, board packs, reports and strategic papers.
Chief of Staff Responsibilities
* Support the CEO in shaping and tracking strategic objectives, KPIs and transformation projects.
* Drive alignment across leadership teams and ensure effective follow-through on actions and commitments.
* Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and support delivery of critical business programmes.
* Act as a sounding board for the CEO, evaluating options, identifying risks and offering recommendations.
* Optimise processes, communications and internal workflows within the Executive Office.
* Champion a culture of continuous improvement, professionalism and performance.
* Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the CEO, representing the Executive Office with authority and confidentiality.
* Manage sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
* Significant experience as a senior Executive Assistant, Business Manager, or Chief of Staff supporting C-Suite leaders.
* Proven ability to operate in a blue-chip, high-performance, or complex corporate environment.
* Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
* Strong business acumen and an understanding of strategic planning, project management, and corporate governance.
* Excellent communication skills.
* High emotional intelligence, diplomacy and judgement.
Desirable
* Experience working within a fast-growing or transformation-focused organisation.
* Project management qualifications.
* Experience preparing board-level materials and working directly with boards or committees.
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.