Executive Assistant to SVP, R&D
Location: Stevenage (Hybrid) | Regular weekly travel to London (Euston)
We are supporting a high-growth biotech organisation in Stevenage that is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support their Senior Vice President of R&D. This is a senior EA role, designed for someone who operates as a true business partner and trusted advisor, not simply administrative support.
This position will suit an EA with Biotech / Life Sciences experience who has supported scientific, technical, or R&D leaders at VP or C-suite level, and who understands the pace, complexity, and discretion required in a research-driven environment.
The Role
You will act as the operational backbone to the SVP of R&D, enabling them to operate at maximum effectiveness across scientific leadership, external collaboration, and internal decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
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Acting as a trusted advisor to the SVP, providing proactive operational support and anticipating priorities
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End-to-end diary management across multiple locations, time zones, and complex stakeholder groups
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Preparing briefings, agendas, and materials for senior leadership meetings, boards, and scientific reviews
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Managing sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion
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Coordinating internal and external meetings involving senior scientific, clinical, and technical stakeholders
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Supporting R&D leadership activities including governance forums, portfolio reviews, and strategic initiatives
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Handling travel planning (UK and international), expenses, and logistics seamlessly
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Acting as a point of connection between R&D and other business functions (Clinical, Finance, Operations, Legal, etc.)
What We’re Looking For
This role requires more than traditional EA capability. We are specifically looking for someone who:
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Has proven experience within Biotech, Life Sciences, Pharma, or a closely related scientific environment
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Has supported VP, SVP, or C-suite leaders, ideally within R&D, Science, or Technical functions
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Understands how to operate as a strategic partner rather than reactive support
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Is highly discreet, trusted, and comfortable handling confidential scientific and commercial information
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Thinks several steps ahead and proactively solves problems before they arise
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Is confident engaging with senior scientists, executives, and external partners
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Brings strong judgement, emotional intelligence, and professionalism
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Demonstrates exceptional organisation, attention to detail, and prioritisation skills
Working Pattern
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Hybrid role based in Stevenage / London
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Regular travel to London (Euston) to support meetings and leadership activity
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Flexible working approach aligned to senior stakeholder needs
Why This Role
This is an opportunity to step into a genuinely high-impact EA role within a science-led organisation where R&D sits at the heart of the business. You will be closely embedded within senior leadership, exposed to cutting-edge scientific programmes, and trusted to influence how the function operates day-to-day.
If you are an EA who thrives in complex, fast-moving biotech environments and takes pride in being a strategic partner to senior scientific leaders, this role will play directly to your strengths