Hackajob is collaborating with UK Biobank to connect them with exceptional tech professionals for this role.
Personal Assistant
Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
Department: Administration
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Cheadle
Reporting To: Sabine Herbigniaux
Compensation: £28,000 - £32,000 / year
Description
Overview of the role
We are looking for a highly organised and discreet individual to provide a high‑level, confidential and comprehensive administrative service to support the work of the Executive Management Team.
As an integral member of the Executive Support Team, the post holder will work under the direction of the Executive Assistant and in close collaboration with the wider Executive Management Team. This role is central to ensuring the smooth running of executive operations and requires someone who can manage sensitive information, prioritise effectively, and maintain exceptional attention to detail
Can you do it?
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Be an integral part of the Executive Support Team.
Provide general administrative support to the Executive Management Team, as directed by the Executive Assistant.
Arrange meetings involving internal and external stakeholders, often involving individuals at the highest levels of seniority, and working across different time zones. This includes scheduling, maintaining and updating the Executives' calendars for several members of the Executive Team, exercising discretion in committing time and evaluating needs.
Source and secure meeting rooms. This includes researching and booking venues and organising catering for external meetings and securing meeting rooms and arranging setup/clear-down of onsite rooms.
Organise travel arrangements as required. This includes domestic and international travel for the Executives and events attendees.
Assist with the coordination and running of national and international events and meetings.
Assist with the coordination and running of visits to local UK Biobank sites.
Handle correspondence: dealing with incoming emails to the Executive Support Team as well as monitoring emails for the Executives, as required.
Develop and maintain datasets (e.g. contacts, distribution lists, procedures). These must be up-to-date and accurate at all times.
Prepare and distribute meeting agendas and materials, including confidential meeting paper.
Prepare professional documents, correspondence and reports, using MS Office tools.
Attend meetings and taking minutes as required.
File and retrieve corporate records, documents, and reports.
Prepare and reconcile expenses records, including invoice management and maintaining and monitoring of business expenses/budgets.
Coordinate work with other colleagues/departments as needed.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Act as a primary point of contact and provide cover in the absence of other members of the Executive Support Team.
Other administrative duties as nominated by the Executive Assistant.
Is this 'you'?
Essential Criteria
Recent relevant experience working within an Administrative / Assistant capacity.
Excellent administration and organisational skills, including attention to detail and the ability to manage a very busy workload effectively.
Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal.
The ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative way.
Excellent time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise an ever-changing workload, managing Executives' expectations along with their own.
The ability to be proactive and work autonomously. The ability to have an analytical approach to tasks/challenges, using independent judgement and initiative.
Trustworthiness, discretion, and confidentiality.
The ability to confidently communicate with senior management and Executives.
The ability to build relationships at all levels across the business and with external stakeholders.
Proficient working with IT systems; experienced in using the full Microsoft Office suite and MS Teams, or equivalent collaborative and video-conferencing tools.
GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
Desirable Experience
Previous work experience in a scientific/academic research environment or some knowledge of the research process in academic and/or commercial organisations would be an advantage.
Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
Experience of working in an organisation holding ISO9001:2015 and/or ISO27001:2013
Working hours are 35-hours per week, Monday to Friday. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026).
Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
Benefits
We're proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here's what you can look forward to as part of our team:
26 Days' Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
Enhanced Family Leave* - Subject to eligibility.
Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
Season Ticket Loan - Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
Free On-Site Gym - Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
Free Car Parking - On-site parking available for staff.
Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.
The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.