Purpose of the Role
The Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO plays a critical role in enabling the Chief Executive to operate at maximum effectiveness. As the Club continues to grow, with an expanded Board structure, group responsibilities, and the development of a new stadium, this role will provide essential administrative, organisational, governance, and strategic support.
The EA will ensure the CEO can focus on leading the Club, engaging key stakeholders, driving long-term strategy, and developing senior leaders, rather than being absorbed by operational and administrative demands.
This is a high-trust, high-impact role at the heart of the organisation and a unique opportunity to work at the centre of a high-performing professional sports organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping how effectively the CEO operates, contributing directly to the leadership and success of Bath Rugby.
This is not a traditional administrative support role. The successful candidate will be an experienced Executive Assistant with significant prior exposure supporting Chiefs, Boards, or senior executive teams within complex, fast-paced organisations.
The role requires exceptional judgement, discretion, stakeholder awareness, and the confidence to operate credibly with senior stakeholders, Board Directors, investors, public bodies, and executive leadership teams.
Candidates should be comfortable operating autonomously, handling highly confidential and commercially sensitive matters, and navigating competing priorities at executive and Board level.
Key Responsibilities
CEO Support & Effectiveness
* Proactively manage the CEO’s diary, ensuring effective prioritisation aligned to strategic goals and long‑term planning cycles.
* Establish structure and rhythm across daily, weekly, monthly, and annual workflows.
* Support forward planning of leadership meetings on a rolling 12‑month basis.
* Assist in preparing Board reports and strategic materials.
Board & Governance
* Coordinate Board and sub‑committee meetings, including agendas, papers, logistics, and follow‑ups.
* Support the CEO in “managing up and out” with Board members and key stakeholders.
* Attend meetings where required and produce accurate, high‑quality notes and action tracking.
* Able to assimilate complex information and produce accurate, well‑structured board minutes, ensuring discussions and decisions are correctly attributed to the relevant legal entities rather than recorded verbatim.
Stakeholder & Communication Management
* Act as a key point of coordination between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders.
* Build strong working relationships across the Club, Board, and key partners (including the local authority and university).
* Review and help prioritise the CEO’s email communications with discretion and sensitivity.
Leadership & Team Support
* Support the CEO in managing performance and development processes (including PDRs) for direct reports.
* Help create space and structure for senior leaders to develop and grow.
Administration & Operations
* Manage travel, accommodation, expenses, and logistics aligned to the CEO’s working preferences.
* Organise meetings, workshops, and events (including more interactive/strategic sessions).
* Support document creation including reports, presentations, and meeting materials.
* Maintain strong follow‑up discipline on actions and deliverables.
* Other ad hoc responsibilities as required and as the role develops.
Person Specification – Essential Attributes
Trust & Integrity
* Absolute discretion with confidential information.
* Trusted to represent the CEO with professionalism and sound judgement.
* A reliable partner who operates with loyalty and integrity.
Attention to Detail
* Exceptionally high standards and accuracy in all work.
* Strong organisational discipline and follow‑through.
* Pride in delivering polished, high‑quality outputs.
Emotional Intelligence & Presence
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt to different audiences.
* Credibility and confidence when engaging senior stakeholders and strong personalities.
* High levels of self‑awareness and judgement.
* Executive maturity and confidence operating with senior leaders, Board Directors, and external stakeholders.
Composure & Professionalism
* Calm, measured, and thoughtful under pressure.
* Able to respond rather than react in a fast‑paced environment.
Commitment & Flexibility
* Willingness to support outside of core hours when required.
* Proactive and responsive in a dynamic, elite sporting environment.
Experience
* Significant prior experience supporting C‑suite executives and/or Boards within a complex, high‑accountability environment.
* Multiple years’ experience in an Executive Assistant, Senior Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff support, or comparable senior executive support role.
* Proven experience operating in a high‑trust, fast‑paced environment, supporting senior stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
* Experience of managing complex diaries, Board‑level engagement, and confidential information with discretion and sound judgement.
* A track record of anticipating needs, working proactively, and adding value beyond administrative support.
* Experience supporting governance processes, including Board and committee meetings, preparation of papers, minute taking, and action tracking.
* Strong experience in stakeholder management, including working with senior internal and external partners.
* Demonstrable experience producing high‑quality written materials, presentations, reports, and Board papers.
* Experience producing formal Board minutes, with the ability to accurately capture decisions, actions, governance considerations, and discussions across multiple legal entities.
* Experience supporting senior leadership within a multi‑stakeholder, regulated, or organisationally complex environment.
* Experience working across multiple legal entities, governance structures, or major strategic projects would be advantageous.
* Experience working within a professional, corporate, or elite sporting environment is desirable but not essential.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary.
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (FTE).
* Comprehensive benefits package including:
o Complimentary matchday tickets and Bath Rugby branded kit.
o Local discounts and wellness initiatives.
o On‑site gym usage and Cycle to Work scheme.
o Enhanced maternity and paternity.
Safeguarding
Due to the nature of our business, child adjacent roles, and the requirement to upkeep the reputation of our club, any offer of employment for this role will be conditional upon the declaration of any unspent convictions and other relevant safeguarding or protection orders, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any information disclosed will be considered fairly and will not automatically disqualify an applicant.
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