Job Description
Salary: c. £60,000
Bonus: Discretionary
Location: Kings Cross, London (Tuesdays-Thursdays - 3 days in our office, Monday + Friday - anywhere)
Employment Type: Permanent, full time
About ARIA
ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on.
We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale – from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between. If that sounds fun, come and build ARIA with us.
Learn more about how we work here.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Executive Assistant to provide high-quality, proactive support to two Executives, acting as a central coordinating point across the organisation. This is a trusted role requiring sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate confidently on behalf of senior leaders.
You will enable the smooth and effective running of the Executives’ day-to-day activities, including complex diary and inbox management, meeting coordination, and event planning. You will also work closely with teams across the Corporate Services function (including People Ops, Finance and Procurement) to ensure effective collaboration and alignment.
As a Senior Executive Assistant, you will exercise delegated authority responsibly, making decisions independently where appropriate and being accountable for those decisions. You will build strong working relationships with senior colleagues and external stakeholders, acting with professionalism, integrity and confidentiality at all times.
The role requires excellent communication skills and the confidence to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders, both in writing and verbally, while maintaining tact and discretion. Occasional travel across the UK may be required to support senior leaders at meetings and events.
What you’ll do
The duties of the role will include, but are not limited to:
Providing comprehensive support to Executives, including complex diary and inbox management, travel arrangements, and general administrative tasks
Acting as a central point of coordination across ARIA to help secure input, support and resources for projects and initiatives
Managing correspondence and queries, including preparation and authorisation of expense reports where needed
Working closely with the team to facilitate delivery by tracking actions, coordinating partners, and helping the team operate effectively
Coordinating the Executives team meetings, including preparing agendas and papers, and tracking actions and follow-ups
Working collaboratively with the Executive Assistant team to:
ensure consistency and alignment of processes across the organisation
provide cover for other EAs when required (e.g. during annual leave)
coordinate organisation-wide weekly team meetings and internal communications
Receiving and directing visitors and acting as a professional point of contact for internal and external stakeholders
Who you are
You will have significant experience working as an Executive Assistant in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with proven ability supporting senior leaders and managing complex diaries and correspondence effectively.
You will bring:
Excellent organisational and time-management skills, being able to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines
Strategic judgment, not just support with confidence in decision-making, with the ability to operate independently within delegated authority
Proven stakeholder management skills and the ability to build effective working relationships at senior levels
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent Executives professionally to a wide range of audiences
High attention to detail, adaptability, and a proactive, solutions-focused approach
A strong commitment to integrity, demonstrated through transparent decision-making, ethical conduct, and accountability for actions and outcomes
You will be proactive, commercially aware, and highly organised, with the ability to anticipate needs, “connect the dots,” and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
Benefits
27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days
Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home
Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities
Enhanced family leave arrangements
A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme
Life Assurance
2 days of paid volunteer days
5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension
Cycle to Work scheme
An excellent office location in Kings X, London
Please submit your current CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for this role. We pride ourselves on reviewing every application personally. Please note that a cover letter is required for your application to be considered for the next stage.
Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests are intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.
ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility. You can read our policy here. Our research and development activity will abide by the 3Rs principle. You can read about those here.
About ARIA
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Executive Assistant position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management Jobs sector. This role in London offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Event Management Jobs is a plus.
