Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant Join us as an Executive Assistant, supporting the CEO and SLT. Manage priorities, oversee daily operations, and act as a trusted gatekeeper so leaders can focus on strategy and engagement. ABOUT THE ROLE To provide high-level executive support to the Chief Executive (CEO) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), ensuring the smooth running of strategic, operational, and administrative activities. The Executive Assistant will act as a trusted gatekeeper, coordinator, and liaison, enabling the CEO and senior leaders to focus on strategic priorities and member engagement. This role is offered on a part-time basis, working 21–25 hours per week . We are flexible on how these hours are structured and welcome discussion around working patterns, provided business needs are met. To ensure consistent support for the Senior Leadership Team, you will be required to work across a minimum of three days per week. Your agreed working days will be established upon appointment. KEY DUTIES Executive Support Provide proactive, high-level support to the CEO and SLT, anticipating requirements and managing complex and competing priorities. Support strategic leadership by preparing briefings, papers and background information for SLT discussions, Board meetings and external engagements. Act as a gatekeeper for the Executive Office (from external sources), ensuring information is appropriately prioritised, progressed or escalated. Support the effective running of SLT meetings, including agenda planning, paper coordination, minute taking and action tracking. Governance, Board & Committee Support Support the efficient delivery of Board, Council and committee processes, ensuring professionalism and confidentiality. Coordinate agendas, papers and meeting arrangements in partnership with senior colleagues to achieve timely, high-quality outputs. Produce accurate minutes and maintain action logs, using AI tools where appropriate. Provide supportive liaison for Board members, committee chairs and senior volunteers regarding their interaction with the BESA SLT, while recognising that day-to-day key contact responsibilities sit with designated colleagues. Maintain an up-to-date understanding of governance requirements relevant to BESA. SLT Diary, Planning & Logistics Manage complex diaries for the CEO and SLT members, balancing strategic priorities, operational demands and member facing commitments. Coordinate senior level meetings, leadership away days, Board sessions, conferences and events Manage world‑wide travel and logistics, including attendance at member events and external stakeholder meetings and conferences Communications & Stakeholder Liaison Draft, review and manage executive level correspondence, briefings and presentations. Support consistent, professional communication between the SLT and internal teams, members and external partners. Act as a key interface between the Executive Office and the wider organisation, building strong and trusted working relationships. Organisational & Operational Support Support cross organisational initiatives and projects, often involving sensitive or complex matters. Identify opportunities to improve and innovate Executive Office processes, governance administration and ways of working through new technologies and processes Where appropriate, provide informal guidance or support to others ABOUT YOU Essential Experience & Skills: Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or similar role supporting senior leaders. Able to manage senior stakeholders with credibility, diplomacy and constructive challenge. Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting high-quality documents. High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience in coordinating meetings, events, and travel logistics. Personal Attributes: Possesses a naturally curious mindset, showing interest in how things work and how best to support organisational priorities. Proactive and solution-focused, with a can-do attitude. Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities. Collaborative and approachable, with strong interpersonal skills. Committed to organisational values and purpose. Closing Date: 9th August 2026 1st Interview: 18th & 19th of August 2026 2nd Interview: provisionally 26th August 2026 We encourage early applications, as we may close the vacancy once we receive a strong pool of candidates! Don’t meet every single requirement? At BESA, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn't match every requirement perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be exactly the candidate we're looking for! Locations Rotherwick House, London, E1W 1YZ Remote status Hybrid Employment type Part-time Rotherwick House, London, E1W 1YZ About BESA For Better Buildings For more than 120 years, BESA (The Building Engineering Services Association) has been driving excellence so everyone can expect and experience better buildings, and better buildings support better lives. We were formerly known as the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA). As a trade body and membership organisation, we’re here to help our members and their customers deliver or specify better building engineering services and a better built environment. Interested? Check out our website at www.thebesa.com !