Executive Assistant At Human Edge Consulting
full-time
Job Summary
The Executive Assistant (EA) to the Managing Director serves as a strategic partner and operational anchor, ensuring the MD's priorities are executed seamlessly across the organization regardless of location.
This role goes beyond administrative coordination.
The Executive Assistant (EA) is responsible for driving execution, enabling decision-making, managing key relationships, and ensuring business continuity in the MD's absence.
The ideal candidate is highly proactive, structured, discreet, and capable of operating with sound judgment under minimal supervision, acting as a trusted proxy for the MD when required.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support and Strategic Coordination:
Translate the MD's priorities into clear execution plans and actionable deliverables.
Track strategic initiatives and ensure timely delivery across departments.
Provide decision support through research, analysis, and briefing notes.
Monitor progress against key business priorities and flag risks proactively.
Serve as a bridge between the MD and leadership team, ensuring alignment.
Calendar, Time & Priority Management:
Own and optimize the MD's calendar across time zones to maximize productivity.
Prioritize engagements based on strategic importance and urgency.
Ensure all meetings are supported with pre-reads, briefs, and expected outcomes.
Anticipate needs and plan to reduce reactive scheduling.
Communication Management & Stakeholder Engagement:
Manage and prioritize all incoming communications on behalf of the MD.
Draft high-level correspondence, reports, and presentations.
Act as a first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain strong relationships with partners, clients, and key stakeholders.
Ensure all communication threads are tracked and closed effectively.
Operational Oversight & Follow-Through:
Drive follow-up on key decisions and ensure execution across teams.
Hold stakeholders accountable for deliverables and timelines.
Identify bottlenecks and escalate issues where necessary.
Ensure alignment between strategic direction and operational activities.
Business & Project Support:
Support business initiatives, including partnerships, recruitment drives, and events.
Track student applications, admissions processes, and institutional engagements.
Coordinate cross-functional activities and ensure seamless execution.
Personal & Lifestyle Management (Integrated Support):
Manage the MD's personal schedule in alignment with business priorities.
Coordinate international travel logistics, including flights, visas, accommodation, and itineraries.
Oversee vendors, personal obligations, and logistics with discretion.
Ensure seamless integration of personal and professional commitments.
Documentation & Information Management:
Maintain a structured and secure digital filing system.
Keep accurate records of communications, agreements, and key documents.
Prepare meeting briefs, summaries, and action trackers.
Ensure easy retrieval of information for decision-making.
Process Optimisation & Systems Thinking:
Identify inefficiencies and implement improved workflows.
Develop checklists, trackers, and systems for recurring activities.
Standardize processes to ensure consistency and reliability.
Leverage digital tools to improve productivity and visibility.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Execution & Reliability:
≥98% task completion rate within agreed timelines.
≤2% missed or overdue critical tasks per quarter.
Calendar Effectiveness:
Zero scheduling conflicts or double bookings.
≥98% adherence to planned schedules, with minimal last-minute changes due to poor planning.
Responsiveness & Communication:
≤2-hour response time for priority communications.
≥98% follow-up closure rate on tracked communications.
Operational Efficiency:
≥90% of meetings supported with briefs/materials in advance.
Zero missed key deadlines, including applications, payments, and engagements.
Autonomy & Decision-Making:
≥80% of routine matters resolved without the MD's intervention.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and act effectively in ambiguous situations.
Process Improvement:
At least 1 - 2 process improvements implemented per quarter.
Measurable reduction in task turnaround time or errors.
Reporting & Visibility:
Weekly dashboard/report delivered 100% on time.
Clear tracking of tasks, risks, and priorities at all times.
Person Specifications
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field
Minimum of 5 years' experience as a Personal or Executive Assistant
Experience supporting a senior executive or business owner is essential
Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment
Core Competencies:
Strategic thinking and execution
Advanced organisational and project management skills
Strong written and verbal communication
Stakeholder management and influencing skills
High attention to detail and analytical ability
Digital proficiency (Google Workspace, project management tools, CRM systems) Person.
Attributes (Critical Success Factors):
Proactive Ownership: Anticipates needs and acts without waiting for instructions
Execution Excellence: Gets things done efficiently and completely
Discretion & Trustworthiness: Handles sensitive matters with confidentiality
Structured Thinking:Able to organize complexity into clear, actionable steps
Responsiveness:Highly reliable and quick to act on requests
Calm Under Pressure:Maintains composure in fast-paced or ambiguous situations
Judgement & Initiative:Makes sound decisions in the MD's absence
Attention to Detail:Spots gaps, errors, and risks before they escalate
Adaptability: Comfortable working across time zones and shifting priorities.