Executive Assistant

Merrifield Consultants are delighted to be partnering with Arthritis UK to recruit an exceptional Executive Assistant to provide high‑level support within their Chief Executive’s Directorate. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading national charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with arthritis.

Summary of the role

This role will provide proactive, high‑quality executive support to the Director of Research and the Director of Services and Devolved Nations. You will coordinate complex diaries, meetings, projects and stakeholder relationships across a fast‑paced organisation. The postholder will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of senior leadership activity.

Details of the role

Salary: £43,580

Contract: 6‑month fixed term contract

Location: London (Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office)

Working within: Governance and Executive Administration team

Reports to: Senior Executive Administration Manager

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive executive support to two Directors, including diary management, meeting preparation and travel coordination.
Ensure Directors are fully briefed for meetings by gathering information, preparing documents and liaising with colleagues.
Draft correspondence, manage inboxes and follow up on actions to ensure timely completion.
Act as a professional gatekeeper, managing internal and external stakeholder expectations.
Support budget administration, procurement processes, purchase orders and invoice management.
Track and monitor directorate activity, deadlines and internal audit actions.
Coordinate SMT meetings, away days and directorate events, including agendas, logistics and minute‑taking.
Support committees, advisory groups and working groups, including organising meetings and taking minutes.
Maintain up‑to‑date membership lists and support recruitment of committee members.
Provide cover for research advisory group administration when required.
Build strong working relationships across the organisation and uphold Arthritis UK’s values.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.

Person specification

Essential

Proven experience providing executive support to senior leaders.
Strong experience coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking minutes.
Ability to build effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
Experience working in a fast‑paced, complex environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organisational and time‑management skills, able to manage competing priorities.
High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
Strong numeracy and financial administration skills.
Ability to work diplomatically, maintain confidentiality and manage boundaries.
Proactive, detail‑focused and able to work both autonomously and collaboratively.
Ability to distil complex discussions into clear, concise notes and actions.

Desirable

Experience working in the charity sector.
Business administration qualification or similar.
Project coordination experience.

If you are an organised, proactive and confident Executive Assistant who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys supporting senior leaders, we would love to hear from you. Please apply today to be considered.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.