Executive Assistant to the Director

About the role:

Are you a career Executive Assistant who thrives in a busy environment, delivers with precision, and builds trusted relationships at the highest level? Do you take pride in keeping things running smoothly, managing complex priorities, and being a vital member of a collaborative and mission-driven team?

This is an exciting opportunity to support Professor Samra Turajlic as she steps into the role of Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. As Executive Assistant to the Director, you’ll be at the heart of a world-leading scientific institution—helping shape its next chapter.

You will lead on the delivery and operational management of the Director’s office, working proactively and flexibly in response to shifting demands and priorities. You will liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders – from scientists to funders and public figures. With outstanding organisation and judgment, you’ll coordinate a busy national and international schedule, manage high-level engagements, and project manage key initiatives with discretion and precision.

This is a demanding and rewarding role in an inclusive environment, home to a community of over 350 scientists, clinicians, students, and professional staff—united in their commitment to scientific excellence and accelerating progress for human health.

About you:

You’ll have extensive experience supporting senior executives in complex organisations, along with exceptional communication skills, and the ability to anticipate needs and act with clarity and drive. You should be educated to degree level (or have equivalent relevant experience in a similar, fast-paced EA/PA role) along with:

• Excellent IT skills and proficient in the use of Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams).
• Experience of successful delivery of internal projects and/or a multi-partner project.
• Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and offer proactive solutions.
• Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal with experience of drafting clear and concise briefings, reports and other types of communication for a wide range of audiences including senior management, along with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels within the institute.
• Experience of working within an academic, clinical or scientific environment is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your resilience, professionalism, and ability to support a leader operating at the pinnacle of global science.

Why choose Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute?

The Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute (www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk), an Institute of The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk), is a world-leading centre for excellence in cancer research.  The Institute is core funded by Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org), the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world. In spring 2023 the Institute moved into the new Paterson Building, a £150 million flagship purpose-built biomedical research centre directly attached to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (www.christie.nhs.uk), in South Manchester.

We are partnered with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe.  These factors combine to provide an exceptional environment in which to pursue basic, translational and clinical research programmes.

How to apply?

Please ensure you detail the names of two referees and ensure you submit your application before the closing date specified.

For any informal enquiries about this post, please contact Julie Jarratt, Recruitment Manager at Julie.Jarratt@cruk.manchester.ac.uk or by telephone on +44 (0)161 200 8870 or +44 (0)7966263433.

Closing date: 11.59pm on 28 August 2025.

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