Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader

The Governance and Compliance Division is one of the divisions of the Unified Administrative Services (UAS), overseeing the University's governance processes, data and information compliance, assurance, (internal) audit, regulatory compliance work, incident management and business continuity planning. The Division also includes the executive support offices, the Vice-Chancellor's Office and the Pro-Vice-Chancellors' Office.

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and people-focused Senior Executive Assistant and Team Leader to join our leadership team. This pivotal role combines hands-on executive support for members of the University's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with the leadership of a service central to the University's senior governance and decision-making. You will act as a trusted and proactive partner to assigned SLT members while ensuring the wider EA team delivers a consistent, professional standard of support across the SLT portfolio.

As Team Leader, you will provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and line management for a group of experienced Executive Assistants, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture and supporting staff wellbeing. You will be responsible for reviewing and improving administrative systems and working practices to enhance efficiency and resilience across the service.

As Senior Executive Assistant, you will deliver high-level support, managing complex, fast-moving diaries and workflows. Your role involves researching and preparing briefing materials, coordinating senior governance meetings, and acting on the SLT's behalf to make informed administrative decisions, effectively reducing routine demands on their time.

The successful candidate will be an approachable and resilient professional with extensive experience supporting senior executives in a large, complex organisation. You must demonstrate a proven ability to lead and develop a team in a constructive, people-centred way. Excellent communication skills, high levels of discretion, and the ability to exercise sound judgement under pressure are essential. You should be educated to degree level or be able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.

The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting staff to thrive professionally and personally. This role requires regular on-site working, with elements suitable for remote working. Between all members of the EA team, in-person cover is provided through a rota system; this does not require each individual to be on site every day. The post-holder will manage and participate in this rota to ensure consistent support for the Senior Leadership Team.

Your application should clearly outline how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification, using relevant examples. Shortlisting will be based on this evidence.

Closing date for applications is 10 May 2026.

Interviews will be held on 20 May 2026

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above. 

Please upload your CV and Cover letter to the application. Please note that additional uploaded documents will not be considered as part of recruitment.

Informal enquiries regarding this position, and any questions regarding the recruitment process, should be directed to Elle Bateman, Deputy Director (Elle.Bateman@admin.cam.ac.uk). 

Please quote reference AJ49392 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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