Executive Assistant; to Founder & CEO

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Bristol, UK

We're building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.

We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.

Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs over 200 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. Recognised in the Financial Times FT1000 as one of Europe's fastest-growing engineering businesses, there has never been a better time to join.

We are looking to hire an Executive Assistant to operate as a trusted partner to our Founder and CEO, Rob Harper, in a uniquely exciting and challenging role.

This is a high-ownership role at the centre of a fast-moving, scaling business: you'll be stretched into new territory, trusted to make complex judgement calls, and expected to create the order, precision and pace that enables Rob and the wider leadership team to operate at their best.

The role is wide-ranging, including inbox management, international travel, meeting preparation, event planning, coordinating strategic initiatives, and the countless details in between. You'll work closely with our Executive Team to align schedules with business priorities and take responsibility for driving clear, consistent communication across the company.

You'll be joining a collaborative, highly motivated team that has each other's backs, in an environment that moves fast and shifts by the day. This isn't a role for someone who needs regular direction. We're looking for a self-starter who solves problems before they surface and has the judgment to act as a true extension of a business leader in a fast-moving environment.

Success here means going above and beyond to maximise order, efficiency and pace, freeing the team to focus on the work that really moves the needle. For the right person, this is an incredible growth opportunity.

This is a high-trust position where strict confidentiality is non-negotiable. It requires flexibility: responsiveness during evenings and weekends, plus occasional UK and international travel. We plan ahead wherever possible, but adaptability is part of the role.

This role will require 5 days per week on site in our Bristol based office.

Relocation Assistance: A relocation support package is available for eligible candidates.

Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.

More information about security clearance is available here:

Support strategic priorities

• Coordinate logistics across high-stakes company initiatives – tracking action items, deadlines, and document flow between the CEO, executive team, and external parties.
• Draft first-pass correspondence on the CEO's behalf for sensitive or high-profile communications, ready for his review and refinement.
• Keep a live view of the CEO's open commitments and follow-ups across the business, surfacing what's at risk of slipping before it becomes urgent.

Maintain inbox & calendar

• Run a fast-moving diary without direction, pre-empting clashes and aligning priorities without waiting for instruction.
• Triage, prioritise, and respond to emails confidently, capturing the right tone for any audience.
• Spot sensitive or urgent matters early and elevate appropriately.

Master complex travel & logistics

• Plan and execute multi-leg international/domestic travel, including visas,…