Executive Assistant

Hours: Full time, permanent, 35 hours per week

Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum DOE

Reports to: CEO – UK & Europe

About the role

We are looking for an accomplished and proactive Executive Assistant / PA to provide high-level support to the CEO of Busy Bees Childcare. This is a fast-paced, trusted role that requires excellent judgement, strong organisation, and the ability to anticipate priorities in a dynamic executive environment.

You will act as a key partner to the CEO, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You’ll play an essential role in managing complex diaries, communications, and priorities, ensuring the CEO’s time and focus are used effectively and strategically.

This role will suit someone who is highly capable, adaptable, and confident
, with a professional presence and the personality to build strong relationships at all levels.

About Busy Bees

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading childcare and early years education provider
, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and a growing global footprint of 1000 centres. Our purpose is to give every child the best start in life
, supported by passionate teams, strong leadership, and a values-led culture.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the very heart of Busy Bees, supporting our CEO and executive leadership in a fast-paced, purpose-driven organisation.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

We offer an exceptional range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and career development:

• Sector-leading family leave
  , including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Smart Hive – our 24/7 employee benefits platform with retail, travel, and cinema discounts
• Your birthday off every year plus 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Health and wellbeing support
  , including our Employee Assistance Programme, Peppy, and Mental Health apps
• Professional development through our in-house training academy and access to further qualification

Key Responsibilities

• Provide full diary and inbox management for the CEO, including scheduling across UK and international time zones
• Proactively plan and prioritise meetings, travel, and logistics
• Prepare agendas, briefing packs, presentations, and follow-up actions
• Attend meetings where appropriate, taking accurate minutes and tracking actions
• Act as a first point of contact for the CEO, handling sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
• Build strong relationships with the Executive Leadership Team, Board, senior leaders, and external stakeholders
• Coordinate communications between the CEO and internal/external partners
• Support delivery of key strategic initiatives and projects led by the CEO
• Manage workflow, ensuring deadlines and priorities are met
• Assist with preparation for Board and investor meetings
• Support international travel and meetings across Busy Bees global operations
• Handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism
• Support governance processes, including Board documentation and compliance
• Maintain accurate records and secure document management
• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or PA at CEO or Board level
• Exceptional organisational, time‑management, and prioritisation skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment
• High level of emotional intelligence and stakeholder management capability
• Absolute discretion, professionalism, and integrity
• Experience supporting senior leaders within large, multi‑site or regulated organisations
• Exposure to childcare, education, healthcare, or people‑focused sectors
• Experience working across international teams or time zones

Apply now to join a values‑led organisation and provide pivotal support to our CEO, helping shape the future of Busy Bees.