Executive Assistant to Managing Director

Our client is a leading international fruit export company with a strong global footprint and an exceptional employee culture. This is a well-established, high-performance organisation that values professionalism, quality and long‑term relationships.

This is a trusted, high‑level Executive Assistant position supporting the Managing Director (MD) of a prominent international organisation. You will serve as the gateway to the MD's office, managing competing priorities, protecting his time and reputation, and ensuring the smooth running of executive operations.

Approximately 80% of the role is professional/corporate in nature, with around 20% dedicated to supporting the MD's personal and family schedule. This dual responsibility demands the utmost discretion, maturity and service orientation.

You will work closely with the Board (4 directors), the Senior Leadership Team (11 members including 7 heads of departments), and be responsible for overseeing housekeeping vendors and reception.

This role is ideal for a calm, structured and trusted professional who thrives behind the scenes, takes pride in enabling others to perform at their best, and brings consistently high standards to everything they do.

• Comprehensive diary management and executive workflow prioritisation for the MD
• Act as a professional gateway to the MD's office, balancing accessibility with time protection
• Provide administrative support to the Board and Executive Management (EM) team, including preparation of agendas, meeting packs, minutes and follow‑up action items
• Draft correspondence and support executive communications as directed by the MD
• Oversee office operations across a 1300+ m² premises, including service providers and reception (mentoring, efficiency and consistent service delivery)
• End‑to‑end management of all company travel via service providers — flights, visas, accommodation, vehicle hire and expense consolidation (including international travel and crisis/disruption management)
• Coordinate office functions, special events and quarterly Townhall meetings
• Ensure compliance with internal governance processes and QMS requirements
• Budget oversight, credit card reconciliation and liaison with HR and Finance on expense matters
• Maintain professional, solution‑focused working relationships across all departments
• Support approximately 20% of the MD's personal and family schedule

• 5-10 years' experience supporting senior or C‑level executives
• Demonstrated experience with Board and Executive Management team processes
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and strong document management skills
• Exceptional organisational, administrative and communication abilities (written and verbal)
• Excellent proficiency in both Afrikaans and English (written and verbal)
• Emotionally mature, resilient and confident — able to navigate senior leadership dynamics without taking things personally
• High EQ and natural service mentality; takes pride in enabling the MD to do his job
• Proactive, able to work independently and exercise sound judgement under pressure
• Highly detail‑oriented with strong travel management experience, including international travel logistics and problem‑solving during disruptions
• Presentable, with naturally high personal and professional standards aligned to a premium brand environment
• Long‑term commitment mindset; this is not a stepping‑stone role

• Bachelor's degree
• Experience in a global or international business environment
• Interest in and comfort with event/function coordination (e.g., Mandela Day, office events)
• Exposure to QMS or governance compliance processes

• Salary: To be disclosed during discussions, highly competitive
• Bonus: Non‑guaranteed performance bonus linked to company and personal performance
• Provident Fund: 15% employer contribution
• Life and disability insurance
• Growth opportunities within a culture that actively supports employee development

• International travel arrangements (frequent, as required)
• Occasional local travel: directional travel once or twice per year
• Farm visits: 1‑2 weeks per year visiting Cape farms for setup,…