Lead Executive Assistant

We're looking for an experienced and highly organised Lead Executive Assistant to join Edinburgh Napier University and lead the delivery of our Executive Assistant service.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine high-level executive support with leadership responsibility for a team of Executive Assistants, helping to enable the effective operation of the University's senior leadership teams and strategic priorities.

As Lead Executive Assistant, you'll provide direct executive support to the Director of Finance, Strategy and Planning and the Principal's Office while leading and coordinating Executive Assistant support across the University's senior leadership teams.

You’ll oversee workload planning, governance support and service delivery across the Executive Assistant function, ensuring a professional, consistent and high-quality service. You’ll also play a key role in supporting leadership decision-making, tracking actions and driving continuous improvement across executive support processes.

• Lead and coordinate Executive Assistant support across senior leadership teams.
• Manage and develop a team of Executive Assistants.
• Allocate and reprioritise workloads to meet changing organisational needs.
• Provide high-level executive support to senior leaders.
• Coordinate governance and leadership meetings, including agendas, papers and action tracking.
• Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across the University.
• Monitor progress against key decisions and actions.
• Identify and deliver service improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support the delivery of strategic priorities through effective planning and coordination.

• Significant experience supporting senior leaders at executive, board or director level.
• Experience leading or coordinating an Executive Assistant, business support or administrative function.
• Proven people management, coaching and team development experience.
• Exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Sound judgement, discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive matters.
• Experience supporting governance, committee or leadership processes.
• Strong Microsoft 365 skills and confidence using technology to improve service delivery.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and customer service.
• Experience working within Higher Education or another complex organisation would be advantageous.

At Edinburgh Napier University, you’ll play a key role at the heart of University leadership, helping to support decision-making, governance and organisational delivery.

Alongside a varied and rewarding role, you’ll benefit from:

• 41 days annual leave
• Strong wellbeing and family-friendly support
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• An inclusive and collaborative workplace

If you’re an experienced Executive Assistant with a passion for leading teams, supporting senior leaders and delivering exceptional service, we’d love to hear from you.