Sr. Executive Assistant

We are seeking an Sr. Executive Assistant to support the CHRO and two to three members of the executive leadership team. This role goes beyond managing calendars and travel, it’s about creating leverage, ensuring our leaders stay focused on the highest-impact work. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, exercises sound judgment and discretion, and takes pride in making complex operations run seamlessly.

You’ll play a vital role in keeping the organization aligned and operating efficiently at the top level.

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Wood Dale, IL, with a planned relocation to the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027.

• Manage and optimize the calendars of the CHRO and two to three additional senior leaders, ensuring priorities drive scheduling decisions.
• Anticipate needs, resolve conflicts proactively, and protect executive focus.
• Serve as the first point of contact for internal and external inquiries.
• Draft, review, and refine communications and presentations as needed.
• Prepare agendas, distribute materials, and document meeting notes and action items.
• Coordinate and manage complex travel arrangements end-to-end.
• Track key deliverables and ensure timely follow-up across the HR Leadership Team.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with other executive assistants to provide seamless leadership support.
• Handle confidential information and sensitive decisions with discretion and professionalism.

• 5+ years of experience supporting senior executives in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong team player who partners effectively across departments and administrative teams.
• Excellent judgment to determine when to elevate, act independently, or decline requests.
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Teams, and travel/expense systems; enthusiasm for leveraging AI tools like CoPilot to enhance productivity.
• Calm under pressure, dependable, and trusted with highly confidential information.
• Results-driven and adaptable, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Skilled at building relationships and contributing positively to a collaborative culture.

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000 annually. This range reflects the base salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. [In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a bonus.] AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.