Executive Assistant and Deputy School Business Manager

University of Hertfordshire - School of Health, Medicine and Life Science

FTE: 1.0 FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Salary: UH7 £38,784 pa to £46,049 pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave: 30 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and professional Executive Assistant and Deputy School Business Manager to provide high-level operational and executive support within the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. Working closely with the Dean of School, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of School operations. This is a varied and influential role that combines strategic coordination, leadership of administrative staff, project support, and oversight of key HR and finance-related processes. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with senior stakeholders, and are committed to delivering excellent service, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Executive Assistant and Deputy School Business Manager will provide high-level executive support to the Dean of School and the School Executive Group, including strategic diary management, preparation of briefings, and handling confidential matters. The role involves coordinating senior meetings, preparing agendas and papers, taking minutes, and ensuring actions are followed up, as well as organising travel, events, and stakeholder engagements. You will support the development of strategic documentation, oversee key administrative functions across the School, line-manage designated staff, and contribute to HR, finance, and procurement processes. The post-holder will also deputise for the School Business Manager, assist with operational planning, and drive continuous improvement in administrative systems and ways of working.

Skills and experience required

You will have substantial administrative experience within a large, complex organisation, including experience supporting senior leaders and managing complex diaries. You will be confident coordinating multiple stakeholders, supporting committees, and working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Management or supervisory experience is essential, alongside excellent organisational skills, strong IT capability (particularly Office 365 and MS Teams), and the ability to produce high-quality work with close attention to detail. You will demonstrate a proactive, solutions-focused approach, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels. Experience in Higher Education, project coordination, service evaluation, and a commitment to professional development are desirable.

Qualifications required

You will hold a minimum of a degree or equivalent qualification, or be able to demonstrate significant relevant professional experience.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries:

Irene Ctori, Dean of School of Health, Medicine and Life Science (I.Ctori@herts.ac.uk)

Closing Date: 15 February 2026. Please note we reserve the right to close the window for applications early.

Interview Date: TBC