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Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader

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University of Cambridge

Cambridge

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Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader

Academic-related

10 May 2026

Location

Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Staff / Administration

Salary

£35,608-£46,049

Required Qualifications

Degree or equivalent experience
Extensive senior executive support
Team leadership and coaching
Excellent communication skills
High discretion and judgement under pressure
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Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader

Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader

The Governance and Compliance Division is one of the divisions of the Unified Administrative Services (UAS), overseeing the University's governance processes, data and information compliance, assurance, (internal) audit, regulatory compliance work, incident management and business continuity planning. The Division also includes the executive support offices, the Vice-Chancellor's Office and the Pro-Vice-Chancellors' Office.

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and people-focused Senior Executive Assistant and Team Leader to join our leadership team. This pivotal role combines hands-on executive support for members of the University's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with the leadership of a service central to the University's senior governance and decision-making. You will act as a trusted and proactive partner to assigned SLT members while ensuring the wider EA team delivers a consistent, professional standard of support across the SLT portfolio.

As Team Leader, you will provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and line management for a group of experienced Executive Assistants, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture and supporting staff wellbeing. You will be responsible for reviewing and improving administrative systems and working practices to enhance efficiency and resilience across the service.

As Senior Executive Assistant, you will deliver high-level support, managing complex, fast-moving diaries and workflows. Your role involves researching and preparing briefing materials, coordinating senior governance meetings, and acting on the SLT's behalf to make informed administrative decisions, effectively reducing routine demands on their time.

The successful candidate will be an approachable and resilient professional with extensive experience supporting senior executives in a large, complex organisation. You must demonstrate a proven ability to lead and develop a team in a constructive, people-centred way. Excellent communication skills, high levels of discretion, and the ability to exercise sound judgement under pressure are essential. You should be educated to degree level or be able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.

The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting staff to thrive professionally and personally. This role requires regular on-site working, with elements suitable for remote working. Between all members of the EA team, in-person cover is provided through a rota system; this does not require each individual to be on site every day. The post-holder will manage and participate in this rota to ensure consistent support for the Senior Leadership Team.

Your application should clearly outline how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification, using relevant examples. Shortlisting will be based on this evidence.

Closing date for applications is 10 May 2026.

Interviews will be held on 20 May 2026

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please upload your CV and Cover letter to the application. Please note that additional uploaded documents will not be considered as part of recruitment.

Informal enquiries regarding this position, and any questions regarding the recruitment process, should be directed to Elle Bateman, Deputy Director (Elle.Bateman@admin.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference AJ49392 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

Governance and Compliance Division

Salary

£35,608-£46,049

Reference

AJ49392

Category

Academic-related

Date published

15 April 2026

Closing date

10 May 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

👥What are the main responsibilities as Senior Executive Assistant / Team Leader?

The role combines executive support for Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members with team leadership of Executive Assistants. Duties include managing complex diaries, preparing briefing materials, coordinating governance meetings, line management, coaching, and improving administrative systems for efficiency. Explore administration jobs for similar roles.

🎓What qualifications and experience are required?

Candidates need education to degree level or equivalent professional experience, extensive senior executive support in a complex organisation, proven team leadership, excellent communication, discretion, and judgement under pressure. Highlight these in your application with examples.

💰What is the salary and working arrangement?

Salary is £35,608-£46,049. The role requires regular on-site working in Cambridge with some remote elements via a team rota for SLT coverage. The University supports staff wellbeing and professional development. Check university salaries for comparisons.

📝How do I apply for this University of Cambridge position?

Upload your CV and cover letter via the online system, quoting reference AJ49392. Applications close 10 May 2026; interviews 20 May 2026. Outline how you meet the person specification. Use our free cover letter template for guidance. Informal enquiries to Elle Bateman.

🔍Is visa sponsorship available, and what checks are required?

The University requires eligibility to live and work in the UK. No visa sponsorship mentioned. Successful candidates undergo basic disclosure check, health assessment, and security check. View higher ed admin jobs for UK opportunities.

🏛️What is the department and career support like?

Part of Governance and Compliance Division in Unified Administrative Services, overseeing governance, compliance, audit, and SLT support. The University promotes equality, diversity, inclusion, and staff thriving. See employer branding advice for insights.
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