Executive Assistant to the Chairman

Job Description

A high-profile Executive Personal Assistant is sought to provide strategic and administrative support to the Chairman of a diversified, high-growth African business group. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional coordination skills, professional discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

This is a key role requiring someone with strong organisational ability, attention to detail, excellent communication, and an anticipatory mindset to ensure the Chairman is optimally supported across business and personal matters.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage the Chairman’s complex diary, including scheduling, rescheduling, prioritising key items, and organising personal events and gifts.
  • Handle all travel arrangements for the Chairman, family, and guests, including visas, flights, accommodation, transport, travel packs, and risk management.
  • Coordinate executive and strategic events, liaising with stakeholders, preparing materials, managing logistics, and providing on-site support.
  • Attend meetings to record minutes, decisions, and action points, and ensure timely follow-up and tracking of key initiatives.
  • Manage the Chairman’s Office budget and personal expenses, maintaining accurate records and submitting reports.
  • Draft, review, and manage correspondence, monitor emails for priority issues, and act as a professional gatekeeper.
  • Maintain filing systems and prepare presentations, reports, board packs, and briefing notes.
  • Uphold confidentiality and ensure the Chairman is informed, prepared, and fully supported.
  • Anticipate needs, take initiative, improve processes, and align support with business priorities.
  • Carry out any additional duties delegated by the Chairman.

Personal Specification

The Skillset

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Communication, or a related discipline.
  • 5–10 years’ experience supporting C-suite or Board-level executives in complex, high-pressure environments.
  • Proven ability to manage international travel logistics, confidential communications, and high-level event/meeting coordination.
  • Project management or event coordination certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) is advantageous.
  • Strong planning, coordination, and multitasking abilities with high emotional intelligence and professionalism.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication; fluent in English and Shona.
  • Technically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Teams/Zoom, and travel platforms such as Concur or TripIt.
  • Strategic thinker with sound judgment, strong stakeholder management skills, and an entrepreneurial outlook.

Essential

  • High attention to detail, ownership mindset, emotional intelligence, and discretion
  • Ability to work independently and anticipate executive needs
  • Exceptional planning, multitasking, and communication skills
  • Demonstrated accountability and alignment with executive pace

Desirable

  • Experience in a confidential, fast-growth or investment-led environment
  • Prior experience supporting a Chairman, Board or high-level CEO.

Employer

Sector

Manufacturing & Production

Function

Management/Consulting

Country

Job Level

Mid-Senior Level

Salary

Competitive