Executive Assistant to the General Counsel & Company Secretary

Executive Assistant to the General Counsel & Company Secretary

Details of the role: Permanent, full-time. Working pattern: Hybrid working with 4 days in the office to support the team.

Salary from £46,594 plus benefits subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 27 May 2025

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to collaborate and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to support our General Counsel & Company Secretary (GC & CoSec) in a high-profile role within our legal team.

This role is pivotal in providing professional, administrative, and logistical support to the GC and their leadership team, enabling them to perform their roles effectively. You will act as a dedicated aide to the GC, coordinating their agenda across a wide range of responsibilities, providing advice, guidance, and briefings, and proactively managing their time, preparation, and planning. Additionally, you will take forward projects on their behalf, oversee communications, execute key plans and decisions, and manage stakeholder liaison, including with the GC’s direct reports and other senior colleagues and stakeholders. Occasionally, you will support the general counsel team by taking minutes for Executive boards when required.

This is an excellent opportunity for development, and we are looking for a highly engaged and proactive individual with previous experience supporting senior leaders at the executive level. To be successful, you will bring your experience of building strong relationships, navigating high-pressure environments, and bring gravitas to the role with a can -do approach.

What you will be doing

• Provide full administrative support, maintain systematic oversight of all live and pending Director priorities and commitments, ensuring effective organisation and preparation.
• Manage the GC's email inbox, including drafting replies, promoting actions and replying on behalf of the GC where appropriate.
• Build strong relationships with the GC's direct reports and senior colleagues, advising and guiding on approach and process.
• Accompany the GC at meetings and events, owning follow-up activities and ensuring successful outcomes.
• Supporting the organisation of the Board and committee meetings; proactively preparing briefing documents and ensuring all paperwork is provided in a timely manner.
• Supporting the GC and governance colleagues with the administration and delivery of legal & governance priorities and projects

You will bring

• Track record of supporting senior leaders at executive level
• Proven ability to build credible relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including Board members and senior executives
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority tasks, schedules, and projects with precision and efficiency
• Ability to use initiative and have the confidence to challenge previous ways of doing things
• The ability to deal tactfully with others to resolve conflicts, with a highly developed emotional and political intelligence
• Resilient under pressure and able to work independently in a highly collaborative and flexible way, reacting quickly to changing circumstances.
• Experience in a similar environment of the administration and management of corporate governance and practice. (Desirable)

See the full job description here.

Process: The recruitment process will consist of the below

- First stage Interview via zoom - week commencing 2nd June 2025

- Second stage interview with role based assessment - week commencing 9 June 2025

- Team meet and greet - week commencing 16 June 2025

If you need any support with the process, please email:[email protected]

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture!

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.
• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them. For this or any other assistance you need with applying please email: [email protected]

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.

To find out more about life at the Crick click here.

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well-being:
• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance:
• Back-up care for dependents.
• Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Perks:
• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure based on skills and experience.