Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer and Executive Project Manager

Reports to: Chief People Officer (CPO)

This is a full-time and permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

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 pursue bold ideas and generate discoveries that deliver real human and societal benefit.

About the role 

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support our Chief People Officer (CPO) and play a pivotal role within the Crick’s People agenda.

More than traditional executive support, this is a role for a true partner. You will bring your exceptional organisational skills and judgement to connect, synthesise and translate priorities across the People function into clear, coordinated action, bringing clarity and momentum to a complex and evolving agenda.

Working closely with the CPO and People Leadership Team, you will bring structure, insight and pace to key priorities. Your experience will enable you to identify themes, risks and interdependencies across the People agenda, proactively surfacing these to support informed, high-quality decision-making.

A central focus of the role is enabling the CPO to operate at their most effective. You will take a proactive approach to shaping the CPO’s time and focus, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s highest priorities. This includes allowing for space for strategic thinking, anticipating pressure points, and constructively challenging where activity or requests do not support core objectives.

Operating across Board, Executive and People Leadership Team forums, your ability to navigate senior environments will ensure strong alignment between discussion and delivery. You will maintain clear connectivity between the CPO’s diary, leadership team agendas and Board priorities, joining the dots across strategic people initiatives, organisational goals and governance forums to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach.

You will also bring your experience of working with senior stakeholders to lead the development of high-quality materials for Executive and Board discussions, build trusted relationships, and act as a central point of integration across the People function, ensuring priorities are aligned and progress is driven forward.

This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated by shaping, influencing and progressing a complex organisational agenda.

About you 

You will be an experienced Executive Assistant, supporting senior, exec level leaders, with the confidence and capability to operate at a strategic level. You will be comfortable working closely with senior leaders, bringing structure, insight and challenge to support effective decision-making and delivery.

You will bring strong judgement, discretion and a proactive mindset, with the ability to anticipate needs, connect information and drive progress across multiple priorities.

You will bring 

• Significant experience of providing EA support to senior leaders at executive level, ideally within a People/HR or corporate function*

• A strong understanding of how senior leadership teams and Boards operate

• Demonstrated ability to synthesise complex information and identify key themes, risks and insights*

• Confidence in managing upwards, including the ability to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders

• Experience preparing high-quality briefings, reports and presentations for Executive or Board audiences*

• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple high-impact activities

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders

• High levels of discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ideally you will also have 

• Experience working within scientific research, academic, healthcare or complex organisational environments

• Experience supporting People/HR functions or leadership teams

• Experience coordinating cross-functional projects or initiatives

• A strong interest in organisational culture, people strategy and leadership

*minimum criteria

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. Find out more about life at the Crick. 

 We are a  Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: recruitment@crick.ac.uk   

  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:

• Visas:Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK

• 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.

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.