Executive Assistant & Office Lead

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly professional Executive Assistant & Office Lead to provide strategic support to our CEO and CFO while leading our Executive Support and Office Operations function in London.

This is a pivotal role that combines senior executive support, people leadership, and office management responsibility. Acting as a trusted partner to senior leadership, you will ensure the smooth running of executive activities, lead and develop a small support team, and oversee the effective operation of the London office in Chancery Lane.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate exceptional organisational skills, and possess the confidence and judgement required to engage with stakeholders at all levels.

What you will be doing:

Executive Support:

• Provide high-level Executive Assistant support to the CEO, CFO and VP HR.
• Manage complex diaries, meetings, travel arrangements and correspondence.
• Prepare professional presentations, reports, briefing packs and meeting materials.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate executive needs, proactively managing priorities and changing demands.
• Maintain the highest levels of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, coach and develop the Executive Assistant and Office Support team.
• Allocate workloads and responsibilities to ensure effective coverage and service delivery.
• Drive high performance, collaboration and continuous development across the team.
• Establish and maintain consistent support standards and best practices.

Office Leadership:

• Take overall responsibility for the effective day-to-day operation of the London office.
• Manage relationships with facilities providers, building management, IT support, catering and other key suppliers.
• Oversee office budgets, approvals and supplier invoices, ensuring cost-effective service delivery.
• Ensure office facilities, supplies and workspaces support business needs.
• Lead health and safety activities and ensure compliance with workplace regulations.
• Identify opportunities to improve workplace processes and employee experience.

Front-of-House Oversight:

• Ensure a professional and welcoming experience for visitors, clients and stakeholders.
• Maintain high standards of reception and office support services.
• Act as the escalation point for facilities, reception and service-related matters.
• Support onboarding activities and contribute to creating a positive workplace culture.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership while shaping the effectiveness of the Executive Support function and overall workplace experience. You will play a key role in supporting business performance, developing a high-performing team, and ensuring the London office operates to the highest professional standards.

If you are an experienced Executive Assistant looking for a broader leadership opportunity with real impact, we would love to hear from you.

Qualifications

You will be an experienced Executive Assistant who combines exceptional organisational capability with strong leadership and operational skills.

You’ll bring:

• Significant Executive Assistant experience supporting senior executives, ideally at CEO or CFO level.
• Previous experience leading or managing administrative, executive support or office teams.
• Strong office management, facilities coordination and supplier…