Executive Assistant

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.

Location: Farnborough or London

Closing date for applications: 25th May 2026

The opportunity:  

Our Managing Director of Zurich Municipal and Engineering (ZME) is seeking an Executive Assistant who takes initiative, anticipates challenges, and delivers solutions with confidence. In this pivotal role, you will operate at the centre of a dynamic leadership team, supporting the MD in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly. This opportunity requires not only first-class organisation and communication skills, but also the resilience and composure to manage competing demands while always upholding the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.

You will be a trusted partner to the Managing Director, proactively managing a range of responsibilities with adaptability and professionalism. We’re looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, delivering high-quality support at all times. The ideal candidate will be able to offer healthy challenge, represent the MD internally and externally and find the balance between being a natural communicator and attentive listener.

Due to the role’s visibility, we’re looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic workplace, who can work at pace and is confident engaging at senior leadership level. Working closely with the Strategic Execution Manager, it is important you’re able to work collaboratively to ensure the MD office is efficient and effective, supporting business needs.

At Zurich, many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. We want the best people for our roles, and we understand that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you may need.

Zurich Municipal is a leading provider of insurance and risk management solutions for the public and voluntary sectors. Since 1993 we’ve insured charities, voluntary organisations, housing associations, and the education and public sectors, helping our customers better understand and reduce the risks they face. We provide insurance for organisations of all sizes across the UK, from insuring a large local authority to small community groups.

Our Engineering Inspection business made up of over 700 Engineers and Operational Teams. We deliver engineering solutions for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes, from small dentists to large automotive manufacturers.

Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need.

What will you be doing?  

• Partner directly with the Managing Director of ZME, providing seamless executive support and acting as a trusted advisor in all areas of daily operations
• Proactively manage a complex calendar, including strategic prioritisation of meetings, appointments, speaking engagements, and domestic/international travel. Coordinate closely around the corporate cycle, such as Board meetings, demonstrating sound judgement and discretion
• Act as a key liaison between the MD, ZME leadership team, as well as the CEO Office, and other internal stakeholders. Ensuring efficient information flow, timely responses, and a positive Zurich experience for all.
• To advocate for the MD and act as representative for ZME, internally and externally wherever possible and to offer healthy challenge to ensure the MD office works effectively,
• Maintain excellent stakeholder relationships as the main point of contact for ZME, using strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and confidentiality to manage enquiries, resolve issues, and drive effective outcomes
• Anticipate and manage a high volume of critical deadlines, ensuring the MD is well-briefed, prepared, and able to focus on priority tasks
• Collaborate closely with the Strategic Execution Manager and the wider EA community to align on priorities and drive seamless execution
• Take ownership of planning and executing key events, including large scale offsites
• Prepare high-quality documents, reports, presentations, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, attention to detail, and timely distribution
• Manage sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality across all aspects of the role
• Lead by example within the wider ZME PA/EA community. Sharing best practice, mentoring colleagues, and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
• Undertake a range of support duties as required, adapting to new responsibilities and ad hoc projects as the needs of the function evolve

What are we looking for?

• Located within a commutable distance to our London office or Farnborough Office
• Significant experience supporting C-suite executives in a fast-paced, regulated environment
• Demonstrable track record of operating independently, using sound judgement, discretion, and a proactive approach to solving complex problems
• Exceptional organisational, prioritisation, and time management skills with a relentless attention to detail
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills - you are confident, approachable, and able to influence at senior levels
• Resilient, resourceful, and comfortable navigating ambiguity; thrives under pressure and remains positive, composed, and solutions-focused
• A strong contributor to team culture, willing to share knowledge and support others across the wider EA community
• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism at all times
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel), with excellent written communication, editing, and proofreading skills
• Energetic, curious, and eager to contribute to Zurich’s commitment to delivering a brighter future together

What will you get in return?

Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday. 

Follow the link for more information about our benefits - Employee benefits | Working at Zurich Insurance UK

Who we are:

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.

With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.

If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our Culture:

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

Your application:

We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic.

As an inclusive employer we also want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com

So, make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.