The Personal Assistant to the CEO provides high-level, confidential, and proactive support to the Chief Executive Officer within a food production/manufacturing environment. The role requires an individual who takes initiative, exercises sound judgement, and effectively manages the CEO’s schedule, communications, and priorities—particularly during extended periods when the CEO is out of the office or overseas.
The incumbent will act as a central coordination point between the CEO and Heads of Department (HODs), ensuring continuity of operations, follow-through on key matters, and accurate reporting to support executive decision-making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Executive & Diary Management
- Proactively manage the CEO’s diary, appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements, including international travel.
- Anticipate scheduling conflicts and plan well in advance to maximise the CEO’s availability and productivity.
- Ensure the CEO is adequately prepared for meetings through briefing notes, agendas, and documentation.
Liaison & Follow-Up
- Act as the primary liaison between the CEO and HODs, senior management, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
- Follow up with HODs on required information, reports, action items, and deadlines on behalf of the CEO.
- Track outstanding matters and ensure timely feedback and resolution.
Acting on Behalf of the CEO
- Manage day-to-day matters and correspondence while the CEO is out of the office or overseas.
- Exercise discretion and common sense in responding to issues within delegated authority.
- Identify urgent or high-risk matters and escalate appropriately.
Reporting & Documentation
- Compile, consolidate, and draft management and operational reports based on input from HODs.
- Draft correspondence, internal communication, presentations, and briefing documents for the CEO.
- Maintain organised, accurate, and confidential records and documentation.
Confidentiality & Governance
- Handle sensitive business, commercial, and personnel information with absolute confidentiality.
- Act as a trusted gatekeeper to the CEO, managing access and prioritisation of requests.
- Ensure professional standards, governance principles, and ethical conduct are upheld at all times.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Exceptional organisational, planning, and time-management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High level of initiative and the ability to work independently
- Excellent judgement, problem-solving ability, and practical common sense
- Ability to prioritise, multitask, and work under pressure
- Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to engage senior leadership
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Professional discretion and emotional maturity