Executive Assistant to the Managing Director (Full-time, Fixed-term)
Location: Chancery Lane, London (office-based).
Contract: 6-month fixed-term (with potential to extend depending on business needs and performance)
Starting: October 2026, no later than 12th October
Salary: Starting at £40,000 (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday (35 hour week)
Reports to: Managing Director
About Zaytoun
Zaytoun is a UK social enterprise established in 2004 to support the resilience of Palestinian communities through fair trade. 100% of our profits are reinvested into advancing this mission.
Our range includes award-winning olive oil, Medjoul dates, za’atar, grains, and a skin care range. We’re a small, collaborative team who care about Palestine, justice and good food.
For more info on the company, please visit https://zaytoun.uk/
The role
We’re looking for an exceptional Executive Assistant to work closely with our Managing Director, providing both high-level administrative and executive support, strategic coordination and thoughtful input into priorities and workflow.
This role is about partnership: you’ll help ensure the MD’s time is focused where it matters most, while keeping projects, meetings, and priorities running smoothly. You’ll balance detail with the bigger picture, acting as a trusted point of connection between the MD, the team, and external partners.
It’s a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference – both to the smooth running of a mission-driven organisation and to the impact Zaytoun delivers.
Executive support
- Manage the MD’s diary, inbox, travel, and meeting logistics
- Draft, proofread and provide input on correspondence, reports and other written materials
- Prepare agendas, take minutes, and follow up on actions arising from meetings
Project tracking & research
- Monitor deadlines and help the MD track progress on priorities
- Conduct research and prepare background notes to support decision-making
- Ensure smooth information flow between the MD, staff, board, and external partners including customers and suppliers
General support
- Act as a filter for incoming communication, drafting or signposting responses and flagging what needs the MD’s attention
- Handle confidential matters with discretion and professionalism
- Provide ad hoc support for events, communications, and other projects as needed
- Help the MD develop and formalise internal policies
- Support the MD with the recruitment and hiring process (including advertising roles, shortlisting candidates and arranging interview)
This list is indicative, not exhaustive – we’re a small team and everyone helps where needed.
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience as an EA, PA, or similar role supporting a senior leader
- Outstanding organisational skills, detail-oriented, able to manage competing priorities
- Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
- Discretion, sound judgement, and the ability to handle sensitive matters
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach; able to anticipate needs
- Confidence working independently while collaborating effectively in a small, dynamic team
- Ease with digital tools and technology, including Microsoft Office Suite and AI – to streamline tasks, research, and communication
- Familiarity with social media platforms, especially Instagram, LinkedIn (ideal but not essential)
- Enthusiasm for our mission
What you’ll get
- A pivotal role working in close partnership with the MD, with exposure to both strategy and operations
- The opportunity to contribute to an award-winning social enterprise with a unique and urgent mission
- A supportive, collaborative workplace where your work has visible impact
How to apply
Please send your CV and a cover note (why this role, why Zaytoun, and your earliest start date) to jobs@zaytoun.uk with the subject line Executive Assistant.
We are actively reviewing and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis and may close this posting as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Eligibility: Applicants must be resident in, and have the right to work in, the UK.
Equal opportunities: Zaytoun is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, abilities and experiences.
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