About the role
job description
The Role
This role sits within our Centre of Excellence - the engine room where SmartPA's strategy comes to life - and is dedicated to one of our key client accounts, a global tech leader.
As an Executive Support Coordinator, you'll be a right hand to a group of senior leaders, starting with an initial group of 6 leaders across EMEA, with room for this to grow. Rather than handling one-off admin requests, you'll get to know how each leader works and take genuine ownership of keeping their day running smoothly - managing calendars, arranging travel and expenses, and protecting the time they need to focus.
You'll be trusted to make sensible decisions on your own, spotting a scheduling conflict before it becomes a problem, or working out the best way to fit everything in, rather than needing to check in on every small thing.
This role suits someone who enjoys staying a step ahead, is comfortable working things out independently, and takes pride in being the person leaders know they can rely on.
key responsibilities and skills
What your day will look like
Calendar Management
Managing busy, multi-region calendars - spotting and resolving clashes independently, and making sure schedules reflect what actually matters to the business
Regularly reviewing diaries to spot patterns that aren't working, cut down on unnecessary interruptions, and protect time for focused work
Travel & Expenses
Planning international travel itineraries from start to finish
Processing expenses accurately, promptly and in line with company policy
Working With Others
Representing SmartPA professionally in all your interactions
Building genuine, trusted relationships with the people you support and the wider teams you work alongside, to keep things running smoothly
skills
What we're looking for
Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and is genuinely good at staying one step ahead. You understand why something is being asked, not just what's being asked, and you spot potential problems before they happen - without needing to be told what to do next.
You'll thrive in this role if you:
Enjoy working things out independently and making sound judgment calls
Stay calm and organised even when priorities shift quickly
Naturally think ahead and spot problems before they arise
Communicate clearly and confidently, whatever the audience
Take pride in getting the details right, every time
experience
What You Bring
We hire for mindset as much as background - a strong sense of ownership and a willingness to learn go a long way.
Essential
At least 2 years' experience managing complex calendars, scheduling and travel - whether from a PA/EA background or a similar operational coordination role
A proven ability to work through tricky situations independently and find sensible solutions with minimal guidance
Good business awareness, with the confidence to ask the right questions and use good judgement
Experience using modern calendar and productivity tools, including handling time-zone differences and cutting down on unnecessary meetings
The ability to naturally adjust your tone - from a quick message to a technical colleague, to a more formal update for senior leaders
Strong, confident use of Google Workspace (Calendar, Sheets, Docs, Slides, Drive) and other online communication tools
A high level of attention to detail and complete discretion when handling sensitive information
Desirable
While not essential, the following would be advantageous:
An interest in improving how things are done - spotting opportunities to simplify processes and reduce manual work
Hands-on experience using AI tools (such as Gemini) to speed up research, data handling or day-to-day admin
We value transferable skills and diverse career paths, so if your experience doesn't align perfectly but you can demonstrate strong organisational capability and sound judgement, we still encourage you to apply.
work remotely
Yes
schedule
Start date: Immediate / As soon as possible
Location: South Africa, Remote
Schedule: Monday to Friday, aligned with UK working hours (09:00–17:30 UK time)South Africa Standard Time (SAST) alignment:
29 March – 25 October (UK BST):10:00–18:30 SAST
26 October – 28 March (UK GMT):11:00–19:30 SAST
job type
Full-time, permanent (37.5 hours per week)
what's in it for you?
What We Offer
We’re ambitious about where we’re going and we’re looking for people who want to grow with us.
Competitive salary
33 days holiday
Flexitime (core hours: 10:00–16:30)
Ongoing development and career opportunities
Department incentives
Employee Assistance Programme (including access to counselling services, finance support, legal support, etc.)
A genuinely positive, people-first culture
how to apply
Our Recruitment Process
Please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining how your skills, experience and achievements align with the requirements of the role.
Throughout the recruitment process, we will assess candidates against the key competencies and responsibilities outlined in the job profile.
The selection process consists of two interview stages and skills testing.
Please note: we receive a high volume of applications so sometimes it can take us a little longer to get in touch. We welcome enquiries to our inbox.
Originally posted on Himalayas