Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant to SVP, R&D Location: Stevenage (Hybrid) | Regular weekly travel to London (Euston) We are supporting a high-growth biotech organisation in Stevenage that is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support their Senior Vice President of R&D. This is a senior EA role, designed for someone who operates as a true business partner and trusted advisor, not simply administrative support. This position will suit an EA with Biotech / Life Sciences experience who has supported scientific, technical, or R&D leaders at VP or C-suite level, and who understands the pace, complexity, and discretion required in a research-driven environment. The Role You will act as the operational backbone to the SVP of R&D, enabling them to operate at maximum effectiveness across scientific leadership, external collaboration, and internal decision-making. Key responsibilities include: * Acting as a trusted advisor to the SVP, providing proactive operational support and anticipating priorities * End-to-end diary management across multiple locations, time zones, and complex stakeholder groups * Preparing briefings, agendas, and materials for senior leadership meetings, boards, and scientific reviews * Managing sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion * Coordinating internal and external meetings involving senior scientific, clinical, and technical stakeholders * Supporting R&D leadership activities including governance forums, portfolio reviews, and strategic initiatives * Handling travel planning (UK and international), expenses, and logistics seamlessly * Acting as a point of connection between R&D and other business functions (Clinical, Finance, Operations, Legal, etc.) What We’re Looking For This role requires more than traditional EA capability. We are specifically looking for someone who: * Has proven experience within Biotech, Life Sciences, Pharma, or a closely related scientific environment * Has supported VP, SVP, or C-suite leaders, ideally within R&D, Science, or Technical functions * Understands how to operate as a strategic partner rather than reactive support * Is highly discreet, trusted, and comfortable handling confidential scientific and commercial information * Thinks several steps ahead and proactively solves problems before they arise * Is confident engaging with senior scientists, executives, and external partners * Brings strong judgement, emotional intelligence, and professionalism * Demonstrates exceptional organisation, attention to detail, and prioritisation skills Working Pattern * Hybrid role based in Stevenage / London * Regular travel to London (Euston) to support meetings and leadership activity * Flexible working approach aligned to senior stakeholder needs Why This Role This is an opportunity to step into a genuinely high-impact EA role within a science-led organisation where R&D sits at the heart of the business. You will be closely embedded within senior leadership, exposed to cutting-edge scientific programmes, and trusted to influence how the function operates day-to-day. If you are an EA who thrives in complex, fast-moving biotech environments and takes pride in being a strategic partner to senior scientific leaders, this role will play directly to your strengths