Executive Assistant to the CEO

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Executive Assistant to CEO

Location: London / Reading (with UK travel)

Application deadline: Friday 3rd July

At Thales, we are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. We are now seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant (EA) to the CEO, who will also lead our Executive Office support team.

This is a rare opportunity to operate at the heart of the organisation, partnering closely with the CEO and senior leadership, shaping strategic priorities and delivering first-class executive support in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

The Opportunity

As the CEO’s trusted partner and key liaison, you’ll be responsible for managing complex priorities, engaging with senior stakeholders across Government and Industry and ensuring the seamless running of the Executive Office.

You will also lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing EA team, championing Thales’ core behaviours: Think Big, Make it Happen, Together.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for the CEO, working with the Thales UK Leadership Team, Thales Group Chairman and Group Executives and External Customers and Partners. These include the most senior UK Government and Ministry of Defence leaders. Plus, Senior Executive Industry partners across Defence and Civil entities.

• Liaise with External stakeholders, Affiliations and Board Committees, coordinate the diary to ensure all responsibilities are fulfilled.
• Autonomously manage the CEO’s diary, prioritising his commitments to maximise focus on strategic business objectives. Ensure the CEO is prepared for meetings and engagements by independently organising briefings and the issue of briefing materials.
• Liaise with senior Government, Ministerial and Defence Industry offices on behalf of the CEO.
• Influence, negotiate, and expertly manage conflicting demands to optimise the CEO’s time and resources.
• Plan, support, and coordinate off-site events and VIP visits, ensuring all logistical aspects are flawlessly managed.
• Mentor and provide guidance to the Exec Office support team, peers and colleagues.
• Oversee the running of the London Customer Office.
• Organise and prepare meetings across multiple time zones, including agenda creation, material preparation, booking venues, arranging catering, hosting visitors, attending meetings.
• Provide holiday and sickness cover within the Executive Support Office.
• Act as an ambassador for change by educating and influencing stakeholders on new processes and improvements.
• Be prepared to travel to any of the Thales UK Offices to support the requirements of the CEO.

Right for this role?

You are a highly organised, confident and proactive EA who thrives in high-pressure environments and operates with absolute professionalism and discretion.

You will bring:

• Proven experience supporting C-Suite executives, ideally within complex, fast-paced organisations
• Strong understanding (or exposure to) UK Government, Ministerial, or Defence sectors
• Exceptional organisation, prioritisation, and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Confidence to influence, negotiate, and challenge at senior levels
• Absolute discretion and integrity when handling confidential information
• Experience leading and mentoring others with a passion for team development and knowledge in employee management
• A calm, composed approach with the ability to manage ambiguity and competing demands
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools

Why Join Thales?

At Thales, you’ll be part of an organisation where your contribution truly matters. You’ll work alongside inspiring leaders on meaningful projects that shape the future, while being supported in your own development and career growth.

You’ll join a high-performing and collaborative Executive Office support team, known for its professionalism, trust, and strong sense of partnership. It’s a genuinely supportive environment where individuals take pride in delivering excellence, while also championing wellbeing, development and shared success.

Ready to make an impact?

If you are a driven and dynamic Executive Assistant ready to step into a pivotal leadership role at the heart of a global organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

 

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

 

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!