Executive Assistant Remote Job

Full job description

About the Role

Due to internal progression, we’re looking for a capable, proactive and conscientious Executive Assistant to support James Lyne, a leading cyber security expert and the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at SANS Institute.

This role has proven to be a springboard for James’s previous Executive Assistants, one of whom continues to work in this tight-knit team with wider operational, business, and legal responsibilities. If you’re ambitious, thoughtful, and have the right instincts, there’s room to grow.

You’ll be part of a team of three, ensuring James’s time, energy, and priorities are handled with care, precision, and empathy. You’ll be supported as you onboard but empowered to carve out your own working rhythm and impact.

The cyber security industry is one of the most dynamic and critical fields in today’s world, playing a vital role in protecting people, businesses, and governments from evolving threats. As part of this role, you will gain exposure to the inner workings of the SANS Institute, one of the world’s leading cyber security training and research organisations, alongside James’s entrepreneurial ventures. This provides a rare opportunity to learn from a global leader in a field that is both technically challenging and deeply impactful. Prior experience in the cyber security field is not required, but an interest in the industry and its potential is strongly advised. We value curiosity and a willingness to learn in a field that is constantly evolving.

The ideal candidate will bring strong attention to detail, maturity of thought, and personal accountability to everything they do. You must be able to handle the dynamic rhythm of a role that blends business administration with personal support, and be comfortable working with autonomy, foresight, and discretion. You’ll be intellectually curious, eager to learn, and open to exploring how AI and modern productivity tools can create efficiencies and improvements in workflow.

Key Responsibilities

This role requires working closely within a small, tight-knit team of three, including James. You’ll need to be comfortable working independently while also supporting and collaborating effectively with both of them. Autonomy, clear communication, and team spirit are essential.

• Calendar Management: Own and optimise James’s schedule, ensuring clear coordination across time zones and priorities; scheduling meetings with different stakeholders.
• Task & Priority Management: Track, follow up and anticipate James’s actions and needs, proactively identifying risks or blockers.
• Travel: Plan and manage domestic and international travel for James and occasionally for family/friends. Prepare detailed itineraries and ensure everything is captured in James’s calendar.
• Inbox & Communication: Manage and triage communications. Draft, proofread, and polish written correspondence to high standards.
• Meeting Support: Schedule, prep materials, attend and take notes or actions from meetings as required.
• Personal Assistance: Handle personal admin, such as property rentals, family bookings, purchases and errands.
• Events & Public Speaking Logistics: Manage James’s speaking engagements and related logistics.
• Expenses & Admin: Submit expenses, reconcile invoices, manage subscriptions and related support.
• Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with the highest degree of trust and discretion.
• Ad hoc Projects: Support various tasks and projects across business and personal areas as needed.

About You

• You are detail-obsessed and organised, with an ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• You are intelligent, self-starting, and able to spot what needs doing without being told.
• You have excellent written and verbal English – James is a stickler for grammar and language.
• You are confident enough to ask questions and seek clarity. We value open and honest communication.
• You are diligent and approach tasks with a well-rounded view to avoid things slipping through the net.
• You are personable and professional, able to interact with senior stakeholders and family alike.
• You value accuracy, discretion, and reliability.
• You thrive in informal, fast-moving communication (we mostly use iMessage).
• You work well independently and take ownership of your responsibilities.
• You’re looking for more than just a task list, you want to be part of something evolving, where your contributions can shape how we work.
• You are intellectually curious and take pride in developing new skills or finding ways to improve systems.
• You’re interested in using AI tools and exploring automation or productivity tech to streamline tasks.
• You are familiar with Microsoft Office and confident using Mac operating systems.
• Experience with Evernote, Things (task management), and Slack is a plus.
• Prior EA/PA experience is helpful but not required. Maturity and mindset matter more.

Working With Us

• You’ll report to James and have support as you onboard, but you’ll also be empowered to own your domain.
• We are a remote-first company with a small team atmosphere, but part of a larger corporate group.
• You’ll have regular contact with executives, legal, operations, and external stakeholders.

Perks & Benefits

• Remote-first & flexible working
• 28 days holiday + bank holidays including Christmas closure
• Private health insurance (Vitality)
• Generous tech & home office setup
• Travel opportunities (Europe/USA)
• Respectful and considered recruitment process — we’re taking our time to find the right person, but we aim to keep communication clear and timely throughout

How to Apply

Please complete the application form here, which includes:

– Your CV

– A short cover letter

– And (optional but encouraged): a short voice note or video introducing yourself and why you’re interested in the role. You might also want to tell us about:

• A time you managed a fast-moving situation with lots of variables
• How you’ve handled conflicting priorities
• Or simply an anecdote or fact that shows why you’d be a great fit

No need for fancy editing — we’re just interested in getting a sense of you and how you think. Please keep your video or voice note to 2 minutes or less.

Please apply via this form: https://form.jotform.com/252032784574056

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Work from home

Work Location: Remote

APPLY HERE