Executive Assistant to the Directors

Who We Are: B.I. (Europe) Limited is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of ambient-stable sauces and condiments, trading under the Harrisons Sauces brand. With over 40 years of heritage, approximately 100 employees, and a globally recognised BRC Certificate (Higher Level) for food safety and product quality, we serve leading customers across UK foodservice, retail, transport catering, and international markets.

We are now in an ambitious growth phase — actively expanding into the UAE and wider Middle East, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and targeting £19M turnover by end of 2026. Our Dubai office is central to this expansion, and this role sits at the heart of that effort.

Role Purpose:

This is not a traditional administrative role. The Executive Assistant to the CEO / MD will act as a strategic right hand — managing the CEO’s / MD ‘s time, priorities, and information flow to ensure leadership bandwidth is focused on the highest-value activities: driving profitability, securing new business, and executing our international growth strategy.

The successful candidate will operate as a trusted gatekeeper, project coordinator, and intelligence gatherer — someone who can represent the CEO / MD externally, hold people accountable to commitments, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Core Executive Support:

• Manage the CEO’s / MD calendar, travel schedule, and daily priorities across UK/UAE time zones, ensuring protected time for strategic work.

• Act as primary gatekeeper for the CEO’s / MD email, calls, and meeting requests — filtering, prioritising, drafting responses, and escalating only what requires direct CEO / MD attention.

• Coordinate complex international travel itineraries including flights, accommodation, visas, and meeting logistics across UK, UAE, and other markets.

• Prepare agendas, briefing packs, and supporting documents ahead of all CEO / MD meetings (internal and external).

• Attend key meetings alongside the CEO / MD; capture minutes, decisions, and action items; follow up to ensure accountability.

• Manage confidential correspondence, board papers, and sensitive commercial documentation.

Strategic & Business Growth Support:

• KPI & Dashboard Tracking: Maintain and update the CEO’s executive dashboard covering key financial metrics (net margin, turnover, order pipeline), operational KPIs, and strategic milestones. Flag variances and missed targets proactively.

• Project Coordination: Track progress on strategic initiatives (UAE market entry, acquisition pipeline, NPD launches) against agreed timelines. Chase deliverables from the leadership team (Vasile – Operations, Anya – Customer Service, Kamal – MD) and flag slippage.

• Market Intelligence: Monitor competitor activity, industry trends, and regulatory developments in the UAE/GCC food sector. Prepare concise briefing notes for the CEO.

• Acquisition Support: Assist with due diligence coordination for potential acquisitions — organising data rooms, scheduling advisor meetings, tracking workstreams, and maintaining confidentiality.

• Board & Investor Preparation: Compile board packs, investor updates, and strategic review materials. Ensure data accuracy and professional presentation.

• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Build and maintain relationships with key external contacts including customers, advisors, government bodies, and trade organisations in the UAE.

UAE Office & Market Responsibilities:

• Serve as the CEO’s / MD on-the-ground representative in Dubai when the CEO is based in the UK — attending meetings, following up with local partners, and reporting back.

• Coordinate with UAE-based legal, regulatory, and trade advisors on licensing, import requirements, and local compliance.

• Organise and manage the CEO’s / MD attendance at trade shows, industry events, and networking functions (e.g., Gulfood, SIAL Middle East)

• Arrange business dinners, client entertainment, and public appearances in the UAE market.

• Support the setup and smooth running of the Dubai office operations, including facilities, supplies, and local vendor relationships.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience as an EA supporting C-suite or senior directors, ideally in manufacturing, FMCG, or food industry.

• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-timezone diaries and international travel logistics.

• Exceptional written and verbal English — able to draft professional correspondence, reports, and presentations on behalf of the CEO / MD.

• Strong commercial awareness and ability to interpret financial data (P&L, margin analysis, pipeline reports).

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and virtual meeting platforms.

• Demonstrated discretion with highly confidential commercial and personal information.

• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset — anticipates needs rather than waiting for instructions.

• Ability to hold senior stakeholders accountable to deadlines and commitments without direct authority.

• Excellent judgement on what escalates to the CEO / MD and what can be handled independently.

Desirable

• Arabic / Chinese language skills (conversational or higher).

• Experience working in or with the UAE/GCC market.

• Familiarity with food industry regulations, BRC standards, or import/export compliance.

• Experience supporting M&A processes or business development projects.

• Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) or equivalent practical experience.

What We Offer:

• Competitive tax-free salary (commensurate with experience).

• Annual leave: 30 days plus UAE holidays.

• Annual return flight to home country.

• Health insurance coverage.

• Direct access to the CEO / MD and genuine influence on business strategy.

• Opportunity to play a key role in an international growth story.

• Professional development support and training budget.

• Dynamic, entrepreneurial working environment with a close-knit leadership team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED7,000.00 - AED10,000.00 per month