Our client, an independent, globally active investment manager with a strong track record of over a decade, is looking for an exceptional Executive Assistant (EA) for the company's managing partner (hereafter referred to as the CEO). The firm manages assets on behalf of institutional investors. It is recognized for its multidisciplinary team, deep industry network, and close partnerships with key players across the industrial and public sectors. The position is based in Zurich and available for an immediate start. While the role is predominantly on-site, particularly when the CEO is in town, it also offers flexibility to work from home.
This role goes beyond the classic responsibilities of a seasoned EA. While managing the agenda remains a core element, it also requires understanding and navigating broader business contexts. You should be quick to grasp complex matters, confident in engaging with international, senior-level stakeholders, and skilled in drafting and responding to high-level correspondence. As you gain a deeper understanding of the company’s ecosystem, you’ll have the opportunity to take on broader responsibilities, without losing sight of the operational excellence that enables the CEO to perform at his best. From day one, you’ll be trusted with meaningful challenges that allow you to demonstrate your capabilities. This is a chance to grow alongside a sharp-minded, entrepreneurial manager with a proven track record in the financial services industry. Expect open, direct communication and a fast-paced environment where high standards are the norm. To sum it up: if you are eager to become the trusted right hand to a driven CEO, this could be your chance to become his wing person?.
What makes you an excellent fit for this role?
- You’re quick to adapt, stay focused under pressure, and know how to set smart priorities.
- You embrace new challenges with confidence, even when navigating unfamiliar territory.
- You take ownership and bring a resilient, solution-oriented mindset to the table.
- You’re an enabler at heart: keeping things moving, aligning stakeholders, and setting boundaries when needed.
- You cut through complexity without losing sight of the details.
- You build trust quickly and engage with a wide range of stakeholders, always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Your Tasks & Responsibilities
- Manage the CEO’s calendar and correspondence to ensure smooth scheduling, clear communication, and alignment.
- Monitor the CEO's inbox and proactively handle queries, follow-ups, and urgent matters, responding independently.
- Coordinate domestic and international travel, including itineraries, logistics, and accommodations.
- Be the bridge between the CEO's Office and its stakeholders, fostering clear, prompt, and professional communication across all touchpoints.
- Draft, edit, and prepare presentations, reports, spreadsheets, and other documents; handle confidential information.
- Arrange and coordinate the CEO’s attendance at conferences, engagements, and high-profile client meetings.
- Organize (management) meetings, offsites, events, and conferences, including location scouting, vendor selection, and on-site coordination.
- Process expenses, invoices, and maintain digital records and files to support efficient workflows.
- Support business projects, working closely with internal teams and external partners to keep things on track.
- Assist with ad hoc research or special assignments related to business initiatives.
- Provide occasional personal support, such as scheduling private appointments/engagements.
Entry Qualifications, Skills & Qualities
- A-Levels/Matura, a commercial apprenticeship, and/or a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
- Solid experience in a similar role within financial services or a PE-owned company; confident supporting senior executives in international settings
- Business fluency in German and English at C1 level; additional European languages are a plus.
- Tech-savvy and confident using digital tools to manage communication and presentations. Proficient in the MS Office Suite and collaboration platforms.
- Top-organized, resilient, and service-oriented; able to stay focused in a dynamic setting with short-notice requests.
- Excellent planning skills, always two steps ahead, calm under pressure, and quickly adapting when plans shift.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a professional, approachable demeanor; someone who brings positive energy and is great to work with.
- Trusted to handle confidential information with discretion.
Why work for our client?
Beyond the role itself, you’ll be joining a team that’s passionate, energetic, and genuinely enjoys what they do — bringing that spirit into every day. The office is welcoming, thoughtfully designed, and set up to make work productive and enjoyable. You’ll be part of a culture built on collaboration. The compensation package is well-rounded and competitive, reflecting the level of responsibility associated with this role. If this sounds like the kind of role and environment where you’d thrive, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, a short statement outlining your motivation, and three brief case examples highlighting your role-relevant strengths, as a singlePDF attachment to apply@barnickelfellows.ch, referencing «CEO-EA Finanzplatz».
Barnickel & Fellows | Talstrasse 58 | 8001 Zurich | +41 44 243 86 68