Business Support Manager (EA Manager)

Reference: Job ID: Posted: Closing date: Location: BirminghamSalary: 50,000–60,000 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Business or Management Consultancy / Office and Administration ManagementCompany: HaysConsultant: Zoe QuinnHays office: Birmingham — 3rd Floor, One Colmore Square,Phone: Email: new companyJoin a leading professional services firm with a collaborative, people-focused culture and a strong commitment to innovation. Operating across the UK as part of a national business support function, the organisation is continually evolving the way it works, embracing technology while maintaining the vital human connections that underpin exceptional client service.This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing national team and play a key role in supporting business operations, people leadership and strategic decision-making within a complex, fast-paced environment.Your new roleAs Business Support Manager, you will take responsibility for the operational leadership of a large Executive Assistant population, managing a team of approximately 30–35 EAs who support senior stakeholders across the business.This is a highly visible role requiring a strategic mindset, strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance the needs of partners, EAs and the wider business. You will oversee partner allocations, resource planning and workstream management, ensuring support services are delivered effectively across a national operational structure.This is a hybrid role with a designated base office. Whilst offering flexibility, the position requires regular travel to other UK offices to build and maintain strong relationships with the Executive Assistants you manage and the partners they support. This is not a fully remote role, and a visible presence across the business will be key to success.Key responsibilities will include:Leading and developing a team of 30–35 Executive Assistants across multiple UK locations.Managing performance, conducting annual reviews and addressing underperformance where required.Overseeing partner-to-EA allocations and resource deployment to ensure effective support across the business.Taking ownership of budget management and resource-related financial decisions.Understanding and applying firmwide policies, processes and operational priorities.Building strong relationships with partners and senior stakeholders, confidently influencing and challenging where necessary.Developing and maintaining a strong internal network across the EA community and wider leadership teams.Supporting the continued adoption of technology and digital tools while preserving the high-quality personal support expected from Executive Assistants.Working closely with a peer group of Business Support Managers across the UK to share best practice and drive continuous improvement.What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, you will be a confident and credible people leader with the ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.You'll ideally bring:Previous experience leading large business support, EA, PA or administrative teams.Strong operational management skills with the ability to understand the wider business landscape and think strategically.Experience managing budgets, resources and workforce planning decisions.Confidence communicating with and influencing senior stakeholders, including partner-level leaders.A track record of managing performance, coaching teams and dealing with challenging people situations.Excellent organisational and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.A strong understanding of the Executive Assistant profession and the unique relationship between EAs and the senior stakeholders they support.A highly collaborative approach, with the ability to build trusted relationships across multiple locations.Strong digital and technology skills, with enthusiasm for driving innovation and process improvement.Experience within a Big Four or professional services environment would be advantageous, although this is by no means essential.What you'll get in returnIn return, you'll join a forward-thinking organisation that genuinely values its people and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within a nationally recognised business.Benefits include:A senior leadership opportunity within a well-established national team.Flexible approach to working hours, recognising individual commitments and business needs.Exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic business initiatives.A collaborative peer network of experienced Business Support Managers.Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.The chance to influence the future of business support services through innovation and technology adoption.What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. # - Zoe Quinn