Office Manager & Executive Assistant - Ford Search Partners

Job Posted: 26 March 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Circa £30k per annum, dependent on experience and capability
• Industries: Administration General Office Management & Executive Accounting

Ford Search Partners, one of the UK’s leading Finance recruitment companies, is entering its next phase of growth, and we are looking for a highly capable Office Manager & Executive Assistant to become a central figure in the business.

This is a pivotal role, not a traditional admin position.

You will sit at the heart of the organisation, ensuring that operations run smoothly, the leadership team is focused on high-value activity, and key business functions, including systems, marketing coordination, and expenditure tracking, stay on track.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on bringing structure to a growing business and wants to play a meaningful part in its continued success.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Office Management

• Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the office and internal operations
• Ensure consistency in how the team uses systems, processes, and tools
• Maintain and improve internal documentation and workflows (SharePoint)
• Support onboarding and setup of new team members
• Coordinate office logistics, suppliers, and compliance requirements

Executive Support

• Provide high-level support to the Directors, including diary and priority management
• Coordinate meetings, travel, and key business commitments
• Prepare documents, reports, and briefing materials
• Act as a gatekeeper and organiser of time and priorities
• Ensure follow-up and accountability across key actions

Systems & Technology (Microsoft 365)

• Own and optimise the use of Microsoft 365 (Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive)
• Maintain shared calendars, communication channels, and document structures
• Support the team in adopting better ways of working
• Act as first point of contact for basic IT coordination and external providers

Marketing Coordination

• Help keep the marketing programme on track across social media and campaigns
• Schedule and coordinate content across platforms
• Work with internal and external partners to ensure consistency and delivery
• Track activity and ensure marketing plans are executed, not just discussed

Finance & Expenditure Tracking

• Support tracking of business expenditure using Sage
• Ensure expenses are recorded accurately and in a timely manner
• Assist with basic financial administration and coordination with accountant
• Maintain visibility over operational spend

Team Coordination & Business Efficiency

• Keep the team organised, aligned, and operating effectively
• Track priorities, deadlines, and internal deliverables
• Support internal meetings, including agendas and follow-ups
• Identify inefficiencies and implement practical improvements

About You

• Highly organised, structured, and proactive
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365
• Comfortable coordinating across multiple areas of a business
• Experience with social media platforms and content scheduling
• Familiarity with Sage or similar accounting software
• Confident working with senior stakeholders
• Commercially aware, understands time, efficiency, and priorities
• Discreet, trustworthy, and dependable

Experience

• Experience in an Office Manager, EA, Operations, or Business Support role
• Experience supporting senior leaders or directors
• Experience in a growing or fast-paced business environment preferred
• Exposure to marketing coordination and/or finance administration desirable

What Success Looks Like

• The business runs in a more structured and consistent way
• The Directors are focused on growth, not admin
• Systems are used properly and efficiently across the team
• Marketing activity is consistent and delivered on time
• Financial tracking is organised and up to date
• You are seen as a trusted and central part of the business

Why This Role Matters

This role sits at the centre of Ford Search Partners’ next phase of growth.

You will not just support the business; you will help shape how it operates as it scales. Your ability to bring structure, clarity, and consistency will directly impact performance, efficiency, and growth.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance, plus bank holidays
• Flexible working approach, focused on outcomes rather than hours
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
• Optional private medical cover
• Company pension scheme

In addition, we offer:

• A genuinely pivotal role with direct exposure to the leadership team
• The opportunity to shape how the business operates as it grows
• High levels of autonomy, trust, and responsibility
• A supportive, high-performing team environment
• Real development through hands-on experience in a growing business

Salary & Package

Circa £30k per annum, dependent on experience and capability.

To apply please attach your CV below and include a cover letter outlining your skills and experience and we’ll arrange a call to discuss the opportunity further at a time to suit you.