Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.•Kostrzyn upon Oder, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zurich Insurance is seeking a highly experienced and trusted Sr. Executive Assistant to provide direct support to the Chief Executive Officer. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role functions as a strategic partner and gatekeeper, serving as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders including internal global business leaders, external customer executives, senior government officials, and NGO representatives. The Executive Assistant enables the CEO to remain focused on enterprise‑level priorities through proactive, high‑touch support and sound judgment. Based on business needs and the CEO’s schedule, the role requires regular presence across multiple office locations to include Chicago and Schaumburg, IL. The Executive Assistant will provide proactive, high‑level administrative support, anticipate business and leadership needs, and operate with exceptional professionalism, discretion, and judgment. This role requires a detail‑oriented, adaptable professional who thrives in a fast‑paced executive environment and demonstrates the ability to build capacity, drive efficiencies, and support the broader leadership team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and 7+ years of administrative experience OR High School Diploma (or equivalent) and 10+ years of administrative experience
Proven experience planning, organizing, scheduling, and supporting senior executives
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Copilot)

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting a CEO in a global organization
Exceptionally professional demeanor with strong communication, organizational, time‑management, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive information
Strong critical‑thinking skills with the ability to anticipate needs, identify issues, and resolve problems proactively
Advanced Microsoft Office and related productivity tools, with an aptitude to learn and leverage new technologies
Experience managing complex travel arrangements, expense reporting, and understanding organizational processes
Excellent attention to detail, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
Agility to navigate changes and adjust CEO schedule to reflect dynamic nature of role
Ability to gather, analyze, and communicate information clearly and concisely

Responsibilities

Providing comprehensive day‑to‑day executive support to the CEO, proactively anticipating current and future needs to enable the achievement of strategic priorities.
Managing highly complex and dynamic calendars, coordinating meetings, appointments, and competing priorities to ensure clear visibility into daily, weekly, and long‑term schedules.
Identifying and implementing opportunities to streamline workflows, enhance processes, and improve overall organizational effectiveness for the CEO and leadership team.
Coordinating all aspects of domestic and international travel, including detailed itineraries, accommodations, logistics, and timely submission of expense reports.
Preparing the CEO for meetings by gathering and synthesizing information in advance, distributing materials, and ensuring appropriate follow‑up and support.
Assisting with, and at times leading, special projects and initiatives, including conducting research and analysis on behalf of the CEO.
Collaborating cross‑functionally and partnering closely with other Executive Assistants, Strategic Assistants, and Centers of Excellence to deliver seamless, coordinated outcomes.
Handling highly confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity.