Role & Responsibilities
Personal Assistant
Time, returned. The professional who keeps a principal’s private world in order. What the role involves, the standard it is held to, the package it commands, and the positions open now.
Understanding the role
A principal’s right hand.
A Personal Assistant is entrusted with the private life of a principal – their diary, correspondence, travel and personal affairs. Often the one person who sees every part of it. These are the responsibilities that fill the day, and the depth each one brings to a private household.
Diary and correspondence
Managing a complex private diary across time zones, and screening calls and correspondence so that nothing important waits.
Travel and aviation
Planning travel end to end – private aviation, yachts, hotels, transfers and visas – with contingencies already in place.
Household and family office
Working alongside the household team and family office, and keeping personal, family and social commitments in step.
Lifestyle and events
Arranging dinners, reservations, gifts and private events, and sourcing the rare and the difficult quietly and quickly.
Personal affairs
Handling personal accounts, memberships and documents with precision, and keeping records organised and secure.
Confidence
Acting as the principal’s trusted point of contact, and holding everything seen and heard in confidence.
The Benchmark
The Benchmark for a Personal Assistant
Every Personal Assistant we represent is measured against The Benchmark – our standard for character, capability and discretion. Three years is simply the minimum to join our network; most bring far more. Our professionals step into a role ready to excel, never to be trained. For this role, that means:
- A background in private office, family office or executive support
- Three years supporting a private principal or senior executive
- Command of complex diaries, private aviation and international travel, with flawless written English
- Comfortable across the household, the family office and the principal’s personal affairs
- References from comparable principals, and a commitment to confidentiality
- Basic DBS or a police clearance certificate from each country of residence
Experience, references and background checks are verified before any introduction is made. We do not forward CVs – we shortlist and select, so a client meets only the professionals we would place with confidence. See our full standards.
Typical Package
What to expect, from either side of the placement.
A guide for clients and professionals alike. Packages reflect the professional’s experience and the scope of the household, across every residence and every country. All figures are gross per year.
- Personal Assistant Single principal
- £55,000 – £65,000 per year
- Diary, travel and personal affairs for one principal.
- Senior Personal Assistant Principal and family
- £65,000 – £85,000 per year
- Supporting the principal and wider family across business and private life.
- Travelling PA Travelling households
- £80,000 – £100,000 per year
- Travelling with the principal between residences and countries. Packages typically add accommodation, meals and flights.
- Senior PA / Private Office Manager Senior appointment
- £100,000 – £130,000 per year
- Running the principal’s private office and leading its assistants.
Every package is agreed privately between family and professional. We review this guidance each year against the placements we make.
Opportunities
Personal Assistant Roles Open Now
A live selection of the personal assistant positions currently open across the households, estates, and families we serve worldwide. Registered professionals can apply in a click.
View all Personal assistant rolesThe questions we are asked most
What is the difference between a personal assistant and an executive assistant?
An executive assistant supports a principal’s working life. A personal assistant manages their private life – diary, travel, household and personal affairs. In family offices the two roles often overlap.
What experience does a personal assistant need?
At least three years supporting a private principal or senior executive, with command of complex diaries, private aviation and international travel.
Does a personal assistant travel?
Often. Many roles include travel with the principal; others are based at the residence or family office.
What hours does a personal assistant work?
The role follows the principal’s diary, often across time zones. Hours and availability are agreed in the contract.
How is the salary agreed?
Every package is agreed privately between client and professional, with our consultants guiding both sides to a figure that reflects experience and the scope of the role. Salaries are quoted gross, and live-in or travelling roles typically include accommodation, meals and flights.
How long does it take to place a personal assistant?
Where the professional is free and available, the process from first interview to offer can be completed within seven days. We select from an established network rather than advertising, so the pace of every placement is set by the client’s needs – and we work to match it.
Register Your Interest
Begin the Conversation
Join our selected network, or tell us what your household needs. Either way, a senior consultant will be in touch personally.