<img id="photoDetail" src="https://www.discovery.co.za/gallery/template-resources/banners/general/smartpeople-recruit.jpg" style="width:1250.0px;height:301.0px"> Discovery Health PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANT About Discovery Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating to achieve financial success and ignite positive and meaningful change within our society. Key Purpose of the role Reporting directly to the KZN Regional General Manager, the Professional Assistant is a senior executive support partner responsible for enabling leadership effectiveness through proactive calendar and priority management, high-quality coordination of executive routines, strong stakeholder engagement, disciplined follow-through, and trusted handling of confidential matters. The role requires sound judgment, anticipation of business needs, and the ability to operate with independence in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment. <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0in;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Act as a trusted gatekeeper for the RGM’s time, priorities, communications, and leadership rhythm.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Manage complex diaries, meetings, travel, events, and executive logistics with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Support leadership decision-making through the preparation of high-quality documents, reports, presentations, meeting packs, and action trackers.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Coordinate across internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment, professionalism, and timely execution of key priorities.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Exercise discretion, judgment, and business acumen in managing sensitive information, resolving issues, and escalating matters appropriately.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Provide disciplined support to projects, governance routines, budget administration, and office coordination to ensure smooth regional operations.</li> </ul> Work Model: This role is office based and aligned to the working pattern of the Regional General Manager, given the need for close day-to-day coordination, in-person executive support, and responsiveness to operational and leadership requirements. The office-based nature of the role supports real-time diary and meeting management, immediate issue resolution, in-person stakeholder engagement, coordination of visitors and events, confidential executive support, and seamless alignment to the pace and priorities of the Regional General Manager and broader leadership team. Key Outputs The successful applicant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following job functions: <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0in;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Proactive management of their own and the RGM’s diary and email, including the ability to prioritize and recognize upcoming requirements and conflicts and resolve them.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Document and PowerPoint work is required.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Office management and preparation of venues for meetings.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Managing and delivering tasks from inception to completion within deadlines.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Providing general ad-hoc support, including personal requirements such as organizing coffees.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Working independently but open to direction when necessary.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Supporting the management team with query resolution, which requires following up on tasks.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Supporting the RGM in terms of following up on outstanding items.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Ability to consolidate information from multiple sources into written reports.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Coordinating events, roadshows, conferences, Performance Excellence Awards, year-end functions, client tours, reviews, and showcases.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Preparation for meetings, such as preparing venues, technology setups, and assisting external guests.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Taking minutes of meetings and accurate actions where appropriate and following up on outstanding actions prior to meetings.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Travel arrangements.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Diary and email management.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Scheduling meetings with all stakeholders.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Reimbursements.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Office administration (e.g., digital document management, invoicing, typing of letters, etc.).</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Ability to treat everything as highly confidential.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Ordering stationery for the team.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Personal support to the RGM.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Assisting with the formulation of presentations and documentation.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Supporting the management of virtual staff and virtual office rotational calendars and bookings.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Budget management (managing expenses and accruals monthly) and supporting the annual budget process.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;line-height:15.0pt;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Credit card submissions and reconciliations.</li> </ul> Competencies and Skills The following competencies are required to be successful in the role: <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0in;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Exceptional planning, organising, and prioritisation skills in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Strong executive judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with maturity and professionalism.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage professionally at all levels of the organisation.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Proactive, self-directed working style with the ability to anticipate needs and act ahead of deadlines.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Strong stakeholder management capability, including diplomacy, influence, and relationship-building across diverse teams.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Excellent attention to detail and commitment to consistently high-quality output.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and remain composed under pressure.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Problem-solving capability and a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Strong business acumen and awareness of the operational context, priorities, and sensitivities of the business unit.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Advanced digital fluency, including the ability to produce professional PowerPoint presentations, manage reporting in Excel, and work effectively across collaboration platforms.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Reliable follow-through, accountability, and a strong sense of ownership for outcomes.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Credibility, trustworthiness, and personal integrity.</li> </ul> Qualification and experience <ul style="margin-bottom:0.0in;margin-top:0.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Matric is essential; relevant tertiary education or a recognised business administration / office management qualification will be advantageous.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Proven track record of high performance and trusted support in a complex, fast-paced business environment.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in a Professional Assistant, Executive Assistant, or senior business support role, with substantial experience supporting senior leaders.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Demonstrated experience managing complex diaries, executive communications, travel, meeting governance, reporting, and stakeholder coordination with minimal supervision.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Advanced proficiency in the latest Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, with the ability to create polished executive material and manage reporting accurately.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Experience in budget administration, invoice processing, reconciliations, and office coordination will be advantageous.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Experience within financial services or another highly regulated, service-driven environment will be regarded preferentially.</li> <li style="text-align:justify;margin:0.0in 0.0in 0.0in 0.0px;line-height:120%;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif;color:#6d6e71">Own transport and a valid driver’s license.</li> </ul> EMPLOYMENT EQUITY The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Professional Assistant (Durban - 41 Imvubupark Place, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, 4019) @ Discovery

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