Personal Assistant

A broad support role that may be corporate, private or blended. The title alone does not reveal seniority, so boundaries and scope must be tested carefully.

Written and reviewed by Kristy McLeodLast reviewed 24 September 2026Report a correction

Role purpose

What the organisation is really buying

Create reliable day-to-day capacity for a principal or leader across calendars, correspondence, logistics and selected personal matters.

Core responsibilities

Diary, travel and correspondence
Stakeholder and household liaison where relevant
Expenses, appointments and event logistics
Confidential personal and business administration

Evidence that proves readiness

Discretion across personal and corporate information
Clear boundary management
Complex itinerary and stakeholder coordination

Challenges and red flags

Blurred working-hour boundaries
Unclear personal-task expectations
Career scope varying dramatically by employer

Common environments

Where this role appears

Private wealthPropertyProfessional servicesEntrepreneurial businesses

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Progression map

Where the evidence can lead

Executive Assistant

Private Executive Assistant

Office Manager

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