Leigh McLaren Brierley

I am currently living in the UK and returning to the upper highway area in Natal, at the end of March 2026. I am looking for a new role to start at the beginning of May.

My current role as an EA to 2 Executive Directors at the Samaritans Charity, encompasses a range of responsibilities, whilst acting as a professional gatekeeper. It's been a wonderful experience knowing that I have made their roles easier by assisting with meeting scheduling, 

I am a personable, self-motivated, and highly adaptable professional with a proven ability to perform effectively in fast-paced and dynamic working environments. I collaborate confidently as part of a team while exercising strong initiative to deliver against business objectives. Highly organised, efficient, and proactive, I excel at managing multiple priorities simultaneously, consistently identifying the most effective approach to deliver critical outcomes under pressure. Throughout my career, I have developed a broad and transferable skill set spanning sales, recruitment, executive administration, project coordination, and office management, and I remain motivated by continuous learning and the opportunity to take on new challenges

With over two decades of experience spanning executive support, operations, governance, travel management, and international stakeholder engagement, I bring a genuine commitment to empowering senior leaders and creating the conditions for effective, confident decision‑making. I am known for my calm, considered approach, my ability to navigate complexity with discretion, and my dedication to delivering consistently high standards of organisation, communication, and service. My career reflects a deep pride in supporting people, strengthening teams, and enabling organisations to operate at their very best.

In my current role as Executive Assistant to the Director of Operations and the Director of People and Culture at Samaritans, I act as a trusted strategic partner, managing complex inboxes, priorities, and diaries to support effective leadership and decision‑making. I coordinate senior‑level meetings and directorate days, produce high‑quality reporting and briefings, and maintain oversight of business plans, risks, and strategic actions. I liaise confidently with internal and external stakeholders while ensuring full compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements. My role also includes comprehensive operational support, including executive travel planning and logistics to ensure smooth and cost‑effective arrangements.

Previously, as Business Operations Executive at Astun Technology, I provided high‑level executive and operational support to the Managing Director and senior team. I coordinated leadership meetings, KPI reporting, budgets, and governance activity while delivering end‑to‑end logistics for corporate, training, and social events. I implemented HR processes, supported finance, ESG, and marketing functions, and acted as a Mental Health First Aider. A key part of my role involved managing domestic and international travel arrangements, ensuring seamless itineraries and stakeholder coordination.

Earlier, as Engagement Manager for Your Right Hand Finance Team, I provided executive PA support, owned KPI reporting cycles, delivered large-scale events, and supported finance operations using Xero. I led process improvement initiatives, managed recruitment and HR systems, and coordinated client and supplier operations across multiple digital platforms.

My early international career across the UK, South Africa, Australia, and Taiwan further strengthened my capabilities in leisure and corporate travel management, customer service, operations, cultural awareness, and people‑centred leadership.

Recently completed an AI course - AI Edge: From Prompt to Profit through Remote Recruitment Training

I have completed extensive professional development across wellbeing, safeguarding, emergency response, and specialist operational skills. This includes training in Managing Suicidal Conversations, Suicide Awareness, and Resilience & Wellbeing. I am also trained in Emergency First Aid and Fire Safety, and have undertaken comprehensive internal learning in Safeguarding, Sexual Harassment Awareness, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion through the Samaritans Training School.

Multiple Mental Health First Aid qualifications, including a full MHFA England certification (2022) and refresher training. 

Technical development through Introduction to GIS training and ongoing professional learning through accredited providers.

Completed a National Diploma in Food Service Management from Natal Technikon, Durban (1996–1998), a three‑year programme combining operational management, customer service, and technical training. Matriculation from Kloof High School (1991–1995), forming a solid foundation for your early career and later progression into operations, leadership support, and organisational delivery.