Executive Assistant (CTO, CPO)

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day.    

Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI.  Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.   

At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility.  We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked.   We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves.  

We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them. 

Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast 

Job Description:

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to support Darktrace’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Product Officer (CPO).

This is a critical role, enabling both leaders to operate at maximum effectiveness and ensuring their time remains focused on strategic priorities, product innovation, organisational growth, and the continued scaling of our Engineering and Product functions.

As a trusted EA, you will manage complex schedules, coordinate high-priority activities across multiple stakeholders, and act as a central point of organisation for key leadership initiatives. You’ll proactively use AI and other productivity tools to improve the workflows that support communication, knowledge sharing, and insight, while identifying opportunities to automate repetitive tasks.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, confidently managing competing priorities while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism. This is a highly collaborative, in-person role, and you’ll enjoy being part of the teams you support and building strong relationships within our Cambridge office.

What will I be doing?

Executive Support & Strategic Coordination

• Manage complex and ever-changing calendars for the CTO and CPO, ensuring their time is optimised around strategic priorities.
• Proactively schedule and coordinate meetings, creating dedicated focus time and balancing competing demands.
• Help establish and protect a sustainable daily and weekly rhythm that builds in time for communication, meetings, focused work, and approvals.
• Work closely with supporting functions and business partners to ensure time is set aside for recurring priorities, including compensation reviews, all-hands sessions, and media planning.
• Proactively maximise the value of the leaders’ time when travelling, for example by coordinating external meetings or media opportunities alongside existing commitments.
• Support the planning and delivery of R&D, Product, and Engineering leadership meetings, all-hands sessions, off-sites, and other key events.

R&D Leadership Effectiveness

• Keep up to date with tools, guidance, and materials created across the business, adapting these where appropriate for an R&D audience.
• Proactively identify and share relevant initiatives and information from across the business with the CTO, CPO, and their leadership teams.
• Identify and implement improvements to communications, knowledge storage, and insight workflows, using AI tools to automate recurring and lower-value administrative tasks.

Meeting & Leadership Preparation

• Coordinate agendas, briefing materials, and pre-read documentation for key meetings.
• Prepare and format internal and external presentations using provided direction and templates, and help automate the production of recurring reports and metrics.
• Capture, track, and follow up on actions, decisions, and commitments arising from leadership meetings.
• Ensure relevant stakeholders are aligned and informed on key priorities, actions, and deadlines.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Manage high-volume inboxes, prioritising communications and helping to ensure timely responses.
• Draft, proofread, and distribute professional correspondence, presentations, and updates on behalf of leadership.
• Act as a trusted liaison with teams across the organisation and external contacts, handling sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Build strong working relationships across Product, Engineering, R&D, and wider business functions.

Travel, Expenses & Logistics

• Plan and book complex domestic and international travel, accommodation, and itineraries for the CTO and CPO.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, and off-sites.
• Prepare and process expense reports and travel reimbursements accurately and on time.
• Support purchase order requests and other relevant administrative processes.

What experience do I need?

• Previous experience supporting senior executives, ideally within a technology or high-growth organisation.
• Exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing demands simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at all levels of an organisation and with external contacts.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and remain calm under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience using AI tools to improve productivity, efficiency, and workflows, alongside a genuine enthusiasm for exploring how AI can make ways of working smarter and more effective.
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for being an active, visible part of the teams you support in our Cambridge office.

Desirable

• Experience supporting executive leadership within Product, Engineering, Technology, or R&D functions.
• Familiarity with business systems such as Workday, Navan, and other enterprise platforms.

Benefits:

• 23 days’ holiday + all public holidays, rising to 25 days after 2 years of service,

• Additional day off for your birthday,

• Private medical insurance which covers you, your cohabiting partner and children,

• Life insurance of 4 times your base salary,

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme,

• Enhanced family leave,

• Confidential Employee Assistance Program,

• Cycle to work scheme.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability. 

Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.