Job Specifications
Job Title: Executive Assistant
Salary: £30-40K+ (negotiable, dependent on experience) with performance-based bonus, health insurance, pension contributions, car allowance etc.
Location: Hybrid - 4 days in Leeds office
About Anstar:
Founded in 2018, Anstar is a dynamic, rapidly growing startup speciality chemicals distributor headquartered in Leeds, UK. With deep cultural and commercial expertise, we serve as a trusted bridge between Eastern manufacturers and global markets. We have quickly established ourselves as leaders in the UV-curing sector, achieving significant market share in Photoinitiators. Our agile, lean structure prioritises transparency, openness, and a customer-first approach, driven by ambitious, high-potential individuals.
Highlights:
We are committed to sustainable business practices, including the supply of bio-sourced raw materials, aiming for long-term success while minimising environmental impact
Technical excellence is a priority; all our sales personnel possess a strong technical (chemistry) background, enabling us to offer a full-breadth service
We embrace a 'Technology First' approach, utilising cutting-edge software and automation to drive efficiency and scalable growth
The Opportunity
As Anstar expands, we are looking for a capable and driven Executive Assistant to support our leadership team and help shape the company’s future. This is a rare chance to join a fast-growing, entrepreneurial business where your work will have a direct and visible impact. You will act as the right hand to the Managing Director and Head of Finance & Operations, keeping them organised, informed, and focused on key priorities. At the same time, you will look after recruitment and HR, building the team that will take Anstar to its next stage of growth.
This is not a typical assistant role: you’ll be the operational core of the business, keeping things moving, anticipating needs before they arise and turning plans into action, all while growing your career as the company grows.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Executive assistant to both the Managing Director and Head of Finance & Operations, acting as their first point of contact
Provide comprehensive executive support, managing both professional and selective personal assistance (booking personal appointments, assisting with personal projects, hobbies and errands)
Manage complex calendars over multiple time zones, schedule and coordinate meetings
Keep the team on top of important tasks and deadlines
Handle all travel logistics and itineraries
Assist with expense tracking and accounts payable
Maintain and organise files, presentations and correspondence for fast retrieval
Maintain office welfare, organise events and socials
Recruitment & HR
Assist with recruitment and interview coordination
Oversee new employee onboarding, including induction planning, training coordination, and system access setup
Manage basic day-to-day HR operations (holiday requests, absence tracking, employee records, policy compliance)
Take care of day-to-day office operations, including managing supplies, equipment and facilities
Essential requirements for the role:
Highly personable, with strong qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong organisation, time management abilities, with excellent attention to detail
Enthusiastic, open-minded and very willing to learn
Tech savvy – highly proficient in working with technology (laptops, phones, etc.), Microsoft software (Windows, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) and Gen AI (e.g., ChatGPT)
Self-motivated and proactive in anticipating needs
Committed to going above and beyond expectations
Able to work independently under remote management
Advantageous/desirable qualities
A degree from a reputable and academic university
Interest or previous experience in the chemicals industry is desirable but not essential
Please submit a CV to: hr@anstar.com
The interview process will consist of an initial phone call, followed by 2 interview rounds.
We very much look forward to hearing from you.
The Anstar Team
Equal Opportunity:
Anstar is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Website: www.anstar.com
Offices: Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2EW
Founder & Managing Director: Dr Liangyu Hawkes