What does a Chief of Staff do?

A Chief of Staff plays a key role in a company. They will be integral to the planning, productivity and efficiency of the other employees and business. However responsibilities will vary depending on whether they work in a large corporation,  family office or for a HNWI.

Chief of Staff Job Description

Whatever the size business, a Chief of Staff will wear many hats. They will need to be quick-thinking and able to multi-task. It is a managerial role that will often include business management, executive-level advising and interdepartmental collaboration.

Chiefs of Staff will serve as a liaison between staff and senior leaders. This could be regarding employee well-being, project updates, proposals or planning. They will oversee and implement strategic initiatives and report back to the CEO or senior members of staff. Such initiatives might include improvements to the organisation’s structure, finding skills gaps or improving company procedures and technology.

In larger corporations, the Chief of Staff can be considered the right-hand person to the CEO. They can be hugely influential. They provide the communication framework for employees, executives and customers or clients. CEOs might lean on their Chief of Staff to troubleshoot and handle the daily needs of the company. Generally speaking they will  be the glue that holds the rest of the team together, ensuring good communication between departments.

There may be an element of HR involved in the Chief of Staff’s role. In larger companies, they will assist the human resources department with new hires. Part of this could include organising documentation and contracts, as well as job specs. While in smaller offices they might have more hiring responsibilities. On top of that, they might be the go-to for employee concerns.

What skills does a Chief of Staff need?

The Chief of Staff will help other members of the support team to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. This could also involve training and coaching. Above all, the goal will be to develop strong relationships throughout the workplace. Therefore resulting in increased efficiency in the company.

Time management and organisation skills are key. There will be an element of administrative tasks. These might include managing calendars, planning and sending internal and external communications, maintaining hard copy and electronic files. On top of that, there’s planning and coordinating annual corporate meetings and other events and meetings.

Chiefs of Staff might run special projects. Such tasks can involve communicating with board members or sitting in on meetings, taking and actioning notes, logistical planning, heading up presentations. Confidentiality and trust is vital between the Chief of Staff and other employees. They will need to be a good manager and people person. Moreover, they will be able to anticipate problems before they arise. They need to be passionate about their role, have strong business acumen and act as a reliable partner to their employer. A wide range of experience will be expected in different areas of the business from investment, finance, philanthropy and legal matters.

Chief of Staff Salary

Chief of Staff can expect to earn between £70,000 and £150,000+ depending on experience and industry. 

Similar Jobs:

Browse our current job roles >
If you’re looking to hire a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, Private PA, Virtual Assistant or other Office Staff please contact one of our recruitment consultants on 020 7468 0400 or email us

Recent Posts

Loyalty and Ease vs Challenge and Scope: The Modern PA’s Career Dilemma

Big Fish, Small Bowl? A goldfish will only grow as large as its bowl allows. In many ways, careers – …
Read More
...

Failing Forward: How to Learn from Mistakes and Turn them into Growth

There’s a fascinating technique in Japanese pottery called kintsugi – the art of repairing broken ceramics with gold. Instead of …
Read More
...

Is It What You Know or Who You Know? The Cost of Nepotism In the Workplace

Silver Spoons and Broken Ladders If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media lately, or so much as glanced …
Read More
...

Looking for a job ?

EA to CEO - Global Family Office

£65,000 - £75,000 DOE
London
09/07/2025
A highly regarded and successful Investment Firm and Family Office is seeking a dedicated and emotionally intelligent Executive Assistant to support their CEO across both professional and personal dom...

EA for Inspirational Founder of Innovative Private Equity Firm

£60,000 to £65,000 with exceptional benefits
Mayfair, London
02/07/2025
A dynamic and very successful real estate private equity firm whose interests include 5* hotels, prime commercial and residential properties, is looking for and driven, top-rate Executive Assistant to...

Ambitious EA for an Inspirational Entrepreneur-Led Scale-Up Finance Company

£50,000 to £60,000 DOE with fabulous benefits and bonus
Mayfair, London
24/06/2025
A very successful scale-up boutique finance company, based in Mayfair, is growing and is looking for an EA to join their close-knit team. With offices in Birmingham and the States, London is their HQ,...

Personal Assistant for Philanthropic UHNW Family Office

£45,000 to £55,000
West London
04/07/2025
A very collaborative and friendly Family Office based in West London is looking for a numerate Personal Assistant for their exceptionally appreciative and personable Chief of Staff, and to support th...

Studio/Office Manager for Luxury Interior Design Studio - SW London

From £40,000 to £50,000 DOE
SW London
13/06/2025
An award-winning luxury interior design studio in SW London is seeking an experienced Studio & Office Manager to oversee day-to-day operations and support a dynamic creative team. Known for delive...