PA and EA Recruitment for Startups and Scale-ups

PA and EA Recruitment for
Startups and Scale-ups

Startups and scale-ups need PAs and EAs who are genuinely comfortable with ambiguity, can work effectively without established structure, and are motivated by the opportunity to grow alongside the business. The role might span diary and travel management, operational coordination, and founder support all at once, and it will almost certainly evolve over time. Oriel Partners has placed PAs and EAs with early-stage businesses, high-growth scale-ups, and founder-led companies across London and the UK.

Our consultants work exclusively in PA and administrative recruitment and understand that startups and scale-ups need a different kind of support professional: someone proactive, commercially minded, and genuinely invested in the success of the business. We assess candidates not just on experience but on mindset and adaptability, because in a fast-growing business, those qualities matter as much as anything on a CV. Whether you need a permanent EA to grow with you or flexible temporary support during a period of change, we can help.

Specialist sector knowledge: our consultants have placed PAs and EAs with startups and scale-ups across a range of sectors, and understand the mindset and adaptability these environments require from support staff.

Thoroughly assessed candidates: every candidate is interviewed and assessed by us before we make an introduction, and we specifically evaluate proactivity and adaptability for startup and scale-up roles.

Mindset assessed alongside experience: in growing businesses, the right attitude and appetite for change matter as much as a polished CV, and we assess both before making any introduction.

Permanent and temporary placements: whether you need a permanent EA to grow with your business or flexible temporary support during a period of change, we can help with both.

Trusted by growing businesses: our repeat business rate reflects the quality of our placements and the long-term relationships we build with the founders and leadership teams we support.

More About Us

OUR STARTUP AND SCALE-UP PA AND EA HIRING PROCESS

Initial Consultation

To build a comprehensive picture of your startup or scale-up's hiring needs, a consultant will arrange to meet with you at a time that suits your schedule. We take time to understand your business model, your growth stage, and what the right PA or EA will need to be able to do now and as the business evolves.

Open-plan start-up office with exposed brick, shared desks and staff working across two levels

Shortlisting Candidates

Your consultant will search our specialist network and use targeted channels to identify candidates with the right background and mindset for startup and scale-up environments. We look specifically for candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and energised by the prospect of growing with a business.

Recruitment consultant and a start-up founder talking in a relaxed co-working office

Interviewing Candidates

Every candidate is screened, interviewed, assessed, and personally briefed by us before they meet any of our clients. For startup and scale-up roles, we pay particular attention to mindset and adaptability alongside organisational skill, and we make sure candidates understand the pace and environment before they come to see you.

Overhead view of a scale-up team working in padded booths across an open-plan co-working office

Securing a Candidate

Once you have identified the right person, we will manage the process through to start date. If the initial shortlist does not produce the right match, we will go back to work and compile a new one. Please get in touch to discuss your startup or scale-up hiring requirements.

Founder presenting to a seated audience at a start-up meet-up in a brick-walled workspace

STARTUP AND SCALE-UP PA AND EA RECRUITMENT FAQs

Common questions growing businesses ask us about PA and EA recruitment for startups and scale-ups. For more information about our process, please get in touch.

What makes Oriel Partners a good choice for PA and EA recruitment in startups and scale-ups?

We recruit exclusively in PA and administrative roles and have placed support staff with early-stage businesses, high-growth scale-ups, and founder-led companies. We understand that these environments call for a different kind of support professional: someone proactive, adaptable, and genuinely motivated by the opportunity to make an impact. We assess mindset and commercial awareness alongside experience, and we only make introductions when we are confident in the match.

What types of PA and EA roles do you recruit for in startups and scale-ups?

We recruit across the full range of PA and EA roles in startup and scale-up environments, from first-hire EAs supporting a founder through to experienced PAs joining an established operations team. We place both permanent hires and temporary support staff, and we are particularly experienced in roles that blend diary and travel management with broader operational responsibilities.

Can you help us find temporary PA or EA support at short notice?

Yes, absolutely. Temporary recruitment is a core part of what we do. We work to identify a first suitable candidate within two hours of receiving a brief, and our target is to have 95% of temporary requests filled same-day or next-day. All temporary candidates are pre-assessed and reference-checked before they are available for placement.

Do your candidates have experience working in early-stage or high-growth businesses?

A number of the candidates in our network have direct experience in startup and scale-up environments and understand the pace, ambiguity, and breadth of responsibility these roles often involve. Where candidates are moving from more structured environments, we assess them specifically for the adaptability and proactivity that fast-growing businesses require, and we are honest about that evaluation.

How quickly can you place a permanent PA or EA for our growing business?

We work to provide a first shortlist within 48 hours of receiving a permanent brief. From there, the timeline depends on interview availability and the specifics of the role, but our target is to have an offer accepted within two to four weeks. If you are working to a particular growth milestone or start date, please let us know and we will work around it.

"Our firm has partnered with Oriel Partners on several Executive Assistant and Receptionist searches this year. The team at Oriel have consistently delivered high quality candidates, in addition to being a pleasure to work with. They listen to our needs and really understand the culture of our firm and what is important to us in a search. They are very responsive and also willing to provide insights on the market, which we find really helpful. I look forward to working with Oriel Partners again on our next search."

Talent Director, Mid-Market PE Firm

"Olivia and the team at Oriel are trusted advisors to our business. We have worked with Olivia for many years, and I can always rely on her to find the best solution for us. Olivia is able to advise and guide us through the process, no matter how tricky, as she not only knows our roles and our business well, but she has taken the time to get to know her candidates and can advise and guide them into roles that are fulfilling and suited, which, as a client makes for an appointment that works and lasts! Her level of client and candidate care is second to none and I have recommended her personally to a number of our clients as I know I can trust that Olivia and her team will deliver the highest level of service, ethically and responsibly for all involved."

Sam Boon, Recruitment and Talent Manager, Odgers Berndtson

"It’s the first time we have used Oriel Partners and we would definitely use their agency services again for the right role. The service is professional yet friendly, at pace and a successful placement made in a timely manner."

Sara Roden, HR Lead, Keep Britain Tidy

Hire the right
PA or EA
as your business grows

Oriel Partners

PA and EA Recruitment for
Startups and Scale-ups

From Our Co-Founder