Sabine Herbigniaux
Executive Officer Manager
What I do at UK Biobank
As Executive Office Manager at UK Biobank, I lead the Executive Office support function, ensuring the Executive Leadership Team has proactive, high-quality support to deliver UK Biobank’s mission.
My role includes managing and developing the Executive Support Team, overseeing complex diary and inbox management, coordinating governance meetings, action logs, travel, events and stakeholder engagement, and making sure we have clear processes in place so the team can work efficiently and consistently.
My role includes managing and developing the Executive Support Team, overseeing complex diary and inbox management, coordinating governance meetings, action logs, travel, events and stakeholder engagement, and making sure we have clear processes in place so the team can work efficiently and consistently.
I also act as a key link between senior leaders and internal and external stakeholders, helping to prioritise demands, maintain confidentiality, and ensure the Executive Office remains professional, responsive and well organised.
Who am I?
I have more than 20 years’ experience supporting senior leaders and leading executive support functions in complex, international environments. Before joining UK Biobank, I worked in senior executive assistant and project-focused roles supporting CEOs, senior stakeholders and high-profile individuals across different countries and working environments.
Since joining UK Biobank, I have progressed from Executive Assistant to Executive Office Manager, leading a team of Personal and Executive Assistants and administrative staff. My experience includes executive operations, team management, stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, governance support, international travel and event coordination, and process improvement.
I enjoy roles where organisation, discretion, problem-solving, judgement and relationship-building are essential. I am particularly motivated by developing strong, thoughtful support structures and helping my team feel confident in providing a professional and proactive to senior leaders and colleagues
Since joining UK Biobank, I have progressed from Executive Assistant to Executive Office Manager, leading a team of Personal and Executive Assistants and administrative staff. My experience includes executive operations, team management, stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, governance support, international travel and event coordination, and process improvement.
I enjoy roles where organisation, discretion, problem-solving, judgement and relationship-building are essential. I am particularly motivated by developing strong, thoughtful support structures and helping my team feel confident in providing a professional and proactive to senior leaders and colleagues
Advice for prospective candidates
For anyone applying for the Personal Assistant role, I would encourage you to take time to understand UK Biobank’s purpose and the scale of the impact its work has on health research globally.
This role would suit someone who is highly organised, proactive, discreet and confident communicating with people at all levels. You will need to be comfortable managing a busy and ever-changing workload, supporting senior colleagues, preparing professional documents, coordinating meetings and travel, and working closely with others as part of a collaborative Executive Support Team.
This role would suit someone who is highly organised, proactive, discreet and confident communicating with people at all levels. You will need to be comfortable managing a busy and ever-changing workload, supporting senior colleagues, preparing professional documents, coordinating meetings and travel, and working closely with others as part of a collaborative Executive Support Team.
My advice would be to show not only your administrative experience, but also who you are as a colleague: how you build relationships, manage competing priorities, stay calm under pressure and support others. A positive, flexible approach and a genuine interest in helping others work effectively will make a real difference in this role.