Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Job Description and Responsibilities

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides senior leadership for an organisation's administrative, operational and compliance functions. Candidates should be experienced senior executives with a track record of leading multidisciplinary administrative teams, developing governance frameworks and delivering operational efficiency across the organisation.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Job Profile

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for designing and delivering the administrative and operational strategy that supports the organisation's objectives. The role combines strategic planning, policy development and day-to-day operational oversight to ensure efficient, compliant and resilient business operations.

The CAO acts as a principal adviser to the executive team on matters of governance, risk management and organisational effectiveness, and leads the teams that manage facilities, procurement, records, security and administrative services.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Job Description

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) leads the planning and management of core administrative functions to support business continuity and operational performance. This includes setting standards and policies, establishing metrics for service delivery, overseeing budgets and ensuring effective vendor and contract management. The role requires regular engagement with senior stakeholders to align administrative capability with corporate strategy.

The CAO will direct cross-functional teams, champion process improvement and ensure regulatory and internal compliance across administrative areas. The post holder will be expected to provide clear leadership during change programmes, maintain high standards of confidentiality and make decisions that balance operational needs, cost control and service quality.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an overarching administrative and operational strategy aligned with executive objectives.
• Lead and manage teams responsible for facilities, estate management and workplace services.
• Oversee procurement and contract management to ensure value for money and compliance with procurement policies.
• Establish and maintain corporate governance and administrative policies, procedures and standards.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, risk mitigation and effective internal controls across administrative functions.
• Manage administration budgets, monitor expenditure and support financial planning for administrative services.
• Direct records management, information governance and physical security programmes to protect assets and data.
• Design and maintain business continuity and incident response plans for operational resilience.
• Lead vendor selection, supplier performance management and commercial negotiations relating to administrative services.
• Set performance indicators, measure service delivery and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide executive administrative support oversight and coordinate interactions between the executive office and operational teams.
• Promote a culture of service excellence, collaboration and accountability across administrative functions.
• Represent the organisation at senior stakeholder meetings and contribute to strategic decision making.
• Lead and develop administrative staff through coaching, succession planning and capability building.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree in business administration, management or a related discipline, or equivalent senior-level experience.
• Extensive experience in senior operational or administrative leadership roles, typically 10 years or more.
• Proven experience of developing and implementing administrative strategy and governance frameworks.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and procurement processes.
• Demonstrable experience of risk management, compliance and business continuity planning.
• Track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering measurable service improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels of an organisation.
• Highly developed organisational and planning skills with strong attention to detail.
• Confident decision maker with integrity, discretion and the ability to handle confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to executive audiences.
• Experience of contract management and vendor performance oversight.
• Ability to manage change and deliver complex programmes across multiple functions.
• Professional qualification or membership relevant to administration, governance or management is desirable.