Senior Executive Assistant

Senior Executive Assistant / Executive Business Partner (to CEO)

Location: Holland, MI
Company: Hudsonville Ice Cream

Position Summary

This is not a traditional Executive Assistant role.

We're looking for a highly capable, trusted partner to work directly with senior leadership as a right hand-someone who brings order to complexity, anticipates what's needed before it's said, and helps ensure both the business and the people in it are operating at their best.

At Hudsonville Ice Cream, we believe how we do our work matters just as much as what we achieve . We're built on a legacy of integrity, craftsmanship, and care for people-and we carry that forward every day.

The right person will be as strong in execution as they are in judgment and relationships-equally comfortable managing the details, shaping how work gets done, and helping leadership stay meaningfully connected to the team.

If you take pride in being the person others rely on to keep things moving, bring clarity to fast-paced environments, and elevate how people experience an organization, this role will fit you well.

How We Work (And What This Role Requires)

This role is designed for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, relational, and high-expectation environment :

• We move quickly-but value thoughtfulness over chaos
• We care deeply about people-but hold a high bar for performance and follow-through
• We operate with trust-so this role requires ownership, discretion, and sound judgment
• We keep things simple and clear-no unnecessary complexity or bureaucracy

You will work closely with leadership in a way that requires you to:

• Anticipate needs before they are spoken
• Bring order and clarity to a full and evolving set of priorities
• Strengthen the relational fabric of the organization by helping leaders connect with people in meaningful, timely, and authentic ways
• Step in with confidence, while staying humble and team-first
• Be equally comfortable in details and big-picture thinking

Key Responsibilities

Executive Partnership

• Serve as a true partner to senior leadership-protecting time, sharpening focus, and enabling better decisions
• Anticipate needs, prepare leaders for key moments, and ensure follow-through on commitments
• Act as an extension of the executive in communication, coordination, and accountability
• Bring calm, clarity, and structure to a dynamic and demanding environment

Business Rhythm & Alignment

• Own and improve the rhythm of the business (meeting cadence, agendas, priorities, follow-ups)
• Ensure meetings are purposeful, prepared, and lead to clear action
• Help connect dots across teams to improve alignment and execution
• Track key priorities and ensure nothing important falls through the cracks

Communication & Preparation

• Draft, refine, and elevate communications-internally and externally
• Prepare materials for leadership meetings, town halls, and key updates
• Manage inbound communication with judgment-knowing what to elevate, redirect, or resolve

Project & Initiative Support

• Support execution of key initiatives by organizing work, tracking milestones, and coordinating stakeholders
• Bring structure to ambiguous or evolving projects
• Help translate strategy into clear next steps and practical execution

Culture & Connection

• Help leadership stay connected to the organization in a genuine and thoughtful way
• Create moments that reinforce care for people-recognition, follow-ups, personal touches, and timely outreach
• Maintain awareness of key team moments (wins, challenges, life events) and ensure they are acknowledged appropriately
• Bring intentionality to how communication and interactions reflect the Hudsonville way

Personal Integration (High Trust, Low Noise)

• Support select personal logistics that enable leadership to stay focused on what matters most
• Help manage calendar flow across business and personal priorities
• Handle sensitive matters with the highest level of confidentiality and care

What Success Looks Like

• Leadership is focused, prepared, and operating at a high level
• The business feels more aligned, organized, and proactive
• The team feels seen, valued, and thoughtfully connected to leadership
• Meetings are clear, efficient, and action-oriented
• Priorities move forward without constant follow-up
• Communication is thoughtful, timely, and reflects our values

Who You Are

• Highly organized, but not rigid-you bring structure without slowing things down
• Proactive and anticipatory-you don't wait to be asked
• Naturally relational-you notice people, remember details, and act on them
• Thoughtful and intentional-you elevate how leaders connect with others
• Discreet and trustworthy-you handle sensitive information with care
• Strong communicator-you can simplify, clarify, and elevate messages
• Humble and team-oriented-you lead without needing recognition
• Comfortable operating close to leadership with maturity and confidence

Qualifications

• 5+ years supporting senior leaders or operating in a high-accountability environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with precision and follow-through
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High emotional intelligence and sound judgment
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and operate with care and professionalism