Executive Assistant - Office of the CEO

Granite State Manufacturing manufactures precision components for US Navy submarines - one of the most critical missions in our nation's defense.

This position is open due to the planned retirement of our Executive Assistant of 12 years, who will provide an expected 2–3 months of dedicated, side-by-side training before she leaves.

GSM is growing, and this role grows with it. The right person will find plenty of room to take on more, shape how the office operates, and build a career here rather than just hold a job.

About the Role

Granite State Manufacturing is seeking a highly organized, professional, and proactive Executive Assistant to provide primary administrative support to the Chief Executive Officer, with additional administrative and project support to the President and Vice President as needed.

Your number-one objective is to keep the CEO organized, prepared, informed, and supported in the daily execution of company priorities. This is a highly visible role requiring excellent judgment, discretion, and strong communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You'll also roll up your sleeves for whatever special projects come with being part of a rapidly growing company.

The ideal candidate is dependable, discreet, resourceful, and calm under pressure. They're a thoughtful problem-solver who enjoys helping others stay organized and prepared, with a professional yet approachable presence — this role interacts daily with employees, executives, customers, visitors, and community partners.

Most of all, we want someone who raises their hand. We're looking for someone who genuinely loves to learn — who lights up at a new tool or a new opportunity rather than waiting to be asked — and who spots what needs doing and takes it on. If that's you, you'll thrive here.

This is a full-time, on-site role in Manchester, NH. Our schedule is Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM–4:15 PM, and Friday, 7:00 AM–noon — so yes, every Friday afternoon is yours! Occasionally, travel, events, or deadlines call for flexibility outside those hours, but that's the exception, not the norm.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support

• Provide primary administrative support to the CEO, including calendar management, meeting coordination, correspondence, travel arrangements, document preparation, presentations, reports, and follow-up on action items.

• Ensure the CEO is prepared for meetings, customer visits, leadership discussions, deadlines, and company priorities.

• Provide additional administrative and project support to the President and Vice President as needed.

• Prepare agendas, meeting materials, letters, memos, presentations, reports, and other business documents.

• Track action items and help ensure timely follow-through.

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive company, customer, vendor, and executive information.

• Communicate professionally with employees, customers, vendors, visitors, and community partners.

• Assist with company events, employee meetings, customer visits, leadership initiatives, and special projects.

Occasional flexibility outside core hours is expected when travel, events, or deadlines require it.

Bookkeeping & Financial Administration

In addition to executive support, this position assists with bookkeeping and financial administration tasks using QuickBooks, including:

· Entering and tracking invoices, expenses, and receipts

· Supporting monthly reconciliation and basic financial reporting

· Assisting with vendor payments and expense tracking

· Maintaining organized financial records and documentation (It is not a full accounting or payroll position.)

Technology Skills

The successful candidate should be comfortable using:

• Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• QuickBooks — a plus, but the willingness to learn matters more than existing experience.
• AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or similar platforms to improve productivity, draft content, organize information, and streamline workflows.

Requirements

• Solid experience supporting executives, senior leadership, or a management team.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills.
• A proactive problem-solver who works independently, anticipates needs, and follows through.
• Candidates should live within a comfortable commuting distance to Manchester, NH — there is no hybrid or remote option.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Professional presence and ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Comfort with technology and a willingness to learn new tools.
• Positive attitude, flexibility, dependability, and professionalism.
• Willingness to obtain a New Hampshire Notary Public commission (GSM will sponsor). Current notary commission a plus.

A degree is helpful but not required. We care about what you can actually do.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in manufacturing, defense, or government contracting.

• Familiarity with skilled trades, workforce development, or the Submarine Industrial Base.

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, plus a benefits package that includes:

• Health insurance
• Dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and floating holidays
• Health savings account and flexible spending account
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, and referral program

*Due to the nature and importance of GSM’s work, our positions require access to export-controlled information. Therefore, all candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control/ITAR regulations, or otherwise be authorized to access such information under U.S. law.