Executive Assistant

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment and payroll agency in Greater London is seeking an Executive Assistant to provide high-level support to the Chief Executive. The role involves managing a team, coordinating meetings, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies. The ideal candidate has experience in executive support, strong organizational skills, and political awareness. This position offers an opportunity to influence and work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience providing executive support at CEO or senior director level.
• Outstanding organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including minute-taking, report writing, and briefings.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive and confidential executive support to the Chief Executive.
• Lead the organisation and coordination of SLT and Wider Leadership Team meetings.
• Draft and manage corporate communications on behalf of the CEO.

Skills

Time Management

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Personal Assistant Experience

Advanced IT skills

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Powerpoint

Microsoft Excel

Google Suite

Job description

Job Purpose

This interim role provides a unique opportunity to work closely with the Chief Executive of the Council providing high-level executive support while also managing a small team of Executive Assistants. The postholder will act as a critical link between the Chief Executive Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) elected Members and external stakeholders contributing to the delivery of the Council Plan and the effective operation of corporate leadership functions.

Key Responsibilities

Provide proactive and confidential executive support to the Chief Executive including high-level inbox and diary management.

Lead the organisation and coordination of SLT and Wider Leadership Team meetings ensuring strategic oversight of stakeholder issues.

Manage the systems and procedures supporting SLT meetings ensuring accuracy compliance and efficiency.

Act as the Chief Executives representative with Councillors MPs senior officers partners and the public demonstrating political sensitivity tact and diplomacy.

Draft and manage corporate communications on behalf of the CEO liaising with the Communications Team where appropriate.

Maintain oversight of corporate and democratic processes (e.g. complaints FOIs SARs) ensuring compliance and timely reporting.

Line manage a team of Executive Assistants providing support to Executive Directors and Directors ensuring consistent and high-quality service.

Support the coordination of Corporate Leadership Group events working collaboratively across enabling services.

Develop and implement systems to support the CEOs office in a complex political and fast-paced environment.

Undertake research and analysis on behalf of the CEO or SLT contributing to corporate projects and policy development.

Identify problems and proactively develop solutions using initiative innovation and sound judgement.

Uphold and promote the Councils values with a strong commitment to equality diversity and inclusion.

Model flexible working adapting to changing priorities and managing work-life balance to meet the roles demands.

Provide input on process improvements and cost-efficiency initiatives in business support operations.

Requirements

Proven experience providing executive support at CEO or senior director level.

Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with high-level stakeholders including Councillors MPs and senior officers.

Political awareness and understanding of local authority operations and governance.

Experience leading or coordinating a small team in a fast-paced executive environment.

Outstanding organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks under pressure.

High level of discretion professionalism and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive matters.

Strong written and verbal communication skills including minute-taking report writing and briefings.

Experience with diary and inbox management meeting coordination and working across multiple departments.

Confident in influencing and negotiating across organisational boundaries.

Advanced IT skills and experience using digital tools to improve workflows and communication.

Key Skills

• Time Management
• Microsoft Office
• Organizational skills
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word
• Personal Assistant Experience
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Calendar Management
• Microsoft Excel
• Administrative Experience
• Microsoft Outlook Calendar
• Google Suite