Executive Assistant

Plymouth City Council; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Plymouth City Council is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support the Director of Public Health within the Executive Support Team. This role offers the chance to work closely with a senior leader driving public health initiatives, health inequalities reduction, and city-wide health improvement.

You will manage complex diaries, inboxes, meetings, travel arrangements, and confidential communications, while building strong stakeholder relationships across the Council, NHS, and partner

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering high-level executive support to a senior leader.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with confidentiality.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Inbox management and diary planning for the Director of Public Health.
• Coordinate meetings, agendas, briefing papers and follow-ups.
• Manage correspondence, records, and filing for the Director.
• Arrange travel, accommodation and logistics.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the Council, NHS and partners.
• Act as first point of contact for the Director's office.
• Assess and prioritise competing demands with sound judgement.
• Provide executive support cover for colleagues during leave.

Skills

Executive support

Microsoft 365

Communication

Organisation

Confidentiality

Stakeholder management

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Are you a highly organised, proactive executive support professional looking to work at the heart of Plymouth's public health leadership? Plymouth City Council is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support the Director of Public Health, based within our Executive Support Team.

This is a pivotal role, offering the opportunity to work closely with a senior leader responsible for improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and leading public health initiatives across the city. You will be the first point of contact for the Director of Public Health, providing exemplary executive support that is proactive, responsive, and delivered with the highest levels of professionalism and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective inbox management and complex diary planning for the Director of Public Health.


• Coordinate meetings, agendas, briefing papers, presentations, and follow-up actions.


• Manage correspondence, records, and document filing on behalf of the Director.


• Arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistical requirements as needed.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the Council, NHS, wider health sector, and partner organisations.


• Act as the first point of contact for the Director's office, ensuring enquiries are handled efficiently and signposted appropriately.


• Assess and prioritise competing demands, exercising sound judgement and escalating issues where necessary.


• Provide executive support cover for colleagues during periods of leave or absence.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience delivering high-level executive support to a senior leader within a large and/or public-sector organisation.


• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.


• Confident in using Microsoft 365 programmes.


• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.


• Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and maintain strict confidentiality.


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.


• A collaborative team player who is flexible, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement.

Desirable Knowledge And Experience

• Knowledge of local government structures, procedures, and decision-making processes.


• Experience of working within public health, healthcare, local authority, or wider public sector environments.


• Understanding of the strategic role and responsibilities of Public Health within local government.

Why Join Us?

This is far more than an administrative role. It is an opportunity to support the delivery of public health leadership across Plymouth and contribute to work that makes a real difference to people's lives. You will be embedded in a fast-paced and influential environment, working at the heart of key partnerships and initiatives that seek to improve health outcomes and tackle inequalities across the city.

If you thrive on challenge, enjoy working with senior leaders, and take pride in delivering outstanding executive support, we'd love to hear from you.

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Katie Harris at [e-mail] .

Closing Date - Sunday 6 September 2026